A shredded memory foam pillow is an excellent investment for anyone looking for a little more comfort when they sleep. But with all of the different components that make up this type of pillow, it can be tough to know how to best care for it. In this blog post, we’ll break down how to wash a shredded memory foam pillow so you can keep them in good condition for as long as possible. Enjoy!
What Is A Memory Foam Pillow?
Memory foam is a type of viscoelastic foam that is initially firm but softens due to pressure and body heat. This means that it molds around the body’s contours, providing support while cradling the head and neck during sleep.
Memory foam has a slow response time, meaning that it takes a few moments for the foam to adjust to the contours of the body. However, once it does, it provides a high level of support and comfort.
Additionally, memory foam pillows are naturally hypoallergenic, highly resistant to dust mites, and is ideal for people with allergies. As a result, it is an excellent choice for those looking for a comfortable and supportive pillow.
Quick Steps on How To Wash A Memory Foam Pillow:
Aside from the washing machine, you can hand wash a memory foam pillow by:
- Removing the cover form the pillow
- Prepare a large tub or bathtub with water and laundry soap
- Soak the pillow in the solution, massaging the soap throughout.
- Rinse carefully at least twice
- Drain and hang to dry in the air.
What is a Shredded Memory Foam?
A shredded memory foam pillow is a type of bed pillow that is filled with shredded pieces of memory foam. The shredded pieces of memory foam allow the pillow to be more moldable, providing custom support in ways a traditional solid memory foam pillow can not.
Shredded memory foam pillows are often considered to be more comfortable than traditional memory foam pillows because they are more flexible and adjustable. Due to the fact that shredded options can be fluffed, they tend to last longer.
Memory foam pillows made from shredded material are very durable; the memory and support will fade over time, but they can last for three to four years on average. Other pillow options cannot deliver as much as this.
Why Wash A Memory Foam Pillow?
Even though memory foam is hypoallergenic, dead skin cells, pet hair, and sweat can still accumulate. This kind of yucky bacteria stuff could make you sick if it doesn’t just make your pillow stink. If these contaminants are not removed on a regular basis, they can cause the pillow to become stained and odorous.
A good way to cleanse your memory foam pillow (and ensure its longevity) is to wash it every few months. Washing removes the dirt and oils that can build up over time, and it also fluffs up the pillow, making it more comfortable to sleep on.
Steps to Clean a Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Now we’ll explain how best to clean your shredded memory foam pillows, either by hand or with the washing machine!
It is recommended to only wash your shredded memory foam pillows without the use of machines, but if you must, the proper instructions for both options are here. Check the pillow’s label before washing, as some manufacturers allow machine washing.
How to Wash Shredded Memory Foam Pillow by Hand
Step 1: Remove Cover & Submerge In Water
Hand-cleaning shredded memory foam pillows requires removing the pillow cover first. Afterward, prepare a tub or large sink in which you will hand wash the foam pillow. Submerge the pillow in a mixture of lukewarm water and gentle detergent. Any mild detergent sold in the grocery store will do. You could also use a little borax or oxiclean.
If you gently squeeze the pillow while it is under the water, the soapy solution will penetrate and clean the inside of the pillow. Massage the foam gently, as you can damage the shredded memory foam inside the pillow by crushing it. You can thoroughly rinse the pillow of all soapy water now.
Step 2: Rinse The Foam Pillow Thoroughly
Set the shredded foam pillow to the side. The pillow should be submerged in clean water again to remove the suds. You can gently squeeze the pillow to see if the suds remain. After the rinse, replace the tub with clean water and repeat the process until all subs are gone.
During this time, you can also use a clean cloth for spot cleaning. Or, an upholstery brush attachment head to scrub the pillow’s surface with more cleaning solution and make it as clean as possible.
As necessary, rinse the pillow with clean water until there is no longer remaining soap visible.
Step 3: Allow To Dry Completely
You can finalize the process by gently squeezing the pillow, which will remove the excess water. Do not wring out your pillow to remove excess liquid, as it might damage the memory foam. When you’re done, hang the pillow where direct sunlight will shine on it. Choosing a warm day is best for your pillow to air dry completely.
If you can’t hang the pillow, choose a flat surface or a ventilated surface, to air. After the pillow has had time to air dry, you can replace the cover and use it again.
How to Clean Pillows With a Machine
Finding guides that offer contradictory advice on how to clean shredded memory foam can be frustrating. There are those who say that you should only hand wash shredded memory foam pillows, but others mention that a washing machine can be used.
Since some products can be washed in the machine, while some cannot be washed at all, the decision lies in the label recommendations.
Step 1: Wash The Pillow
Before you put the pillow in the washer, you must remove the protective cover first. After removing the pillow cover (remember you can wash the pillow case separately), run the machine on a gentle cycle with lukewarm water and gentle detergent. Never use hot water!
Shredded memory foam pillows are also recommended to be washed using the largest load setting when machine washing.
Step 2: Rinse The Pillow Of All Soap
Rinse the pillow after the cycle is complete. If there is residual soap inside the pillow, mold can grow. Gently squeeze the pillow (after especially the final spin) to make sure the soap is rinsed thoroughly. If necessary, repeat the rinse cycle twice.
Step 3: The Drying Process
As discussed earlier, dry your pillow in the same manner. Ensure that all sides of the pillow are completely dry by hanging it. However, you should check the label on your latex foam pillow to see if it can be dried with a machine.
Depending on your device, follow the directions closely or choose the lowest heat setting. A dryer can be helpful in fluffing some pillows. Also, you can let the pillow mostly dry and then finish drying it outside or in a room with air circulation and a portable fan. Leave it to dry for at least an hour more to ensure your clean pillow is no longer damp.
Do not use a hair dryer to speed up the process, as this may melt or damage even latex foam pillows.
Maintaining A Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Shredded memory foam pillows should only be washed when necessary. In general, you should wash or deep clean your pillow every six months, depending on how dirty it gets. In addition to dirt, oil, makeup, and sweat, dirty pillows can harbor bacteria, even though they are compromised of a breathable natural fiber.
Give the pillow a quick wipe with a damp paper towel (gently blot the stain) if you only need to spot-clean it. You can also vacuum your pillow to remove allergens or aerate it outside to let the sun deodorize and clean it. If you live in an area with high levels of humidity, avoid the hot weather that can cause mold growth, and dry your pillow inside.
It is better to use a pillow cover instead of the pillow itself if you want to wash it more often as shredded memory foam can lose its structure over time, leading to poor sleep quality.
FAQS
Can I wash a gel-infused memory foam pillow?
Many memory foam and gel pillows have machine-washable covers, but you cannot wash them in the washer. If necessary, you can use gentle detergent or soap to spot-clean them.
Follow the above hand-washing instructions for washing a solid foam pillow or gel inserts pillows.
Can I use baking soda on shredded memory foam?
Baking soda and a vacuum cleaner are the easiest ways to clean a foam pillow since they only need to be surface cleaned unless there are bad stinks or tough stains. For deep cleaning, refer to the instructions above.
For maximum odor removal, sprinkle baking soda on your regular memory foam pillow and gently rub it into the fibers. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes to at least an hour. Vacuum the baking soda with an upholstery attachment and you’re done! You’ll enjoy better sleep with a fresh-smelling, clean pillow.
Can I hand-wash a solid piece of memory foam?
Yes, refer to the instructions above for hand washing any solid memory foam pillow you may have.
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