Can You Wash a Memory Foam Pillow?
If you lay down on the same comfy pillow night after night, you may be wondering if you can wash your memory foam pillow. After all, you want your sleep surface to be clean and fresh at all times, but especially if you've been sick or are just prone to sweating or drooling throughout the night. Even though memory foam is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to bacterial growth and dust mites, it's still important to ensure that you wash it twice a year or after spills to maintain a clean, safe sleeping environment.
Are Memory Foam Pillows Machine Washable?
No, memory foam pillows are not machine washable. The squishy foam that supports your head when you go to sleep cannot be thrown into the wash with the rest of your linens. In fact, the constant agitation of a washing machine will break down your pillow or crack the foam.
Is Spot Cleaning Memory Foam Effective?
If you need to remove a small stain from your memory foam pillow, spot cleaning is an easy and effective stain-removing method. To spot clean, apply a small amount of an enzyme-based cleaner (best for urine) or gentle detergent (best for mild stains) to the affected area. Gently massage the stain outward from the center until the stain has lightened or been removed. Once the stain is gone, gently blot away the excess liquid until almost dry. After removing the excess liquid, allow the pillow to dry completely before putting it back inside the cover or pillowcase to prevent the buildup of mold or mildew.
Can Memory Foam Get Wet?
Yes, memory foam can get wet and water will not damage the foam. In fact, if you have a pillow constructed from a solid piece of memory foam, you can run or pour warm water mixed with mild detergent over the pillow until it's clean (one teaspoon of detergent mixed with a gallon of water is ideal). When washing, gently squeeze the pillow (avoid wringing!) to allow the detergent to get into the foam. Whether you've submerged your pillow in water or poured water over it, do not put memory foam in a dryer or use heat from a hair dryer. To let the foam dry, put it in an area with good air circulation or leave it outside on a warm day.
Like solid memory foam, shredded memory foam can also get wet. Just be sure that it's one-hundred percent dry before putting it back in your pillowcase to prevent the buildup of mold or mildew.
What If My Memory Foam Pillow Smells?
If your memory foam pillow is not new, but you notice an odor after a period of time, you may need to deodorize your pillow. To deodorize your memory foam pillow, sprinkle it with baking soda and let it sit for one hour. To remove, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to lift away hair and dust.
If you just purchased a new memory foam pillow, you may notice a slight odor after removing it from the package, this is called off-gassing. To let your pillow "air out" before sleeping on it, place it in a well-ventilated area or outside for up to twenty-four hours.
How to Clean a Memory Foam Pillow Cover & Case
While cleaning the foam of your pillow once or twice a year is important, it's even more important to regularly wash your pillow cover and case. Every time you change your sheets, you should be laundering your pillow case too.
In addition to washing your pillowcase, you should wash your pillow cover once every three weeks. Just unzip the cover and toss it into the washer according to the care instructions. If you were scissor happy and cut the care instructions off your memory foam pillow, simply call the manufacturer or search through the FAQ on their website to determine how to wash the cover. Some pillow covers, like the one on the Muse Pillow, feature cooling technology that could be compromised if dried on a high-heat setting.
Time to replace your memory foam pillow? Consider buying a Muse Memory Foam Pillow with a removable, washable cover.