When cleaning your memory foam mattress, pillow, or topper be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations.
Most memory foam products are not meant to get completely saturated and will come with a protective cover. We will go over cleaning your cover or case, spot treating your memory foam, and periodic upkeep.
The key to cleaning any memory foam material is to use as little water as possible. A regular vacuuming is important so dirt doesn’t build up in the foam or on the cover.
Cleaning a Memory Foam Mattress
Nearly all memory foam mattresses come with a cover. Most of the covers used are water resistant or waterproof to help protect your mattress. Remove the cover from your mattress and run it through a cold cycle in your washer and let it air dry.
Memory foam cannot be cleaned with any type of carpet or upholstery cleaning machine. Begin with a simple vacuuming of your mattress. If you have any spots to treat, you can use diluted vinegar or upholstery cleaner. Two parts water and one part cleaning agent should do the trick. Using a clean spray bottle, spray the stained areas. Press deeply with a clean dry cloth to absorb the stain.
Accidents happen, so if you have a spill on your memory foam mattress try baking soda. Apply the baking soda directly to the liquid on your mattress. The baking soda will absorb the liquid and you can let it stand for about 15-20 minutes and then vacuum up the mess. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, so it will get rid of bad smells.
After your mattress is clean it needs to dry quickly. Using a hairdryer on a cold setting will evaporate any remaining moisture from your memory foam. If it’s possible, try and get your mattress into the sunlight. Even on cloudy days, the sun will dry and disinfect your mattress.
Cleaning a Memory Foam Pillow
Like with mattresses it is best not to wash or saturate your memory foam pillow with water. Making sure you have a good water resistant pillowcase will add to the life of your memory foam pillow.
When your cover is dirty or gets stained wash it on cold and line dry. Check your pillow for any spots and spot treat using 2 parts water to one part cleaner. Always read the cleaning label to be sure the cleaner is safe and follow the pillow manufacturers instructions.
If your pillow has deep set in stains, you can fill your sink with about an inch of water and a few capfuls of vinegar. Set your pillow in the sink and gently press down allowing some of the water to saturate the pillow. Switch sides and repeat.
This method will get your memory foam more saturated, so be sure to dry it completely. The best way to ensure your pillow is completely dry is to use sunlight and be sure to flip your pillow during the drying process. Here is a great video for cleaning your memory foam pillows.
Cleaning a Memory Foam Topper
Memory foam mattress toppers can be spot treated like just like mattresses and pillows. Never wash a memory foam mattress in a washing machine. Washing machines can rip your topper and high heat can break down the foam.
The easiest way to clean a mattress topper is to fill a bathtub with a solution of 2 parts water to one part cleaner (Woolite is a good choice for most memory foam). Fill the tub about an inch using this solution and gently press the mattress topper into the tub.
When using this method ensuring your topper is completely dry is important. Chose a sunny day to clean when using this method. You will need to let your mattress topper dry completely in the sun and flip halfway through the drying process.
If you don’t have time to wait for your topper to dry in the sun there is another method you can try. Fill a small bucket or cup with warm (not hot) water and a few capfuls of liquid dish soap like Dawn. Mix until the solution is full of bubbles. Using a dry cloth, scoop the bubbles from the top of the container. Using only the bubbles, scrub in a circular motion to spot treat any stains.
Final Tips
The key to cleaning memory foam is using as little water as possible. The more water you use the more care you need to take in ensuring it dries quickly and completely. A regular vacuuming is the best method to keep your memory foam clean and fresh.
Also be sure you have a good waterproof cover for your memory foam mattress, pillow, or topper.If urine stains need to be treated, try and enzymatic cleaner like Nature's Miracle, which neutralizes urine smells.
Finally, remember to check your both your cleaner and your manufacturer's recommendations for proper cleaning and care.