Proper care will keep your pillows and cushions cozy and clean for a long time. Different materials require different cleaning methods. Here are some general care and washing guidelines for various types of Sleepstore pillows and cushion materials:

• Memory Foam Pillows (Solid Memory Foam): Avoid putting solid memory foam pillows in a washing machine, as it can damage the foam’s structure. Instead, spot clean the foam or hand-wash it gently. Use a mild detergent on any stained areas and gently squeeze the foam without wringing or twisting. After cleaning, air-dry the pillow completely – lay it flat in a well-ventilated area, away from direct harsh sunlight, until it’s fully dry (memory foam can hold moisture, and it needs to dry thoroughly to prevent mold). Many memory foam pillows come with a removable outer cover; you should remove and wash the cover separately (most covers, including those made of cotton or Tencel, are machine washable). By regularly airing out your memory foam pillow and keeping the cover clean, you’ll maintain freshness without needing to wash the foam frequently (in fact, memory foam is naturally resistant to dust mites and allergens, so occasional spot cleaning is usually enough).
  
  

• Fiber-Fill Pillows (Polyfiber/Down-Alternative): These pillows are generally easy to clean. Most fiber or microfiber pillows can be machine washed safely. We recommend using a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and a mild detergent. It’s best to wash two pillows at a time (if your machine has capacity) or add some towels to balance the load – this helps the machine agitate them evenly. After washing, make sure to rinse thoroughly (an extra rinse cycle helps remove all soap). For drying, you can tumble dry fiber-fill pillows on low heat. Adding a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls in the dryer helps fluff the pillows and prevent the filling from clumping. Ensure the pillow is completely dry inside out before using it again (any moisture left can lead to mildew). If you don’t have a dryer, air-dry the pillow under the sun or in a breezy spot, and fluff it occasionally during the drying process to maintain its loft. Regularly fluffing and airing your fiber pillows between washes will also keep them fresh.
  
  

• Shredded Memory Foam Pillows: Shredded foam pillows contain small pieces of foam for adjustable comfort. Do not machine wash or submerge the shredded foam filling – washing machines and dryers can cause the foam pieces to warp or crumble. The good news is the foam pieces typically don’t need washing as they are enclosed in the pillow. For cleaning: ** unzip the pillow and remove the shredded foam filling** (you can keep the foam in a clean bag while you wash the cover). Wash the outer pillow cover according to its fabric type (most likely machine wash gentle, similar to other covers). Make sure the cover is completely dry before putting the foam back in. To maintain the shredded foam, air it out occasionally: you can spread the foam pieces out in the sun for a few hours to freshen them (sunlight helps eliminate odors and any moisture). If the foam ever gets an odor, you can sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the foam, let it sit, and then shake it out or vacuum it off – but avoid getting the foam wet. Remember, the foam filling itself should not be washed with water, so focus on keeping the cover clean and simply fluff or replace the foam as needed (some shredded pillows come with extra foam to adjust thickness or replace old filling).
  

• Tencel Fabric Pillow Covers: Tencel (lyocell) is a soft, breathable fabric often used for high-quality pillow covers and cushion covers (sometimes also branded as eucalyptus fiber). Tencel covers are generally machine washable for easy care. Wash them on a delicate or gentle cycle with a mild detergent. It’s best to use cold or lukewarm water (around 30°C to 40°C is ideal) to protect the fiber. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals on Tencel, as that can damage the fabric. If the cover has a zipper, zip it closed before washing to prevent snagging. After washing, air drying is recommended to preserve the fabric quality – hang the cover up or lay it flat to dry. Tencel dries relatively quickly and tends to wrinkle less than cotton. You can also tumble dry on low heat if needed (remove promptly when dry). If there are slight wrinkles, a low-heat iron or steamer can be used, but often smoothing it out with your hands while it’s damp is enough. Taking gentle care of your Tencel pillow covers will keep them soft and extend their lifespan.