How to Wash Memory Foam Pillows
To wash your memory foam or specialty foam pillow, skip the machine and spot clean it by hand instead. A washer’s harsh movement and the dryer’s heat can damage foam, reducing your pillow's support. We created this guide to help you deal with life’s stains, spills, and smells when they have your foam pillows feeling less than fresh.
How To Know if Your Foam Pillow Is Washable
The only reliable way to know whether you can wash a foam pillow is to check the manufacturer’s care instructions on the tag or product page online. While you can machine wash most standard pillows, foam materials are sensitive to agitation and heat, and aren’t designed for machine washing or drying. Washing them incorrectly can permanently damage their structure and support.
Here’s how the washability typically breaks down by foam type.
Memory Foam
Traditional memory foam pillows should not be placed in a washing machine or dryer. Machine agitation can cause the foam to tear or lose its shape, while dryer heat can damage the material.
- Machine washable: No
- Dryer safe: No
- Recommended cleaning: Spot clean or gently hand wash, then air-dry completely.
