Memory foam pillows are made from whole or shredded pieces of memory foam that compress to the contours of your head and neck, providing much-needed support. Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that is hypoallergenic; meaning these pillows are antibacterial. However, despite being hypoallergenic, memory foam pillows still tend to pick up dead skin cells and sweat.
To keep your memory foam pillows clean, it is recommended to wash them every two to three months. If you take the extra step of covering them with a pillowcase or a pillowcase, you can extend the washing time. If you use both a regular pillowcase and a pillowcase, it is recommended to wash them every six months. Using a pillowcase prevents sweat and skin cells from staining the pillow, so it doesn't need to be washed as often.
Another thing to be careful about when cleaning your memory foam pillow is what kind of detergent you use. Harsh detergents can cause memory foam to break down. So, make sure you never use any chemicals that contain bleach. Instead, use a mild detergent like dish soap or a mild laundry detergent.
Never put memory foam in a washing machine
The washing machine is the biggest enemy of memory foam. You should never put a memory foam pillow in a washing machine for two reasons. First, the spin cycle of the washing machine can tear up the memory foam. Secondly, soaking memory foam in water can damage it because it acts like a sponge, soaking up all the water and then breaking into small pieces. A waterlogged memory foam pillow is also prone to mold if it is not completely dried before being used again. Dryers are also not suitable for memory foam pillows because the heat will melt the fluff inside.
Spot Cleaning or Deep Cleaning
Cleaning a memory foam pillow does not necessarily mean deep cleaning it every time. For example, if there is only a small stain on the pillow, you can spot clean the pillow instead of deep cleaning it. This will extend the life of the pillow because it is not constantly immersed in water and therefore there is no risk of damage. To spot clean a memory foam pillow, take a cloth or paper towel, soak it in a solution of hot water and the mild detergent of your choice, and rub the stain in circular motions. Once the stain is removed, use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess water or soap in the area, and then air dry the pillow before using it again.
When it is time to deep clean your pillow, you will need a mild detergent, a dry towel, and a large sink or tub. First, fill the sink or tub with cold water and add a mild detergent. Place the pillow in water, soak it, and gently hand wash it by squeezing out the foam. Then pour out the soapy water and repeat the process with clean, cold water. When all the soap is gone, it's time to dry the pillow. Place the pillow on a dry towel and squeeze it - this will remove any excess water. After repeating this step a few times, you can leave the pillow outside to air dry.