Key Points
- Hand wash memory foam pillows instead of using a machine.
- Spot clean pillows with detergent and warm water.
- Use pillowcases and protectors to keep pillows cleaner longer.
There’s no question that your pillows need to be washed. Pillows are used for hours every night and quickly accumulate dust, dirt, and bodily fluids if not cared for properly. Luckily, many pillows can simply be cleaned by sticking them in a washing machine.
When it comes to memory foam pillows, however, the steps are a little more unclear. Can you wash a memory foam pillow in a washing machine? Or how else should they be cleaned?
We asked expert Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, if you can wash memory foam pillows in a washing machine and her other tips to keep them clean.
Meet the Expert
Marla Mock is the president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company
Can You Wash Memory Foam Pillows in the Washing Machine?
You shouldn’t wash memory foam pillows in the washing machine, but the good news is they can be hand-washed, according to Mock.
“It is not advised to wash memory foam pillows,” Mock says. “They are made of delicate material that can tear or distort from the agitator in the washing machine.”
Memory foam is also slow to dry, making it susceptible to mold if completely submerged in water, such as in a washing machine.
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How to Deep Clean a Memory Foam Pillow
Mock says spot cleaning with a mild detergent and warm water is the best way to clean a memory foam pillow. Follow these steps to give your pillow a deep clean every few months:
- Remove your pillowcase and protector.
- Sprinkle baking soda on your memory foam pillow to remove odors. Let it sit for about an hour.
- Vacuum up the baking soda.
- Mix warm water with a small amount of detergent. Blot pillow stains with a cloth.
- Let the pillow air dry for at least four to six hours. Do not put the pillowcase or protector back on until the pillow is thoroughly dried.
Additional Tips to Keep Memory Foam Pillows Clean
- Wash your pillowcase every week. Use hot water to kill any germs or dust mites.
- Use a pillow protector and wash it every two weeks.
- Air out your pillow without a protector or pillowcase every two weeks.
- Spot clean as soon as you notice a stain.
- Vacuum your pillow regularly to remove dust and allergens.
- Avoid storing your pillow in damp areas where it could grow mold.
How Often to Clean Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows should be cleaned as often as any other pillow, Mock says. Spot cleaning should be done as needed for spills, sweat marks, and other stains. Wash pillowcases weekly and pillow protectors every two weeks.
Wondering how often you should do a full-fledged clean?
“Deep clean the memory foam pillow about every three months,” Mock says.
FAQ
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Memory foam pillows typically last about two to four years if they are cared for properly. However, if your pillow is crumbling and falling apart or has significant stains or odors that can’t be removed, it’s time to throw it out and get a new one.
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Memory foam pillows turn yellow over time due to the buildup of bodily fluids like sweat or oil. Some memory foam pillows also contain the material polyurethane, which can cause the pillow to turn yellow as it ages. To prevent yellowing, use a pillow protector in addition to a pillowcase, and wash both often.
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Yes, memory foam pillows need to be washed when they are dirty. Avoid putting them in the washing machine since the machine is too rough on the foam material. Instead, vacuum the pillow and then spot clean with detergent and warm water.
