All of us love our memory foam pillows but when we spill a drink or sleep on it for many nights, they can develop smells and even mold.
Honestly, the first and best tip is to put a waterproof cover on top of your pillow before your pillowcase.
This is the best way to prevent your memory foam pillow from developing mold or weird smells.
When you don’t use a waterproof cover over your memory foam pillow then the sweat from your body during the night can cause your pillow to develop moisture.
Unfortunately, memory foam tends to hold shape AND moisture.
This will lead to mold and smells in your perfect pillow.
Once your pillow has developed MOLD, I’m sorry to say, it’s time for it to go.
What is Memory Foam?
Memory foam pillows were developed during the mid 20th century by NASA. The foam conforms when pressure is pushed against it. Once the pressure is removed the foam recovers its shape.
Memory foam makes for one of the best pillow brands because of its ability to decrease the occurrence of skin diseases such as bed sores.
Newer brands are working with gel-foam to make pillows and mattresses cooler.
Step 1: Remove the outer covering
If you have a waterproof cover or pillowcase, you should take those off before you begin this process.
Also, some pillows come with their own coverage and you’ll need to take these off as well.
Step 2: Soap and Water
Prepare a bucket big enough to submerge your pillow. You can use a laundry hamper that doesn’t have holes. You can use a bathtub. Also, a sink works nicely as well.
Use 1 tablespoon of laundry soap and distilled water. Distilled water works best for preventing microbial growth.
The water needs to be warm, not hot.
Combine the warm distilled water with the laundry soap and swish until suds form.
Step 3: Soak the Pillow
Place the pillow into the warm soapy water and let it soak until the foam is completely saturated with the soapy water.
Let the pillow soak for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the Pillow
DO NOT WRING OR TWIST THE PILLOW TO REMOVE WATER.
Gently press the water out of the pillow with light pressure. You do not want to twist or wring the pillow because that will damage the material.
Step 5: Lay Memory Foam Pillow Flat to Dry
Lay the memory foam pillow flat to dry on a hard surface that will allow for drainage. A drying board will work well.
Be patient. This can take some time so try to resist the urge to use forced heat on the pillow. You can apply a low heat blow dryer for 5-10 minutes if you move the blow dryer fast across the memory foam pillow.
