Can you machine wash memory foam pillow
How To Clean Your Memory Foam Pillow
As something we come in contact with for many hours a night, our bed pillows have the tendency to accumulate tons and tons of unwanted elements such as dust, dust mites, and dead skin cells.
Keeping our memory foam pillows hygienic is, therefore, of utmost importance. Here are some steps and tips that can help you in keeping your memory foam pillows fresh and clean.
Tips To Keep Your Memory Foam Pillow Clean
1. Understand your pillow’s material.
Since solid memory foam is different from the type of material found in our traditional bed pillows, it should also be cared for differently.
With its dense structure, solid memory foam naturally inhibits the growth and propagation of dust mites inside the foam itself. However, these mites and other microorganisms can still cling onto the pillow’s surface. Sanitising the outer surface is thereby the priority when it comes to cleaning your memory foam pillow.
READ: The Best Pillow for Neck Pain
When it comes to smell, purchasing a solid memory foam pillow with odour-control properties can ensure that deodorising your pillow is one less problem off of your list!
2. Do not put your memory foam pillows in the washing machine or dryer.
The motions of a washing machine and dryer could tear apart the padding of your memory foam pillow. Not only will it weaken the material but it will also cut the pillow’s usual life span of 18 to 36 months.
3. Use a pillow cover.
If you’re sensitive to allergens or if you’re a side sleeper that often has your face in contact with your bed pillows, regularly changing your pillowcase could be a quick and easy way to keep your memory foam pillows fresh.
Serving as a pillow protector, the pillowcase can prevent dust and dead skin cells to penetrate the pillow. Most memory foam pillows come with a removable pillow cover that you can throw in the washing machine hassle-free.
Using a regular pillowcase over your memory foam pillow, on the other hand, could also help in maintaining hygiene while keeping the pillow in line with your room’s aesthetic.
How to Clean Your Memory Foam Pillow
Regular cleaning
Since memory foam pillows only have to be surface cleaned, the easiest way to go is with the use of baking soda and a vacuum cleaner.
Sprinkle your pillow with baking soda and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to an hour for maximised odour removal. After which, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment or a handheld vacuum to remove dust mites, skin cells, and other pathogens that live on your pillow.
Spot cleaning
If there are small stains on your memory foam pillow, you can opt to spot clean instead of washing the entire pillow.
Simply use mild detergent and a damp cloth and you’re ready to remove the stains away from your bed pillow!
Tougher stains – such as blood, wine, or pet urine – may need the use of hydrogen peroxide to weaken the stain and a clean cloth to wipe it away.
Make sure to use mild cleaning ingredients when sanitizing your memory foam pillow. Although sturdy, solid memory foam is a delicate material so using mild or natural ingredients will be able to preserve its integrity.
Deep cleaning
In drastic cases, you might need to deep clean your solid memory foam pillow. However, be warned that washing it, letting it absorb water, and then squeezing water out of it can ultimately ruin the quality of your pillow. We don’t recommend this cleaning process as much. For solid memory foam pillows, regular and spot cleaning are considered the best methods.
Clean Pillow = Good Night’s Sleep
There’s nothing better than to lie in your bed knowing that you’re sleeping on a clean pillow. Make sure to pillows are fresh and dirt-free by cleaning them the way they should be cleaned – through regular and/or spot cleaning!
When you clean your memory foam pillow, you get rid of all the pathogens AND also extend its lifespan.
Now you can keep your pillow fresh while you get that good night’s sleep!
How to Clean Your Memory Foam Pillow | Nature's Sleep
Your favorite bed pillow is a highly personal choice. Some sleepers like a sturdy, solid pillow. Others prefer a squishable, soft pillow. But no matter your preference, regular cleaning is a must.
Think about it. Your bed pillow is one of the most used items in your home. All year long it cradles your head through the dark of night, heat of summer and late night snacks and spills. No wonder it deserves - and needs - a good cleaning.
