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Last Updated: August 2017
After using your memory foam mattress or memory foam pillow and enjoying the numerous benefits it provides for you, it is only vital to be able to clean your memory foam every once in a while, so that its durability and effectiveness will last. It is even more important to bear in mind that you do not clean your memory foam mattress in a similar way like any other mattresses or materials that you are in the habit of cleaning—which regularly includes cleaners that are water-based.
If you want to know how to steam clean your mattress, then check out our alternative guide to steam cleaning a mattress right here.
Memory foam is made up of small, spongy foam cells which are capable of holding water particles sustained after washing, coming out from the washing machine (in the case of memory foam pillows) and then it has to be rung out for it to dry. Because of this, fungus growth can facilitate therefore destroying the compression of the memory foam’s properties is made very possible. For that reason, placing a pillow inside a washing machine to clean it is not advised.
As a matter of fact, cleaning memory foam should be done by dry-cleaning, which is simple and always makes sure to remove every moisture to help to prevent the foam from accumulating mildew and bacteria.
Two things to keep in mind when washing memory foam
- Memory foam is extremely delicate: using any traditional stain removers or scrubbing agents will cause a breakdown of the memory foam material. Always use a light touch when cleaning and removing stains.
- Memory Foam hates liquid: Due to the way it is manufactured it is highly advised that you use as little liquid as possible when cleaning, as the liquid collects within the layers of memory foam and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Cleaning your Memory Foam Mattress/Topper/Pillow
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Because putting your memory pillow into your washing machine is a no-no, one of the proper ways to effectively clean your pillow is by sprinkling a small amount of baking powder onto your memory foam pillow and letting it sit for an hour. The baking powder will absorb any odor, body sweat or oils, and will give your favorite pillow a fresh, new dazzling scent.
With a vacuum, remove the baking powder thoroughly. By doing this, it will also clean your pillow by removing other debris, pet hair or any dust which may have accumulated on your pillow. However, always remember that you must never, under any circumstances, squeeze or wring the memory foam, as this will certainly cause damage to your foam.
Removing Stains from your Memory Foam Mattress/Topper/Pillow
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If your pillow has some stains, dampen a washcloth with lukewarm water and a slight amount of dishwashing liquid. You may also use water and some quantity of mild laundry detergent on a clean cloth. Scrub the stain gradually in a circular movement. Then, take a fresh, moist wash cloth to push next to the stained part to help wipe, dry, and blot the water away from your foam.
As for drying out your memory foam, you choose to let it air dry outside, position it in a well-ventilated space or if you prefer to dry it inside your house with the use of an electric fan. A hair dryer can also be used, provided it is set on its lowest adjustment, and be cautious not to keep the hair dryer too close to the foam, or it will cause damage to it.
Always ensure that the memory foam is totally dry before placing it again on your bed.
To summarize…
It is true that cleaning your Memory Foam pillow, topper, and especially your memory foam mattress can be an extremely uncomfortable and a laborious task. However, to extend the life of your favorite memory foam mattress, cleaning it once in a while is a must. Also, to be able to retain your memory foam (whether it is your mattress, topper, or pillows) fresh and clean longer as well as prevent it from any stain, change your bed and pillow sheets every so often and vacuum your roam frequently.
You may also consider checking the manufacturer’s tags of your memory foam pillows, toppers or mattress for further cleaning tips, and confirm to abide by all cautions and warnings to avoid damage.
How to clean memory foam: Q&A
- Can you wash a memory foam pillow?
In one word, no – washing any memory foam product would destroy the product entirely. As we discussed above memory foam is highly intolerable to liquids as these are absorbed in the multiple layers of foam they are extremely difficult to get out. This causes the liquids to dry and become a breeding ground for bacteria and molds.
Take a look at our essential guides:
Mattress Guides
- Memory Foam Mattress Buyer Guide
- Memory Foam Mattresses for Side Sleepers
- Memory Foam Mattresses for Back Pain
- Foundations for Mattresses Buyer Guide
- Mattress Covers for Memory Foam Buyer Guide
- Mattress Protectors for Memory Foam Buyer Guide
Pillow Guides
- Memory Foam Pillow Buyer Guide
- Memory Foam Pillows for Side Sleepers
- Pillows for Pregnancy
- Memory Foam Pillows for Neck Pain
- Gel Memory Foam Pillow Buyer Guide
Topper Guides
General Guides
Maintenance