Getting a good night’s sleep can mean the difference between sailing through your day with maximum energy and focus, or sluggishly plowing through what seems like an eternity with bags under your eyes and a short attention span. A memory foam pillow can go a long way to alleviating those sleep issues you suffer from. Once you have made that choice on your memory foam pillow, you want to make sure you are getting the full benefit of the pillow by keeping it clean on a regular basis. Unlike traditional pillows, throwing it into the washing machine is not an option, so how to clean memory foam pillows really depends on the type of stuffing the pillow is made from.
What to do first
When you first get any type of memory foam pillow, you should vacuum it to get rid of any dust or dirt that might have been accumulated during manufacturing and shipping. This is one thing overlooked by so many people with any type of product that touches your skin. Running a vacuum cleaner over the entire surface of the pillow will guarantee you are not breathing in any of those leftover particles. Make sure whatever cover you are putting on the pillow is freshly washed too so you have the maximum benefit of your pillow during the night.
How to clean memory foam pillows – solid versus shredded
There is a big difference in how to clean a memory foam pillow that is solid versus one that is made with shredded foam. The solid memory foam is designed to not allow moisture to enter the middle of the fibers, so there is very little danger of mold or mildew developing within the pillow. This is especially important for people who have allergies or asthma. For a newer pillow that doesn’t require a heavy duty wash, dipping it in just water alone is sufficient enough to get it clean. For a pillow that is slightly older, the first step is to fill a tub or sink with lukewarm water and a mild soap or detergent. Push the pillow into the water and let it fill up, but do not twist or squeeze excessively. Let the water seep in naturally. As little agitation as possible is very important in how to clean memory foam. Never put it in the washing machine as the agitation will break up the material and it will be completely ruined. When rinsing the solid pillow, put it under a running tap until the water runs clear if you are using soap or detergent. Always clean the cover on a regular basis as you would for a regular pillow.
Shredded memory foam
How to clean memory foam that is shredded requires different steps as the material can build up mold and mildew if left wet. The cover should be cleaned regularly and when cleaning the actual pillow, the less moisture the better, regardless of how old it is. Use a damp cloth with a little bit of detergent to wipe the surface of the pillow, and vacuum after it is dry. If you find that there is a smell to the pillow, you can sprinkle some baking soda on the surface and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming. This is a good solution to remove smells from solid or shredded foam pillows. If you happen to have a strong odor from age or a spill, using a manufacturer’s suggested cleaner or vinegar is a good idea. Don’t pour the solution on the pillow, but use a spray bottle to evenly distribute a fine mist over the area. Let this stand for a few minutes and wipe the surface with a soft cloth. You can then vacuum the pillow to get rid of any residue. You might want to use baking soda after this method as well to absorb any leftover solution. If possible, leave the baking soda on the pillow overnight and then vacuum the next day for the most benefit possible.
Drying memory foam
Both types of memory foam require a lot of ventilation when drying so the foam doesn’t develop any bacteria. It might be best to time the washing of the actual pillow with the weather as the best place to dry a memory foam pillow is outside. Hanging the pillow from a line so that the maximum amount of airflow can get into the fibers is optimal. If this is not possible, then hanging the pillow someplace with good ventilation will also work in getting your pillow dry quickly and safely. Leaving the window open for maximum airflow is another idea if the room is not well ventilated.
Take advantage of warm sunny days
When the weather is optimal, use that time to hang your pillow out and get some air flowing through the fibers. If you can handle being without the pillow for a day or two, then having it outside for a longer period of time, will make even an older memory foam pillow feel like new again. This will eliminate any odors that may be trapped inside and will leave your pillow feeling clean and fresh.
Have a good sleep
Keeping your bedding clean is one key to having a healthy and restful sleep. It is inevitable that some dust, odors, and dirt will be breathed in during the night, but there are measures you can take to reduce these to minimal levels. Keeping your foam pillow clean is a top priority because it is the one item closest to your face for 7-8 hours a night. Any dirt on your pillow will end up on your face, the same with dust, so how to clean memory foam is very important if you have made the investment in a quality memory foam pillow. Following certain steps will ensure your pillow will always be like new and provide you with optimal support for however long you use it. As well, make sure and read the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to best clean your memory foam pillow, if you still have questions. There are many memory foam pillow brands to choose from, and we have advice on them in our site along with reviews of some great memory foam pillows like the Snuggle Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow.