The key to keeping a clean pillow is knowing what type of material is used inside. Whether you have solid memory foam, natural down feathers, latex foam or polyester fiberfill, the best thing you can do to protect your pillow is to use a removable pillow cover that is machine washable. The cover should be made from a breathable natural fiber like cotton, bamboo or linen and always used in addition to your regular pillow case.
All Nature’s Sleep pillows have removable, washable cotton covers for easy care. Wash it at least monthly using hot water and more often during hot weather or if someone is ill.
If your favorite pillow is solid molded memory foam, you have a head start on maintaining a clean pillow because memory foam is naturally hypoallergenic, resistant to bacterial growth and dust mites. But it should still be cleaned once or twice a year and after any spills. The same cleaning technique can be used for regular memory foam, gel-infused memory foam or memory foam with gel inserts pillows.
Starting the Cleaning Procedure
If possible, clean your memory foam pillows on a breezy, warm day to hasten drying.
Remove the outer covers of your pillow for top layer cleaning
Begin by removing the protective cover and tossing it in the wash.
Sprinkle the pillow with baking soda, covering it well
Allow the baking soda to sit for at least an hour and then vacuum it away using the upholstery brush attachment on your vacuum or a hand-held vac.
This will leave your pillow smelling fresh and remove any dust or pet hair that might be on the pillow. Flip the pillow over and repeat
Mix a small amount of a gentle detergent like one used for hand washing silk or wool in a bowl of lukewarm water to remove stains
Dip a clean white cloth into the detergent solution and gently rub from the outside of the stain toward the center. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is transferred. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is transferred. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is transferred. Once the stain is gone, dip a clean white cloth in plain water and blot to remove any remaining soap.
Allow the pillow to air dry completely
If you must speed the drying process, use a hair dryer set on cool to dry the area.
A Deeper Cleaning
If your memory foam pillow needs a deep cleaning;
Fill a large sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and a small amount of the gentle detergent
Completely submerge the pillow and squeeze gently to move 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!
Allow the pillow to air dry on a flat, ventilated surface
Do not place in a dryer because the high heat can cause damage. To speed drying, use a portable fan. Depending on the thickness of the foam, it can take up to 24 hours for a pillow to dry completely.
With a clean pillow, your sleep will be better than ever.
Marc Werner
Founder - GhostBed
After undergoing three neck surgeries, Marc knew what it was like to live and sleep in constant pain. In 2001, after searching fruitlessly for a comfortable pillow and mattress that supported his neck and back ... Learn More
Care of orthopedic pillows: cleaning, washing, airing
The effectiveness and durability of orthopedic pillows depends on the qualities and properties originally incorporated in them by the manufacturer, as well as the careful handling and care of their users.
Any pillow needs care from time to time, and in order to keep the performance characteristics of an orthopedic pillow longer, you need to properly clean, ventilate or wash the product.
Can the orthopedic pillow be washed? - let's figure it out.
Applicable to all orthopedic pillows, we highlight the general recommendations for care:
- Do not use the chemical method of cleaning the base.
- Do not expose to direct sunlight, heaters.
- Do not place piercing or pressing objects on the product.
- Do not cover with a blanket or blanket after sleeping, as the ventilation properties of the pillow are impaired.
- Turn daily to keep shape.
- Handle with care - do not throw, do not fall on it from acceleration.
- Read the attached instructions carefully.
- Wash removable pillowcases and covers in warm water (temperature up to 40 degrees), with mild detergents, wring without twisting, dry away from heaters and radiators.
- Before washing, turn the pillowcase inside out to avoid snags on the surface of the material.
The type of washing or cleaning of the orthopedic pillow depends on the filler, that is, what is the basis of the product. Each filler requires a special approach. We recommend that you carefully study the symbols shown on the product tag or in the instructions.
