The Ultimate Guide to Washing and Cleaning Foam Pillows 

The advantages of foam pillows – ones made with latex foam, gel-infused memory foam, memory foam, or polyurethane come packed with many advantages. Sure, they provide immense support for the head, neck, and spine and are more hygienic and hypoallergenic than their counterparts. 

Another notable benefit of foam pillows is their resistance to collecting dirt compared to pillows with natural stuffings. Consequently, they require less frequent cleaning and maintenance.

But they follow a different cleaning procedure than traditional pillows. Learn all about it here on today’s write-up.

Introduction: The Importance of Cleaning Foam Pillows

Just because foam pillows are less susceptible to dirt and debris doesn’t mean you shouldn’t clean them. The accumulation of dirt, dust, debris, sweat, oil, and drool will compromise the comfort and hygiene foam pillows are known for. 

Hence, clean your foam pillows every 3-6 months to maintain a comfortable and safe sleeping experience. 

Can You Wash Foam Pillows?

Yes, you can wash foam pillows, but only with your hands. Remember, DO NOT wash foam pillows in the washer or toss them in the dryer. Doing so will shred or damage the foam pillows. 

How To Wash Foam Pillows: A Step-By-Step Guide

Spot Cleaning Foam Pillows

• · Use a solution of 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid and 2 cups of lukewarm water.
• · Blot the stain with a damp cloth soaked in the solution.
• · Once the stain vanishes, rinse the affected area with a clean damp cloth.
• · Allow the pillow to air dry completely. 

Freshen A Foam Pillow

• · If your foam pillow just needs a quick refresh, turn to baking soda.
• · Generously sprinkle baking soda across the pillow, covering the entire surface. 
• · Let it sit for about an hour. 
• · Next, vacuum the pillow with an upholstery attachment. 

Deep Cleaning Foam Pillow

For deep cleaning solid-foam pillows, stick to hand washing. A more detailed guide on this has been provided below under the section “How to Clean a Foam Pillow: From Start to Finish.”

Special Case: How to Wash Shredded Memory Foam Pillows?

The main reason why machine washing is not advisable for solid-foam pillows is because the mechanical action can break the foam inside. However, when it comes to shredded memory foam pillows, you can safely wash them in the washer since the foam is already shredded. 

However, read the pillow’s care label first and only proceed if the manufacturer does not warn against it.

Here are the steps to wash shredded memory foam pillows:

• · Toss them in the washing machine.
• · Add a gentle detergent.
• · Only wash them on your machine’s gentlest cycle.
• · Once washed, squeeze the pillows to remove excess water.
• · Next, toss the pillows in the dryer along with a tennis ball tied inside a sock. This ensures that your pillows are all fluffed up when they come out of the dryer.
• · Set to low heat and dry as many times as needed.

How to Clean a Foam Pillow: From Start to Finish

Here are the steps to wash solid foam pillows (made with standard polyurethane, memory foam, gel-infused memory foam, or latex foam). If you have ever cleaned a plush toy, you’ll find the process quite familiar.  

• · Fill a sink or tub with lukewarm water and add a teaspoon of gentle detergent. The sink or tub should be large enough to accommodate the pillow comfortably.
• · Remove the pillow cover (if possible) and submerge the pillow in the soapy water.
• · Knead, squeeze and rub the pillow gently for about 10 minutes in soapy water.
• · Drain the soapy water once you are satisfied with how your pillow looks. Rinse the pillow with clean water several times. 
• · Squeeze the pillow to remove excess suds. Repeat rinsing until no more suds appear.
• · Then, allow your pillow to air dry completely. You can use a hairdryer on cool to speed up the drying process. 

Handling Special Pillows: Can You Wash Cooling Pillows?

Cooling pillows feature gel-infused memory foam. Like solid-foam pillows, you should only hand wash cooling pillows. However, some manufacturers may only recommend “spot cleaning” for their cooling pillows.

Hence, make sure to check the care label before you proceed with any cleaning technique. For handwashing cooling pillows, you can follow the steps we discussed for solid-foam pillows. 

Dealing with Polyurethane: How to Wash a Polyurethane Foam Pillow?

Polyurethane is one of the most common and inexpensive foams used in cushions and pillows. Hence, if you own a foam pillow, it likely incorporates polyurethane, either as its primary material or as a constituent layer.

Here’s how to wash a polyurethane foam pillow:

• · Remove the pillow protector. This can be hand washed or machine-washed, depending on its care label.
• · Pretreat any stubborn stain on the pillow using a cleaning solution of mild detergent and water.
• · Submerge the polyurethane foam pillow in a mixture of mild detergent and lukewarm water. 
• · Soak for about 10 minutes.
• · Gently squeeze and knead the pillows as many times as required.
• · Once the pillow appears clean, remove the soapy water.
• · Then, submerge your pillow in clean water. Gently squeeze the pillow to remove excess suds and water. Repeat this process until water runs clear from the pillow. 
• · Very important- DO NOT wring the pillow in any case. Always knead or squeeze.
• · Lay the pillow flat on a clean surface and allow it to air dry completely before you use it.

Conclusion: Maintaining Your Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows are great for enhancing your sleep. However, they will succumb to wear and tear without proper care and maintenance and lose their effectiveness and comfort over time.

To ensure your memory foam pillow continues to provide the support you desire, follow the above cleaning methods to keep it in tip-top condition.

Here are some more essential tips for maintaining your foam pillows:

• · Use a pillow protector.
• · Fluff and shake them regularly.
• · Spot clean whenever needed.
• · Deep clean your pillows every 3-6 months.
• · Freshen up your pillows every 1-2 months with baking soda.
• · Every few months, place your foam pillows in a well-ventilated area. Allow natural air and sunlight to disinfect the foam.
• · Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.