Your pillow collects sweat, skin oils and skincare every night, so it needs regular cleaning. The problem is that memory foam can tear, lose its shape or stay damp inside if you throw it in a washing machine. Here is how to wash a memory foam pillow the safe way.
Before you start: check the label
Always follow the care label on your pillow and cover first. The steps below are general guidance for most memory foam pillows with a removable cover.
Step 1: Remove and wash the cover
The cover does most of the work of keeping your pillow clean. Unzip it and wash it according to its care label. For most covers that means a gentle cycle with mild detergent in cool or warm water. Skip bleach and fabric softener, which can wear down soft fabrics like bamboo-derived viscose. Air dry or tumble dry on low if the label allows.
Step 2: Vacuum the foam
Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to lift dust from both sides of the foam core.
Step 3: Spot clean, do not soak
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cool water.
- Dampen a cloth, not the pillow, and gently dab stained areas.
- Wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water to lift the soap.
- Never wring, twist or scrub hard. Memory foam can tear.
Step 4: Deodorize
Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the foam, leave it for a few hours, then vacuum it off. This helps freshen the pillow between deeper cleans.
Step 5: Air dry completely
Let the foam dry fully in a well-ventilated room, away from direct heat. Avoid hair dryers, radiators and the dryer, since high heat can damage foam. Make sure it is completely dry before putting the cover back on.
What not to do
- Do not put memory foam in a washing machine or dryer unless the label says it is safe.
- Do not soak the foam. Water gets trapped inside and is slow to dry.
- Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals on the foam.
How often to clean
- Pillowcase: weekly.
- Removable cover: every few weeks, more often in summer or if you sweat at night.
- Foam core: spot clean as needed and freshen every few months.
Cleaning helps a pillow last, but it cannot bring back lost support. Learn how often to replace your pillow.
Why a removable cover matters
A zip-off cover is the easiest way to keep a memory foam pillow fresh. The VaVerto Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow has a breathable bamboo-derived viscose cover that is removable and washable, wrapped around gel-infused memory foam that helps you sleep cooler. Hot sleepers who sweat more will appreciate both. Read more in our best cooling pillow for hot sleepers guide.
Heading outdoors? The VaVerto Camping & Travel Pillow also offers a White Bamboo-Derived Viscose Cover option.
Easy to keep fresh
A removable, washable bamboo-derived viscose cover over cooling gel memory foam.
Shop the washable-cover memory foam pillowFAQ
Can you put a memory foam pillow in the washing machine?
Usually no. Wash the removable cover and spot clean the foam unless the care label says otherwise.
How do you get a smell out of a memory foam pillow?
Air it out in a ventilated room and use baking soda on the foam, then vacuum it off.
How long does memory foam take to dry?
It depends on how damp it got and your room. Spot cleaning with a barely damp cloth keeps drying time short.
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