Last Updated on January 10, 2023
You use your pillow every day – but how often do you wash it?
Maybe you wash your pillowcases, but unfortunately, these pieces of fabric can only do so much to protect your memory foam or latex pillow. Without proper care, your bed pillows can easily collect sweat, dust, body oils, dandruff, debris and other unwanted substances which harm your sleep quality.
Changing your pillowcase is just one of the things you need to do regularly, you should also be learning how to wash a latex pillow. If you sleep with a latex pillow, cleaning it is a little more involved than putting it in the washing machine.
Fortunately, we’re here to help.
How to Wash Your Latex Pillow
Once a week, remove your pillowcase and put it in the washing machine as normal. This will help to get rid of any dandruff, skin cells, dust mites, and other unwanted debris. When you remove your pillowcases, you should get a good idea of whether your pillow also needs a wash.
Memory foam pillow and latex pillow products are often easily stained, particularly if you’re a hot sleeper. That means you tend to sweat during the night. Although the materials in a latex or foam pillow should be resistant to dust and mildew, they can still benefit from regular washing, just like your standard polyester pillows.
To preserve the latex and foam in your pillows, you shouldn’t use your washing machine unless the instructions on your pillow say otherwise. Remove the pillowcase, and fill a sink or container with warm water. Add a mild detergent, or you can use baking soda and white vinegar in some cases.
Soak a clean towel in your mixture, and wring it dry carefully. Blot your pillow with the cloth. After blotting your pillows, place fresh towels on either side and leave them to dry fully in the direct sunlight. Using sunlight and warmth to dry your pillows is important. For stains, use the water mixture to scrub the spot carefully.
Top Tips for Washing Your Latex Pillows
Read the Care Tag
If possible, you should always follow the instructions on the care tag when washing any kind of pillow. You’ll often find that most latex and memory foam pillows, like feather pillows or buckwheat hull pillows, aren’t suitable for machine washing. If you can put your pillow in the machine, you’ll often need to use mild laundry detergent and a very low temperature.
Also, check the care tag for information on whether to use a machine during washing. If it is possible to use the washing machine, make sure you choose a gentle wash cycle and follow other washing instructions listed by the manufacturer of the pillow.
Avoid Moisture
Ideally, it’s best to avoid exposing your latex pillows to too much moisture. These pillows take a long time to dry out, much longer than standard fabric. You also won’t be able to put any pillowcase now would you be able to use your pillow until the drying process is complete. Since they hold moisture longer than normal, they may also become a breeding ground for mould and mildew.
Other Washing Tips
For regular maintenance, washing your pillows with a spot clean strategy is usually the best type of care you can offer. It is also best to remind yourself of some important points.
• Leave your pillows to dry fully in sunlight or the bathtub with towels before you apply any new pillowcase or bring them back into your bedroom.
• Hand wash your latex foam pillow or latex pillows unless you have specific pillow washing guidelines provided by the manufacturer
• Do not squeeze or scrunch latex foam pillows in the middle to try and wring excess water out of them. This can damage the latex.
• Don’t try to dry your latex pillow with a hairdryer or place them on the radiator. The extra heat can damage the latex foam.
• Use the detergent recommended by the manufacturer. A mild detergent is usually a good choice or a foam detergent product.
• Don’t wash pillows in a washing machine without guidance.
• After you wash them, use pillowcases to protect your pillows from sweat, skin cells and other substances.
How Long Does a Latex Pillow Last?
A latex pillow can last between 12 and 36 months which is much longer than your standard option. Some companies even offer compensation if your pillow wears out too quickly.
If you’ve discovered that foam latex pillows are the ones that give you the best night’s sleep, you’ll want to keep them in great condition. Unfortunately, foam and latex can be a little more complicated to clean and maintain.
Following the right strategy to keep your home pillows and in great condition should ensure that you get a better quality of sleep, with more comfort each night.
Keeping Your Latex Pillows Clean
Every type of pillow comes with specific instructions for cleaning. Whether you want to wash feather pillows, buckwheat pillows, or latex pillows, you should always follow the instructions from the care label. On the other hand, caring for your latex pillow clean will reduce the number of times you need to hand wash or spot clean it. Let’s discuss the different ways you can keep your latex pillows clean.
Use a Protective Cover
The best way to keep any foam or latex pillow clean is to use a cover to protect it from substances and residue from your head and neck. If you tend to experience a lot of heat when you sleep, a special cover that’s moisture resistant might be a good choice.
Air Out Your Pillow
Let your foam or latex pillow get plenty of sunlight and fresh air between uses. This will reduce any risk of odours.
Don’t Eat On Your Bed
Don’t cover your pillow in crumbs. Having crumbs all over your pillow and bed may invite insects and other creepy crawlies. Old food particles around your sleeping environment may also be a breeding ground for germs.
Vacuum Your Bedding
You can vacuum dust particles and crumbs from your mattress and pillows. This can also make your pillowcase last longer.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Knowing how to wash a latex pillow properly could significantly improve the longevity of your bedding. Ensure to hand wash unless the cleaning instructions state otherwise and always do your research before getting started. It pays to know how to properly care for your pillows than needing to always buy new ones.
Do you have latex pillows? How do you wash them? Do you have any other tips you’d like to share?
Rebekah is a writer who loves to explore new products and find hacks that make life easier. She has a knack for all things home improvement, health and fitness. So you’ll often find her on Pinterest or browsing Houzz for ideas.
She’s always looking for the next thing to fix up around the house or what gadget might be just right for her lifestyle. Rebekah enjoys exploring new recipes, taking care of her family, and making sure she stays healthy with regular workouts at the gym.