Selecting your ideal pillow for bed is a very personal decision. Some people want a firm, substantial pillow. Some people like their pillows soft and squishy. However you choose to use it, frequent cleaning is essential.
Without question, memory foam pillows contribute significantly to our ability to get a good night’s sleep, improve the quality of our sleep, and ensure that we wake up feeling rested. However, just like ours, these pillows require occasional care to keep them fresh and prolong their life.
Keeping Your Memory Foam Pillow Clean
One of the most used items in your house is your bed pillow. It supports your head during the summer’s heat, late-night nibbles, and spills throughout the year. It makes sense that it requires and merits a thorough cleaning.
Understanding the material used inside a pillow is essential to maintaining its cleanliness. Regardless of the type of filler used in your pillow—natural down feathers, latex foam, polyester fiberfill, or solid memory foam—the best defense is to use a machine-washable, removable cover. The cover should always be used in addition to your standard pillowcase and made of a naturally breathable material, such as cotton, bamboo, or linen. For ease of care, all pillows feature cotton covers that are washable and removable. Wash it with hot water at least once a month and more frequently if it’s hot outside or someone is sick.
Since solid molded memory foam is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and bacterial growth, you have an advantage in keeping your pillow clean. However, it must still be cleaned once or twice a year after spills. Regular memory foam and memory foam pillows with gel inserts can all be cleaned using the same method.
- Beginning the Cleaning Process: To speed up the drying process, try cleaning your memory foam pillows on a warm, windy day.
- To clean the top layer of your pillow, remove the outer covers: Start by taking off the protective covering and throwing it in the laundry.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the pillow and cover thoroughly: Let the baking soda lie for an hour, then vacuum it up with the upholstery brush attachment or a hand-held vac. This removes dust and pet hair from your pillow and freshens its scent. Repeat flipping the cushion.
- In a bowl of lukewarm water, mix a tiny amount of a light detergent for hand-washing silk or wool to eliminate stains: Gentlyrub the stain from outside to inside using a clean white cloth soaked in detergent. Keep shifting to a clean cloth as the stain spreads. Dip a clean white cloth in simple water and dab to remove soap after the stain.
- Let the pillow air dry entirely: If you need to dry the area more quickly, use a cool-setting hair dryer.
Deep Cleaning
If your memory foam pillow needs a deep cleaning, then:
- Pour lukewarm water and a little amount of gentle detergent into a large basin or bathtub: Completely submerge the pillow and gently squeeze the cleaning solution through the foam. NEVER place a solid foam pillow in a washer, even one with no center agitator. The movement – especially the final spin – is too harsh and can cause the foam to break.
- Rinse the pillow several times until the water runs clear: Gently squeeze to remove the water – no wringing!
- Let the cushion air-dry on a level, ventilated surface: Avoid dryers since intense heat can damage it. Dry faster using a handheld fan. Depending on the thickness of the foam, it can take up to 24 hours for a pillow to dry completely.
How Frequently Should Your Pillows Be Changed?
Generally speaking, you should replace your memory foam pillows every 18 to 36 months. But remember, this is subject to change! Depending on how you use and care for them, you may get a little extra time out of them. You can extend their comfortable life by giving them some TLC and maintaining regular cleaning.
FAQs on Pillow Washing
Q. Are memory foam pillows machine-washable?
Putting memory foam in there is usually not a good idea because of its propensity to absorb water like a sponge, which can cause harm. Unless otherwise indicated in the care directions, spot-cleaning your pillow is recommended if it needs to be cleaned.
Q. How is memory foam cleaned?
To begin cleaning memory foam, remove the pillow cover and use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum to get rid of any dust or dead skin cells. Hand wash the pillow cover in a gentle mixture of lukewarm water and mild detergent for a deeper clean. Hot water should not be used as this can harm the memory foam’s structure.
Q. How can a memory foam pillow be cleaned to remove dust mites?
Start by giving the pillow a good vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust mites. You can hand wash it gently in lukewarm water using a moderate detergent. Finally, let the pillow air dry thoroughly to avoid any moisture that could attract dust mites.
Q. How can a memory foam pillow be revitalized?
A memory foam cushion can be revitalized by cleaning it according to the previously described rules. Give it a thorough fluffing once it’s cleaned and dried to bring back its comfort and original form. Your pillow will remain comfortable and fresher longer if you use a hypoallergenic pillow protector and give it regular airing. Your pillow will feel renewed each time you lay your head on it.
Q. Are memory foam pillows OK for side sleepers on the bed?
Because memory foam conforms to the body, it is an excellent pillow for side sleepers. They assist in keeping the spine in a neutral posture, avoiding strains, and transferring pressure uniformly to minimize discomfort. For side sleepers, selecting a pillow with the ideal height and hardness might improve the quality of their sleep even more.
Final Thoughts…..
Your sleep will always improve when you have a clean pillow. Make sure you use these cleaning tips for your memory foam pillow.