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How to Clean Memory Foam

the maids • Nov 21, 2012

Memory foam mattresses and pillows are a modern comfort that has improved the backs and bedtimes of many people throughout the country. However, an owner of this miracle material may forget to clean memory foam. You may wonder “how do you clean memory foam, anyway”? Surprisingly, you do not need to hire a professional to clean memory foam. It is easy to clean memory foam at home. 

There are two ways to clean memory foam. The first way to clean memory foam involves using dishwashing liquid to get rid of stains, or a vacuum it to erase hair and crumbs. The second way to clean memory foam is to deep clean the foam in order to boost freshness and remove any deep stains.

The following article from Overstock.com explains the best ways to clean memory foam.

How to Clean Memory Foam

Memory foam pillows and mattresses are great investments. They can help you sleep better, ease your back pain and reduce snoring. The biggest challenge you'll face with memory foam is the cleaning process, but learning how to clean memory foam is easier than you think. Check the care label or instructions that came with your memory foam product before you try to clean it, and if it's safe for non-professional cleaning, follow this guide to a fresh, clean piece of memory foam.

Cleaning Memory Foam:

  1. Freshen it up. Lightly sprinkle some borax or baking powder on your topper or pillow. Let it sit for at least 30-45 minutes. This will give the product a bright and fresh smell.
  2. Vacuum. Remove the borax or baking powder with a handheld vacuum cleaner. This will also clean other items off of your memory foam topper or mattress, such as dust or pet hair.
  3. Wet the stains. If you have a stain, wet a wash cloth with warm water and a little bit of dishwashing liquid. Rub the stain in a circular motion. Use a fresh damp wash cloth to press against the area to help dry and blot the liquid out of the foam.
  4. Soak up moisture. Next, place and press a dry towel over the dampened area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Dry it. As for drying your memory foam, you can air dry it outside, use an electric fan or place it in a well-ventilated area.

Deep Cleaning Memory Foam:

  1. Place in a well-ventilated area. Place the memory foam item in a well-ventilated area. This will help dry the foam and also keep moisture from getting trapped and creating mold and allergens.
  2. Steam clean it. Use a steam cleaner to extract deep stains. Depending on the size of the memory foam, you can use a handheld steamer or a full-size steaming machine.
  3. Neutralize odors. For a boost in freshness, add a tablespoon of vinegar and lemon to neutralize any odors. Steam the memory foam item from top to bottom in long, slow strokes.
  4. Dry it. Prop the item in a well-ventilated area for 30-60 minutes to ensure it dries completely.

While many people are under the impression that it is difficult to clean memory foam, all you really need to clean memory foam is a few regular household cleaning solutions. As stated in the article above, it is not challenging to clean memory foam.

If you continually keep a sheet or pillowcase over your memory foam, this will help prevent dirt and stains from infiltrating your memory foam. However, some stains cannot be avoided, and this is when you can utilize your newfound knowledge in order to clean memory foam.

Consider adding “clean memory foam” to your seasonal cleaning list to ensure that you clean your memory foam every few months or so. As with regular mattresses, bugs can become attracted to the dirt that accumulates on memory foam, so keeping a clean memory foam will help be sure that your bedroom is pest-free.

As always, be sure to check the product’s cleaning instructions before you clean memory foam using the above methods.

A professional can help deep clean memory foam if you don’t have the time or the means to do it yourself. Please contact The Maids for all of your home cleaning needs. We would be happy to assist you.

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