What is inside a memory foam pillow?
Memory foam pillows are composed of a special material called "memory foam," which is known for its ability to conform to a shape. The memory foam inside a pillow can be made from either natural or synthetic materials, and the pillow may also include some other type of stuffing in addition to the memory foam.
These pillows are made of a soft, spongy material that can help relieve pain and discomfort.
What should I do before washing my memory foam pillow?
Make sure to remove the pillow's case or outer cover before washing it. Memory foam pillows need to be washed without a cover because the cover will trap moisture and prevent air circulation; this can lead to mildew growth and unpleasant odors inside of your pillow. You may also want to wash both sides of the pillow's outer cover if it has removable covers for extra cleaning power.
Also read all the labels and inscriptions on them for additional information.
Can I use my memory foam pillow in the washing machine?
It depends on which type of memory foam you have. If your memory foam pillow includes a cover, make sure to check it for washing instructions; some covers can go right in the wash, but others require hand-washing only. If the cover is not removable, it will need to be washed by hand with mild soap and water.
Once you've removed the cover, put your memory foam pillow into the washing machine along with several white towels in order to help absorb any excess moisture; if your pillows are particularly large or bulky, you may even want to add a second load of towels into the mix. Run them through an entire cycle without adding any laundry detergent; the towels will help to remove any soap residue left behind and prevent your memory foam from becoming over-saturated.
If you don't have white towels on hand, adding a few bath towels can work just as well. After washing your pillow, tumble dry it on low heat with several clean tennis balls to fluff it up and restore its original shape.
How to wash memory foam pillow by hands?
Some people choose to wash their memory foam pillows by hand because they don't want to take the risk of ruining them in a machine. However, this is not necessary if you thoroughly read the pillow's washing instructions first so that you know how it should be washed.
Most manufacturers recommend using cold water for cleaning unless otherwise noted on the label. Memory foam pillows that are filled with natural ingredients can be washed in a machine, but you may want to check the memory foam itself for instructions before putting it through a cycle.
If your pillow includes a removable cover, make sure to remove it first and throw it into the washer on cold or warm water. Use a mild detergent and run the load on an empty or very low-capacity setting; you don't want there to be too many other items inside of the washer as they may damage your cover during the wash. Air dry your pillow afterward.
How should I clean my memory foam pillow?
Wipe down your memory foam pillow with mild soap and water once per week if it is not washable by hand or by machine. This will help remove odors and dirt that may have accumulated over time since the pillow was last washed.
Don't hesitate to add a few drops of tea tree oil into the mix if you find that your memory foam pillow is beginning to develop an unpleasant odor. Allow it to dry in a well-ventilated area for several hours before using again, and don't forget to put your soft and fluffy pillowcase on top so that you can lay your head down on its soothing surface once more.
How to wash the filling of the foam pillow?
You can wash the covering of the pillow, but what about the inside filling? You can't just put a pillow in the washing machine. The fillings are usually made of special hypoallergenic types of foam to have increased breathability and softness, which might mean taking the inside out to wash it would be impossible. In this case, you should find a memory foam pillow with removable covers so that you can take the filler out when needed to wash them individually.
It is recommended to check your pillow's care label for specific instructions about how it should be cleaned because not all memory foam pillows can be washed like regular pillows; each one has different washing and maintenance requirements and may include certain risks (i.e., deforming or discoloring) if they aren't properly cared for.
You will also want to ensure that your memory foam pillow is washed separately from other items because the dirt picked up by your other pillowcase or sheets may become trapped in the foam.
Can I use fabric softener on memory foam pillows?
You should never use fabric softener with memory foam pillows; doing so will cause them to become sticky and attract debris like pet hair or dust mites, which can be harmful to your health. Steer clear of fabric softeners in general if you or anyone in your family has sensitive skin or allergies.
How to maintain the memory foam pillows to keep them clean?
Hygiene starts with regular maintenance. Wash your pillow regularly, and dry it by placing it in a sunny spot for at least half an hour to kill dust mites and other microorganisms; this will certainly help prevent allergens from reaching you or anyone sleeping on the memory foam pillow each night.
Once per week wipe down the pillowcase and its filler with warm water and mild soap to remove all dirt that has accumulated since the last time you washed them. You can also vacuum your memory foam pillows once a month if they have removable covers so that the deep cleaning has a lasting effect.
How often do I need to wash my memory foam pillow?
You should wash your memory foam pillows every two months otherwise they may start developing unpleasant odors or absorb allergens such as dust mite droppings and pet dander. If you have young children, wash the pillows at least once a month to prevent their exposure to those potential allergens and irritants.
