Contents
image source: Pexels
Tired of waking up with a sore neck and severe acne, you've purchased a memory foam pillow. But now you wonder, "can you wash memory foam pillows?"
Since pillows, even memory foam pillows, accumulate bacteria, body fluid, and dead skin, everyone should know the answer to this question.
Can You Wash Memory Foam Pillows?
image via: pixabay.com
Knowing the answer to "can you wash memory foam pillows?" might very well influence whether or not you purchase one.
Never, ever use a washing machine to clean a memory foam pillow. If you chuck a memory foam pillow inside a washing machine, it'll be tossed around carelessly in the water. On top of that, the pillow is likely to wind up pushed against the machine's agitator.
At best, machine washing a memory foam pillow will alter the memory of foam, rendering it completely useless. At worst, it will shred the foam into tiny pieces.
Similarly, you should never put your memory foam pillow inside a dryer. The tumbling action can permanently damage the foam, even if you set the dryer on low heat.
Consequently, the answer to "can you wash memory foam pillows?" depends on your meaning of the word "wash." You can't machine wash your memory foam pillow, but you can certainly hand wash it.
What's The Deal With Memory Foam Pillows?
image via: Pixabay
The year was 1966. Batman debuted on ABC, the space race between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. was still on, and girls flaunted their long legs in miniskirts.
It was also the year NASA contracted Charles Yost, an aeronautical engineer, to improve airline seating in case of accidents.
Yost did a superb job. His invention, an open-cell, polymeric "memory foam" material, also known as "temper foam" or "slow spring back foam," offered greater impact protection. It also increased passenger comfort on flights.
More than half a decade has passed since Yost was struck with his ingenious idea. Since then, memory foam has invaded all areas of our life, including our bedrooms.
Memory foam pillows are primarily made up of memory foam, a polyurethane material that is sensitive both to temperature and pressure. When exposed to body heat, memory foam pillows mold to the shape of your head and shoulders, thus adapting to your sleeping style.
Other benefits of memory foam pillows include:
The only real downside to memory foam pillows is that some people might experience an allergic reaction to the material (although these reactions are very, very rare).
When it comes to memory foam pillows, there's more than just one option:
Memory foam pillows were once extraordinarily expensive. Today, there are plenty of affordable options, all thanks to continually improving manufacturing techniques.
How To Clean A Memory Foam Pillow
image source: Pexels
Just because you can't machine wash a memory foam pillow doesn't mean that you should never clean it.
Indeed, while it is true that memory foam pillows don't get as dirty as polyester pillows or feather-filled pillows, saliva, sweat, and dead skin cells still find their way inside the foam, thus compromising your health.
For this reason, knowing the answer to "can you wash memory foam pillows?" and how to go about doing so is very important.
Get Rid Of That Tea Stain
If your mornings start with breakfast in bed or if you sip on a cup of tea as you lose yourself in a good book right before drifting off, you've probably had to deal with your fair share of stains.
Stains are not a big deal for regular pillow users. And they shouldn't be an issue for those who choose memory foam pillows either.
Here's how to tackle a stain:
You Probably Shouldn't Be Drinking Wine In Bed
Some stains are worse than others. For example, wine stains and blood stains are much harder to take out than say ginger tea stains. But don't immediately assume that a pillow with a difficult stain should be thrown away.
For wine and blood stains:
For pet urine:
image source: Pexels
Do This When Your Pillow Smells Funky
Many people search for an answer to "can you wash memory foam pillows?" immediately after purchasing one. The reason for that is simple. New memory foam pillows often smell a little weird, usually as a result of off-gassing.
If you've ever smelled the interior of a new car or fresh paint, you already know what off-gassing is. Off-gassing occurs when volatile organic compounds or VOCs break down, forming gasses in the process.
Generally, off-gassing isn't harmful, although a small percentage of people report symptoms such as headaches and difficulty breathing when exposed to it.
To get rid of the smell created by off-gassing, leave your pillow near an open window or outdoors.
On the other hand, if your pillow is not new and yet smells strange nonetheless:
When All Else Fails, Use Your Hands!
When your memory foam pillow gets so filthy you can no longer stand sleeping on it, you might find yourself more than a little tempted to throw it inside the washing machine, come what may.
Resist the urge to take the easy (but ultimately, the worst) option. Instead, roll up your sleeves and prepare to get your hands dirty.
Hand washing a memory foam pillow is easier than it sounds:
Or Go For The Easy Option
If you have access to a steam cleaner, cleaning your memory foam pillow couldn't be easier:
Don't Be A Slob
By now we've determined that the answer to "can you wash memory foam pillows?" is yes -- just don't do it in the washing machine. Furthermore, we've outlined the best methods for doing so. But just how often should you be washing your pillow?
Cleaning experts believe that every few months should do the trick, especially if you change your pillow cover or pillowcase every second day or so.
However, keep in mind that just because the question "can you wash memory foam pillows?" can be answered in the affirmative, pillows are not meant to last forever. While polyester pillows should be replaced every six months, memory foam pillows tend to last longer.
Nonetheless, the foam will break down with time, no matter how carefully you're looking after your pillow. Err on the side of caution and replace your memory foam pillow every 18 to 36 months.
A Clean Pillow Equals Better Sleep
image via: pixabay.com
The answer to "can you wash memory foam pillows?" is a resounding yes. However, that doesn't mean that you can chuck your memory foam pillow inside a washing machine and then forget about it.
Memory foam pillows are far more delicate than regular pillows. As such, they require special care and attention.
Moreover, keep in mind that cleaning your pillow is not enough. You'll need to replace it once in a while too. Luckily, memory foam pillows last longer than most polyester or feather pillows.
Consequently, a memory foam pillow will not only lead to better sleep, clearer skin, and the elimination of inexplicable body aches but will also save you money in the long run. And if hand washing your pillow is the price you have to pay for that, then it's probably worth it.
Are you a memory foam pillow user? Or are you thinking of getting one? Let us know in the comments below!