Steam Cleaning Memory Foam Pillows: A Convenient Way To Wash, Or A Mistake To Avoid?

Once you start steam cleaning things, it's hard to stop. Steam cleaners allow you to clean and sanitize without scrubbing, and there's such a long list of things you can clean with a steamer that you might be tempted to use it on just about everything. But some items can't handle the heat and moisture of a steam cleaner, and that includes memory foam pillows.

While you can safely steam clean some types of pillows, the same is not true for memory foam pillows. Made from polyurethane foam that conforms to the shape of your body, memory foam is dense and holds its shape, providing support and pressure relief. But one of the downsides of memory foam is that it traps moisture and heat. That's why you should avoid putting these pillows in your washing machine — the heat and water can damage the structure of the foam, making it less comfortable and lumpy.

The same is true for steam cleaning. Steam cleaners clean by heating water to as hot as 300 degrees, which is far too hot for memory foam. The steam can also oversaturate the pillow, and memory foam takes a long time to dry, potentially leading to mold or mildew. Some people say steam cleaning a memory foam pillow is possible if your cleaner allows temperature adjustments and you cover the opening with a microfiber cloth, but there are far safer ways to clean your pillow without risking damage.

Rather than steam cleaning or machine washing, clean your memory foam pillow by using smart preventative measures, spot cleaning, and hand washing. Memory foam pillows are naturally resistant to bed bugs and dust mites because of the dense structure of the foam, and vacuuming the surface weekly can prevent buildup of dead skin cells and hair. Use a zippered pillow protector to further protect your pillow from debris, and wash the pillow protector monthly according to the care instructions.

Spills or stains should be addressed right away with spot cleaning. After absorbing any spilled liquid, dab the area with a cloth dampened with either plain or soapy water. To freshen up your pillow and remove any lingering odors, sprinkle it with baking soda before vacuuming it or spray it with white vinegar.

Once a year, you can try giving your memory foam pillow a deeper clean by submerging it in lukewarm water and a bit of mild detergent. Squeeze the pillow to work the water and detergent through it; be gentle to avoid ripping the foam. Repeat this until the water runs clear, then place the pillow on a towel and roll it to get the excess water out before air drying it the rest of the way. It may take up to a day, but be patient and wait until it's fully dry before putting the cover back on to avoid mildew.