I don't want my memory foam pillow to change shape: how can I avoid that?
Washing your memory foam pillows on a regular basis is key to maintaining their original shape over time. However, keep in mind that by washing them, there's a chance that they will lose some of their fluffiness or become flat for good; this usually happens when you use hotter water than recommended -- remember, it should never be hotter than 70°C/160°F since doing so may damage the material permanently.
Avoid using the dryer because it significantly increases the chance of your memory foam pillows becoming flat, losing their fluffiness or developing pockets that are impossible to smooth out.
If you want to avoid washing your memory foam pillow, just keep it covered with a clean pillowcase made from breathable fabric like cotton so that allergens won't have anything to catch on and will be less likely to accumulate in time.
How can I remove stains from my memory foam pillows?
The best way to remove stains from memory foam pillows is by making sure they never happen in the first place. Try not to eat over them or around them if possible because even though certain foods are considered healthy for us, they can be bad for our pillows.
Avoid spilling food or water near the memory foam pillows because it will seep into their filling and become absorbed by it, causing stains that are difficult to remove later on.
If you do end up with a stain on your memory foam pillow, there are certain methods you can try before washing the whole pillowcase to see if they get rid of the spot -- it's worth noting that some home remedies for removing stains may not be safe to use on memory foam so check our article for more information, which includes safety guidelines when attempting these natural solutions.
You can also soak the stained area in cold water mixed with mild dish soap to remove any oily substances then scrub gently using a toothbrush before rinsing thoroughly. If nothing else works, it's time to wash the pillowcase and its filling.
How do I clean a memory foam pillow with a zipper?
To properly clean a memory foam pillow with a removable cover that has a zipper, you should unzip it then launder both the cover and the filling using gentle, all-natural detergent and cold water to avoid damaging them further. In case your memory foam pillows have no zippers but they're made from different materials, read our article on how to wash pillows with zippers or without zippers.
Always check for any special washing instructions before throwing back your pillows into the machine because taking good care of them is key if you want them to serve you well for years. Hand washing and air drying may be necessary in some cases and if you're not sure how to proceed, just use the gentle cycle on your machine instead.
How do I clean a memory foam pillow with a cover that can't be unzipped?
If your memory foam pillows have no zippers or removable covers, there are certain steps you should follow when washing them to make sure they stay safe and last for years:
Remove any stains using upholstery shampoo before washing the whole pillowcase because it's harder to get rid of stains after they've been washed. If possible, also wash the filling since it may contain allergens that need special treatment. Always check for any special washing instructions included with your memory foam pillows -- if none are available, it's best to follow the steps below.
Use a front-loading machine that can be adjusted into a gentle or delicate cycle and avoid using commercial washing powders that may leave behind residues harmful to memory foam.
If you're not sure which detergent is safe for your pillows, go for one made from plant, animal or mineral ingredients only because they usually do a better job at dealing with stains and odors. Also look for natural fabric softeners, ph-neutral cleaners, and other materials that will make your pillows super comfortable after laundering without causing them any damage.
Pillows can take a long time to dry so be patient if you want them looking as good as new when back home -- try drying them on low heat or using the air fluff function if your machine has it to spare some time. To finish up, leave the pillows out in the fresh air for a few hours before putting them back on your bed.
Tips on how to choose a good memory foam pillow
When it comes to pillows, choosing the best one for your needs is all about personal preferences. Memory foam pillows tend to be extra comfy because of their high density but they're not for everyone so here are some guidelines on how to find one that suits you perfectly:
Size matters - if you sleep by yourself, choose a small pillow around 18 inches long while couples will do great with medium-sized pillows measuring around 26 inches in length. If you often share your bed with pets or children, bigger may be better since they're more comfortable and safer for them!
Look at material composition - memory foam is naturally resistant to allergens and bacteria because of its closed-cell structure that doesn't allow dirt particles or moisture inside. However, some memory foam pillows may contain chemicals that can irritate your skin or trigger allergies so if you're sensitive to chemical compounds, look for natural alternatives without toxic flame retardants.
Look at the warranty - the longer the warranty is, the better since it's one way of knowing how long your pillow is expected to last before needing replacement or repairs due to manufacturer defects.
Check out support levels - memory foam tends to be expensive so if you opt for a cheaper alternative, get yourself one with at least two inches of high-density polyurethane foam on top and soft polyurethane foam on the bottom for added comfort.