How To Wash a Tempur Pedic Pillow: Safe Cleaning Guide and FAQs

If you’re wondering how to wash a Tempur Pedic pillow without ruining its feel, you’re not alone. Memory foam pillows are different from traditional fiber or feather pillows, and cleaning them the wrong way can cause lasting damage. This FAQ-style guide explains what you can and cannot do, plus simple steps to keep your pillow fresh.

Can you wash a Tempur-style memory foam pillow in the washing machine?

No — the foam core should not be machine washed or machine dried.

The dense, contouring foam inside this type of pillow is sensitive to:

  • Agitation (washing machine spinning or vigorous scrubbing)
  • Excess water soaking into the foam
  • High heat from a dryer or direct sunlight

These can cause the pillow to tear, crumble, lose its shape, or harden. For this reason, when people ask how to wash a Tempur Pedic pillow, the answer is usually: wash the cover, not the foam, and spot clean carefully when needed.

Which parts of the pillow can you actually wash?

Most molded memory foam pillows come in two separate parts:

  • Removable outer cover (often zippered) – usually machine washable
  • Foam core – not machine washable; spot clean only

Always start by checking the care tag on your specific pillow, as instructions can vary. As a general guide:

  • Outer cover: Commonly safe for a gentle machine wash and line dry.
  • Inner foam: Keep it dry as much as possible and avoid soaking.

Step-by-step: How to wash a Tempur-style pillow cover

If your question is how to wash a Tempur Pedic pillow in everyday care, you’ll usually only need to clean the cover:

  1. Remove the cover
    Unzip and take it off carefully so you don’t tug on the foam.

  2. Check the care label
    Follow any temperature or cycle guidance listed.

  3. Machine wash gently
    Use a mild detergent, cool or warm water, and a gentle cycle. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.

  4. Air dry
    Many covers do best when line dried or laid flat. If the label allows low-heat tumble drying, use the lowest setting.

  5. Replace only when fully dry
    Make sure there is no dampness before putting it back on the foam to help prevent odors.

How do you clean the foam core without ruining it?

When spills or stains reach the foam, spot cleaning is the safest method.

Gentle spot-cleaning steps

  1. Prepare a mild cleaning solution
    Mix a small amount of gentle liquid detergent with cool water.

  2. Dampen, don’t soak, a cloth
    Use a clean, soft cloth or sponge. Wring it out so it’s only slightly damp.

  3. Blot the stain
    Gently dab the affected area. Avoid scrubbing or twisting the foam.

  4. Rinse with a clean damp cloth
    Use another cloth dampened with plain water to blot away soap residue.

  5. Press out excess moisture
    Use a dry towel to blot and absorb as much water as possible.

  6. Air dry thoroughly
    Place the pillow in a well-ventilated area, flat, away from direct sunlight and away from heaters.
    Allow many hours or overnight until the foam is completely dry before using it again.

How often should you clean a Tempur-style pillow?

When thinking about how to wash a Tempur Pedic pillow over time, focus on regular, light maintenance:

  • Wash the removable cover every few weeks, or as needed.
  • Spot clean the foam only when spills or visible stains occur.
  • Air out the pillow occasionally by removing the cover and placing the foam in a dry, shaded area to release odors.

Using a separate pillow protector under the pillowcase can also reduce how often you need to clean the foam itself.

What common mistakes should you avoid?

To keep the pillow supportive and comfortable, avoid:

  • Machine washing or machine drying the foam
  • Soaking the foam under running water or in a tub
  • Using hot water, bleach, or strong stain removers on the foam
  • Wringing, twisting, or folding the foam aggressively
  • Drying in direct, intense sunlight or with high dryer heat

These mistakes are some of the main reasons memory foam pillows become misshapen, cracked, or less comfortable over time.

Does deodorizing powder or spray damage the pillow?

Lightly sprinkling baking soda on the removable cover or on a sheet laid over the foam, then vacuuming it off after a few hours, is a common way people freshen their pillows. Avoid heavy use of liquid freshening sprays directly on the foam, since extra moisture may be slow to dry and can affect the material.

How do you know when to replace instead of clean?

Cleaning can handle surface dirt, minor spills, and mild odors, but it may be time to consider replacing the pillow when:

  • The foam no longer returns to its original shape
  • You notice deep cracks, crumbling, or permanent indentations
  • Odors remain even after careful airing and spot cleaning

No cleaning method can fully restore foam that has physically broken down over time.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Wash a Tempur Pedic Pillow

  • Do not machine wash or dry the foam core – clean covers in the machine, foam by hand only.
  • Spot clean the foam with a slightly damp cloth and mild detergent, then air dry completely.
  • Never soak, wring, or twist the foam, and avoid hot water, bleach, and high heat.
  • Wash the removable cover regularly, and use pillow protectors to reduce how often the foam needs cleaning.
  • Air the pillow out occasionally in a shaded, ventilated area to help with freshness.
  • If the foam becomes misshapen, cracked, or permanently indented, cleaning won’t fix it and replacement may be the more practical choice.

Understanding how to wash a Tempur Pedic pillow gently and correctly helps maintain its feel, keeps it fresher for longer, and reduces the risk of accidental damage during cleaning.