If you want to know how to clean shredded memory foam pillow correctly, you can do so by hand and via a washer. However, the emphasis is necessary that some shredded memory foam pillows are not meant to go in the machine. Still, some manufacturers may allow machine washing, so be sure to check your pillow’s label.
We must keep our shredded memory foam pillows clean to help them last longer. It will also prevent the buildup of pathogens and allergens that are detrimental to our health and comfort. If you want to learn more about maintaining shredded memory foam pillows, continue reading this article.
How To Clean A Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
By hand
Shredded memory foam is still memory foam, with the difference that it undergoes a process to form tiny pieces. Therefore, cleaning a shredded memory foam pillow also requires gentle handling as a solid memory foam pillow. It would help to check your pillow’s label if the manufacturer has specific cleaning directions and recommendations as well.
Step #1. Submerge
To clean a shredded memory foam pillow by hand, you want to remove the cover first. Then, prepare a tub where you can wash the pillow. Add some gentle detergent to lukewarm water and submerge the pillow into the mixture.
You want the soapy solution to penetrate and clean the inside of the pillow, so you can squeeze the pillow gently as it is underneath the water. Be mindful in crushing the pillow as this can damage the shredded memory foam inside. Then, you can rinse the pillow thoroughly.
Step #2. Rinse
Replace the container with clean water and submerge the pillow again to get rid of the suds. You can also use this chance to scrub the pillow’s surface and get it clean gently. Rinse the pillow in clean water as often as needed until you no longer see any residual soap.
Step #3. Dry
Finally, gently squeeze the pillow to remove the excess liquid. Refrain from wringing your pillow because it can deform the memory foam. Once done, hang the pillow somewhere with direct sunlight and use it after it’s dried thoroughly.
In the machine
When looking for ways on how to clean shredded memory foam safely, you’ll notice guides with contradicting tips. One would say that you must only hand wash a shredded memory foam pillow, but another mentions that you can use a washing machine. The decision lies in the label recommendations since some products are washable in the machine, while some require never to use a washer.
Step #1. Wash
As you have probably assumed, you must remove the pillowcase first before putting the pillow in the washer. Then, use warm water and gentle detergent before setting the machine in a gentle cycle. Some also recommended using the largest load setting when washing a shredded memory foam pillow.
Step #2. Rinse
After the cycle, you can rinse the pillow. Always check that the pillow has no residual soap that might penetrate inside and cause mold growth. You can use two rinse cycles if necessary.
Step #3. Dry
Finally, dry your pillow the same way that’s discussed earlier. Hang the pillow, so that all sides get dried completely. However, check your pillow label if you can use a dryer.
If it allows, follow the directions diligently or select the lowest heat setting. Some pillows benefit from the dryer because it helps fluff them. You can also let the pillow dry up to 90% and then finish drying it outdoors or in a room with circulating air.
Maintaining A Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
It would be best only to wash your shredded memory foam pillow when it’s essential. A deep cleaning or washing every six months should suffice, but this depends on how dirty your pillow gets. Remember that dirt, oils, skin cells, makeup, sweat, drool, bacteria, bugs, and even fungi can accumulate in a dirty pillow.
If you are only dealing with a small spill on an area, you can give the pillow a quick wipe and let it dry. You can also vacuum your pillow to eliminate allergens or aerate it outdoors and let the sun clean and deodorize the pillow for you. Shredded memory foam can lose its structure with constant washing, so it’s better to use a pillow cover that you can wash more often instead of the pillow itself.
You also want to fluff your shredded memory foam pillow every now and then to help restore its structure. Give it a few punches and hits to distribute the clumps of fills inside. You can even shake your pillow and switch sides each night before sleeping on it.
Conclusion
Shredded memory foam pillows make excellent substitutes to their solid counterparts in terms of air circulation. However, you must be aware of how to clean shredded memory foam pillow safely to ensure their longevity. This means washing the product either by hand or machine, depending on the pillow label.
Checking the pillow label is crucial to ensure that you won’t deform your pillow. Remember that memory foam can be sensitive, and some pillows might not even be compatible with using a washer and dryer. The safest option is to use a pillowcase to wash often and handwash the pillow now and then gently by hand.