How To Wash A Memory Foam Pillow

Things Needed

  • Vacuum with upholstery attachment

  • Fabric cleaner

  • 2 Spray bottles

  • Clean, dry towels

  • Hair dryer or fan

Tip

Allow the pillow to dry completely before use.

Place the pillow outdoors in the sun in an airy location to help deodorize it or to hasten drying.

To guard against future stains, invest in a waterproof memory foam pillow protector available in stores or online.

Warning

Never place a memory foam pillow in a washing machine or dryer. The agitation and heat damage the delicate foam and can tear it into small chunks.

Memory foam is very comfortable, but it tends to be rather impractical to wash if it becomes soiled or wet. Unlike regular foam, you cannot simply throw it in the washer and allow it to air dry. Because of the make up of memory foam, if it is saturated it can begin to house mold and bacteria before it dries completely. While you can clean a memory foam pillow, the method is a little different from conventional washing.

Step 1

Vacuum the entire pillow gently by using the upholstery attachment to remove loose debris. A vacuum cleaner with a High Efficiency Particulate Air filter, or HEPA filter, can help remove microscopic particles, mold and pollen.

Step 2

Mix 2 parts of water with 1 part fabric cleaner in a spray bottle. Shake well to mix. Lightly spray the entire pillow, being careful not to saturate it. Allow the sprayed solution to remain on the pillow for 30 minutes.

Step 3

Blot the pillow gently with a clean towel to remove as much excess solution as possible.

Step 4

Fill the second spray bottle with water. Remove cleaning residue by lightly spraying the pillow with water. Blot gently with a clean, dry towel. Repeat this process twice, or until you feel confident that no cleaner remains.

Step 5

Press the pillow between two clean, dry towels if moisture seeped deeper into the foam. Switch to dry towels and press again until as much moisture as possible has been absorbed.

Step 6

Set a hair dryer on the lowest, coolest setting, or turn a fan on low. Direct the air stream at the pillow. If your hair dryer doesn't have a cool setting, hold it at a distance to avoid damaging or melting the foam.

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