You can bet on memory foam pillows for unmatched comfort, but the same cannot be said about washing them. Memory foam pillows are not the easiest to wash, and this even begs the question whether you can actually wash them.
With most manufacturers discouraging consumers from putting them in the washer, it is easy guess that your only option is to take them to professionals for dry cleaning.
Can you Wash Memory Foam Pillows?
Yes! You can hand wash memory foam pillows unless the care label states otherwise. You can also use readily available home cleaning agents to spot clean them. Even so, you should not throw memory foam pillows into the washing machine.
The agitation cleaning technique of washing machine is not suitable for memory foam pillows. It can ruin them permanently by breaking the sponge-like filling.
How to Hand Wash Memory Foam Pillows
Before embarking on hand washing your pillow, read the care tag. Not all manufacturers recommend the hand washing method. Some state explicitly that you should dry-clean or spot-clean only.
Even if your pillow is suitable for handwashing, avoid doing it regularly. Wash it once or twice per year. To keep it in good condition in between the washes, invest in a good maintenance routine.
For starters, get a pillow protector if you do not already have one. A good pillow protector not only protects your pillow, but it also keeps dust mites at bay. Further, it can prolong the lifespan of your pillow.
Secondly, always use a pillow case. You can use a pillow protector and still use a pillow case.
With the body constantly releasing oils, a pillow case comes in handy. It absorbs the oils, dead skin cells and sweat, which can get to your pillow and make it a haven for dust mites.
Another important maintenance tip is to change your pillow cases regularly. Ideally, your pillow cases should be as many as your bed sheets. This allows you to change the pillow cases every time you change the bedsheets.
Vacuum your pillow regularly to remove excess dirt and dust. A vacuum with a good filter is reliable because it can capture dust that is invisible to the naked eye. Here is a guide to help you make a good choice.
You can find additional care tips in our article for washing pillows in the washing machine.
Step 1: Remove the pillow case: Although your memory foam pillow cannot go into the washer, the pillow case can. Begin by unzipping and removing it. Wash the pillow case in the machine or by hands as instructed on the care label.
Step 2: Spot clean your pillow: Since you cannot clean your pillow vigorously after submerging it in water, begin by spot cleaning it. Dip a clean microfiber cloth in a solution of water and detergent and wring it. You can add a little bit of Oxiclean to the solution. Rub the stain repeatedly with the cloth until it clears.
Step 3: Clean your pillow: Use warm water and soap to make a consistent solution in a tub or sink. Place the pillow in the solution until it submerges completely. Let soak for a few minutes so that dirt can loosen. Squeeze the pillow gently and repeatedly so that it release can dirt into the water.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly: Drain dirty water from the tub and repeatedly add clean water while squeezing the pillow until it produces no more dirt or soapy residue.
Step 5: Hang to dry: Squeeze most of the water from the pillow and place it or drying rack so that it can air dry. Place the rack outside in the sun so that that pillow can dry quickly and smell fresh.
Removing Odor from Pillows
Sometimes your bed pillows might appear clean but release bad odor at the same time. In this case, you do not have to wash them to eliminate the odor. Sprinkle them generously with baking soda. Let it sit for a few hours then clear it with a vacuum cleaner.
