Memory foam pillow in washing machine

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

Washing orthopedic pillows: how to do it right?

How to wash orthopedic pillows? This question was asked by more than one owner of such a product. Recently, it is they, as well as mattresses of this variety, that are gaining more and more interest among the population.

Preparing

So where do you start preparing to wash this product?

First you need to determine the type of orthopedic pillow. This is indicated by the pillow filler. There are two types:

Contains artificial filler. Here you can use the washing machine with the manual mode turned on, as well as detergent. You should not choose a powder or liquid detergent with a pronounced smell to avoid possible headaches on this basis.
Pillows with a natural finish. For this look, hand wash with normal soapy water is recommended.

Types of orthopedic pillows and how to wash them

Modern manufacturers provide their customers with various types of orthopedic products. Speaking of pillows, they may seem the same, however, they are not. There are several types of such products. All of them differ in price category, properties and features of washing. Of course, you can turn to special cleanings, but why, if you can wash the product yourself without harming it.

Polyester filling.

These products are among the most inexpensive. It would not be appropriate to draw a connection between the words "inexpensive" and "poor quality" here. Products of this type help the neck, shoulders and spine as a whole is in a comfortable position. The filler here is small balls of polyester, which initially underwent a number of treatments and feel like an ordinary down pillow. With proper care, these orthopedic pillows last about 10 years.

Washing this item. To get started, get rid of the pillowcase and put the pillow itself in the washing machine, separate from the pillowcase (or pillowcases if you're using multiple pillowcases). The next step is washing powder (it is better to use liquid detergent). Pour it according to the weight of the item. Set the "warm" mode on the washing machine and set the wash at 40-60 degrees. Clean the product in the quick wash mode, which will last about 10 minutes. Also, you should repeat the last step two to three times to rinse the pillow well. Shake it vigorously when you take it out of the washing machine. This will help more or less evenly distribute the filler.

Drying is the penultimate stage. You can use the washing machine again, which will save you a lot of time: set the drying cycle, and stop the machine after 10-15 minutes to shake the product. This will help to achieve drying a little faster, but be aware that complete drying may take 1 hour or more. Shake the pillow well before using it for its intended purpose.

Filler - latex.

This is a type of orthopedic product that is gaining popularity among consumers. Latex is a natural material, which is a specially processed milky sap of some plants. The manufacturing process of such products includes giving it an anatomical shape, which later includes one or two rollers to properly support your neck and head, as well as a separate recess for the head. Such an orthopedic product will help stimulate the blood circulation of the brain and ensure the delivery of a sufficient amount of oxygen to all vessels of the brain.

Laundry. It is believed that you should not wash latex pillows in a washing machine, as this can damage the structure of its filler and generally lead to undesirable consequences, after which you will have to change the product. So, before washing, remove the pillowcase. Then find a bowl, or any other convenient container. Fill with warm water, the temperature of which should not exceed 40 degrees. Now you need to add detergent. Pour the required amount of liquid detergent into the container. Here, as with polyester fillers, it is not advisable to use powder. Now, using a sponge, completely clean the pillow, but remember to do it gently and slowly. When the product is washed, hang it by clothespins so that the water is completely drained, and then use two clean towels and dry it thoroughly.

Don't forget that when cleaning a latex product, you do not need to wring it out, otherwise it will lose its shape. And also do not dry it near heating appliances, as this can lead to deformation. It is better to hang outdoors, or a sufficiently heated room.

Filler - viscoelastic foam.

The price of these products is the highest among the other types mentioned above. The fact is that they are considered the most high-tech. The filling material is called polyurethane foam, which has been known for its properties for over 30 years. It is distinguished from other pillows by the “Memory Effect”. This product is able to remember the position of your head and neck during sleep, and further helps to maintain optimal conditions for them.

Another positive side of the product with such a filler is the ability to not heat up, regardless of the high temperature in the room. It also helps distribute pressure evenly throughout the body. This is all due to the fact that this product is able to absorb mechanical energy. The high cost of such orthopedic pillows fully pays off all their positive properties.

Washing of this kind of items. In this case, it is contraindicated to use a washing machine to clean the pillow. And in general, frequent washing should be avoided, as this will lead to the loss of an important property of a product with such a special filler - the “memory effect”. You can wash the pillowcase, removable covers, but not the pillow. It must be ventilated every three months in the fresh air. Product filled with viscoelastic foam requires dry care. In extreme cases, take a clean rag, moisten it a little with warm water and wipe the contaminated area. Then place it outside to ventilate.

Care tips

As mentioned above, it is better to wash these products as infrequently as possible if you do not want to spend twice as often on a new pillow. It depends on its filler, which, due to frequent exposure to moisture, can quickly lose shape, and, more importantly, orthopedic properties.

Also, while drying the product, do not twist it or squeeze it out, because all this can also damage the fragile structure of the product being filled. To reduce the number of washes, it is recommended to air the orthopedic pillows in the fresh air once or twice a month. Small stains, various dirt should be cleaned immediately. To avoid this, use a pillowcase made of natural material.

To find out if it's time for you to change your pillow, simply fold it in half, and if it remains in this position, then its expiration date has expired and it is worth changing this product. And if, when bending the orthopedic pillow, it springs and returns to its original position, it will be enough just to wash it.

Orthopedic pillow care: 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.
Turn the pillowcase inside out before washing 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 effect

If the pillow is based on a material with a memory effect (polyurethane foam, viscoelastic foam, memorix inserts), then 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 keeps 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

Protect 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 pressing with palms flat.
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 particular 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

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