Proper Care for Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam isn’t like conventional pillow stuffing such as polyester, feather, down or cotton. If you’ve bought a memory foam pillow for sleeping, it’s important to know the proper way to take care of one. You might be wondering if it’s perfectly fine to pop it into the washing machine and dry it on medium to high heat like most pillows. Questions like these are understandable, considering that you’re going to spend at least 8 hours each day using your memory foam pillow.

Keeping your sleeping surface clean is vital, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. Pillows and pillowcases can accumulate dust, saliva, germs and the dead skin cells we shed while we sleep. Dead skin cells particularly attract dust mites which can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. For this reason, it is important to know the correct ways to keep your memory foam pillow clean and pristine.

Solid Memory Foam Pillows

Solid memory foam pillows are not machine washable. The agitation will break down the foam and weaken it. If you want to clean a memory foam pillow, simply strip off the pillowcase and submerge it in clean water or let the water just run around the pillow to get rid of surface dirt and germs. Once the dirt is removed or the water is running clear, you can hang it out to dry or leave it in a well-ventilated area.

Shredded Memory Foam Pillows

This type of memory foam pillow is more popular because the shredded foam provides better airflow compared to solid foam pillows. Heat is also better dissipated because the pillow structure is not entirely solid. The good news is that memory foam does not naturally promote the growth of germs, allergens and bacteria. The problem occurs when these irritants get trapped between the casing and the stuffing. A good remedy for this is to use a tightly woven fabric for pillow covers. Washing and changing pillowcases once a week will also help.

If liquid has seeped through the foam, you can dab and wipe the pillow with a clean hand towel or paper towel to draw the moisture out. It is very important to dry the pillow thoroughly before putting the cover on so that bacteria and mildew won’t thrive between the shredded cells.

If your pillow needs complete washing, do not stick it in the washing machine. Simply soak the pillow in lukewarm or tap water and air dry outside on a sunny day. Check the weather first before washing memory foam pillows to ensure complete drying.

Baking soda is also great for deodorising both solid and shredded memory foam pillows. Simply spread baking soda on the surface and leave it for 3-5 minutes. Then, vacuum off and your pillow is ready to use again! You can also use a mild detergent to spot-clean soiled areas of your memory foam pillow.

Read the care instructions on the label of your memory foam pillow to make sure that these cleaning procedures are applicable. With proper care, a clean and well-maintained memory foam pillow will last longer and give you your money’s worth.