Orthopedic pillows should not be vigorously shaken or whipped, because by such actions you damage the structure of the filler, and the pillow loses its shape. To prevent contamination of the product itself, it is better to use pillowcases that are easy to wash. If you do not use an orthopedic pillow for some time (for example: for legs, on a seat, for traveling, etc.), then it is better to store it in a cloth cover. Do not use plastic bags for storage.
Having talked about the main general recommendations, we will dwell in more detail on the features of caring for some types of orthopedic pillows and filling.
So! Cushion care:
Memory foam
- If the pillow is based on a memory foam material (polyurethane foam, viscoelastic foam, memorix inserts), it cannot be washed. Washing (it doesn't matter) by hand or machine destroys the fragile partitions in the foam, which deprives the pillow of its unique properties.
- Dry clean recommended.
- You can wipe the surface with a cloth or tissue moistened with water or soapy water. Keep away from high humidity.
- Since the pillow has a porous structure, it is well ventilated and does not accumulate dust. It is enough to ventilate once every three months in the fresh air.
- Pillow stays fresh and clean for a long time.
- You can wash a removable cover and pillowcases (delicate machine wash is allowed at t not higher than 40, without the use of bleaches and organic solvents).
Travel Airbags
- Do not dry clean.
- Wash in warm water at t 30 degrees (hand wash).
- Do not bleach, do not iron.
- Dry naturally.
Foam products (example: foot pads)
- Only hand wash in warm water (t 40) with mild detergents.
- Do not bleach, do not iron.
- Lay flat to dry in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources.
- Do not dry clean.
With spring block
- Do not wash!
- Dry clean only.
With styrofoam balls
- Keep away from high humidity.
- The pillow cannot be washed.
- Dry cleaning recommended.
- Avoid accumulation, ventilate periodically.
- It is allowed to add filler over time.
How to wash a latex pillow?
1. Based on natural latex. (the product indicates "100% Latex" and the full name of the manufacturer is written).
- Natural latex practically does not absorb moisture, but it is not recommended to wash products with it.
- You can wipe the contaminated surface with a damp, but thoroughly wrung out cloth or sponge. If the pillow is heavily soiled and you cannot do without washing, then hand washing with liquid detergent in warm water is allowed. Do not use washing powder.
- It is impossible to wring out, it is better to wet the pillow between two towels and dry it naturally.
- Do not expose to direct sunlight. Ultraviolet destroys the structure of the latex, brown sticky spots appear on the surface. The pillow becomes hard.
- Professional dry cleaning preferred.
- Basic maintenance consists of weekly airing (bearing in mind that natural latex cannot withstand temperatures below -40 C).
- Change pillowcases and covers when soiled.
2. Based on mixed or synthetic latex.
- Mixed-fill pillow absorbs moisture like a sponge. It is not recommended to wash and wring out.
- Wipe clean with a cloth and mild detergent (liquid soap or gel is best).
- Rinsing with cold water only. Gentle push-up with flat palms.
- Dry in a ventilated area for at least 12 hours. Do not dry in the sun and near heating devices, including radiators.
- Dry cleaning is recommended when soiled (but no more than once every six months).
We tried to fully cover the topic of how to care for orthopedic pillows. But still, regarding your specific model, please pay attention to the labels and instructions accompanying the product, as additions or changes are quite possible. When buying, do not hesitate to ask questions that interest you, consultants will help you figure it out.
Article editor - Valery Vladimirovich Shevchenko
Head of the training center "Ortix", medical expert in the field of orthopedic products, general practitioner
Back to the list of all articles →See also other sections
Can you tell me if your company's orthopedic pillows contain dust mites?
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| Elena wrote: Tell me, can dust mites be in the orthopedic pillows of your company? |
Hello Elena.
Tell me, is this an Ortix pillow or do you want to buy a pillow from another brand?
