Clean memory foam — Memory foam can’t go in the washing machine. Our team’s safe method for cleaning a memory foam pillow — including treating sweat, oil and odour.
James on our team made the mistake once. Memory foam pillow + washing machine + spin cycle = chunks of foam in the rinse drum. Here’s the right way.
The rule: never machine wash, never tumble dry (Clean memory foam)
Both will destroy the foam structure. The cell walls break down and the pillow loses loft permanently.
Routine cleaning (every 2 months)
- Remove the cover and machine-wash separately on gentle (most are washable).
- Vacuum the foam pillow with the upholstery attachment to remove dust and dead skin.
- Spot-clean any visible marks with a microfibre cloth dampened with mild soap. Don’t saturate — water won’t evaporate from the foam interior.
- Air outdoors in shade for 2–3 hours.
Deep clean (every 6 months)
- Strip the cover.
- Make a solution: 250 ml warm water, 1 teaspoon mild laundry detergent, 1 tablespoon white vinegar.
- Lightly mist the surface (don’t soak). A fine spray bottle works best.
- Blot with microfibre cloths.
- Rinse-mist with plain water and blot.
- Air dry for at least 24 hours, flipping every 6 hours. Don’t put it back in the cover until completely dry.
Removing odour
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the surface, leave for 4–8 hours, then vacuum off. The baking soda absorbs trapped odour molecules. Sun (UV) does the same for free — air the pillow in direct sunlight for 3 hours.
Removing yellow stains (sweat / drool)
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3% chemist-grade) with 2 parts water and a teaspoon of dish soap. Mist lightly over the stain, blot with a clean cloth, repeat. Don’t use bleach — it weakens foam.
How long memory foam pillows last
3–5 years for residential use, less if not regularly aired. Beyond that, the foam cells collapse and no cleaning will recover the support. See when to replace a flat pillow.
For independent guidance on sleep and wellbeing, the Sleep Health Foundation is a good starting point.