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| Hello. I still had to wash the memory foam pillow. The cat on it showed its resentment. Washed by hand, gently, with a liquid detergent. But now for several days the water does not leave it. Appears when pressed. Is there any chance it will dry out or is it all gone? |
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| Galina wrote:
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Hello, Galina. Rules for the care of orthopedic pillows may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Check the care information on the product label or packaging. If the manufacturer does not prohibit washing the pillow by hand, then your memory foam pillow will be in working condition when it dries. We do not recommend using a pillow if, after drying, it loses its orthopedic properties. Such a product may cause discomfort and harm to health.
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Anatomic pillow care tips, find out how to care for your pillow
In order for healthy sleep products to last longer and not lose their properties, they must be used and stored correctly. In addition, it is imperative to take care of the anatomical pillow or anatomical model in order to avoid damage to the product.
Pillow Care: General Rules
Features of care depend on which filler is used in the pillows. But there are general rules for both synthetic and natural anatomical products:
- Shake gently daily
- turn over periodically;
- do not cover with a blanket or bedspread;
- air on the balcony once a week or two;
- wash according to the instructions for the product;
- dry without the use of heaters and protect from exposure to sunlight;
- maintain a normal level of humidity in the bedroom.
It is advisable to use a special cover that reliably protects the filling and surface from dust, dirt, moisture, and the shape from deformation. Also, with the help of a cover, you can slightly adjust the rigidity of the product.
Care for memory foam pillows
Anatomical products that can adapt to the structural features of the human body, "remember" the most comfortable shape for sleep and keep it during the night - a relatively new product on the bedding market.
To ensure that such a product does not lose its memory effect, it is important to follow the cleaning and storage recommendations indicated on the label and follow the above tips.
One rule applies to all such models - in no case should they be washed and dried in a washing machine, even on a delicate mode. This can damage the backing by destroying the baffles in the foam.
How to wash an anatomical memory foam pillow?
Modern products are made from materials that do not accumulate dust and do not absorb odors, so there is usually no need to wash the pillow, it will be enough ventilation.
Refresh the appearance of pillowcases and covers will help the washing machine. If you planted a stain on the surface of the pillow that was not covered, you can try to carefully remove it with a small amount of soapy water. In situations where the pollution is serious, only dry cleaning is indicated.
How to wash anatomic pillows filled with latex
Natural materials easily deteriorate from the rough impact of the washing machine.
Washing is recommended only as a last resort. Unlike models with "memory", simple latex products can be washed by hand in warm water with a quality gentle liquid detergent, using a soft sponge when removing stubborn stains.
Spinning and drying in the sun are contraindicated. Immediately after washing, the product can be blotted with towels and, without wrinkling, left to dry on a flat surface. You can dry the filler qualitatively and carefully by turning on the fan without heating mode. The same recommendations apply to products with other natural fillers: down, feathers, etc.
Washing pillows with synthetic filling
Synthetics are not picky and usually easily withstand half an hour in the drum of a machine with liquid or dry powder, unless other care and cleaning conditions are indicated on the product label. Synthetic anatomical products are washed no more than once every six months. It is better to choose the shortest time mode and low (30-40 degrees) temperature.
Some models can even be wrung out and dried in the washing machine. Detailed information about the possibility of speeding up the drying process is also included on the sewn-in label. If mechanical wringing and drying are prohibited, the pillow is blotted with a cloth and placed on a flat surface, preferably outdoors.
How to clean an organic pillow?
This type includes popular models with buckwheat husks, rice, coconut fiber and some other materials of plant origin. The outside can only be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. If the manufacturer has provided the opportunity to get the filler, then you can pour it out and wash only the cover in the washing machine.
It is recommended to take care of buckwheat sleeping accessories throughout the entire period of operation, periodically (about once a year) sifting the filler. This measure will allow you to enjoy healthy sleep for many years.
How to properly care for pillows: a few more tips
Summarizing the above, it is necessary to note the importance of following the manufacturer's recommendations indicated on the package or label.
