How to Clean a Memory Foam Pillow: What Works, What Does Not
The foam core does not go in the machine, the cover does, and for everything in between there are simple steps.
Why memory foam does not belong in the washing machine
You clean a memory foam pillow in two steps: wash the cover, air the core and treat stains spot by spot. The foam core itself does not belong in the washing machine.
The reason: foam absorbs a lot of water, releases it only slowly and can tear when wrung out or spun. If moisture stays inside, the pillow can smell musty. The KomfortKissen warranty terms state for viscoelastic pillows: not washable, only the covers can be washed.
This applies to pillows with a continuous foam core such as the butterfly pillow, and equally to pillows with shredded foam such as the Wolkenkissen. For both: do not soak the core, do not wring it out, do not spin it.
Washing the cover of a memory foam pillow
The cover is the part you can remove and wash. Take it off and follow the care label.
How to proceed:
- Open the zip and pull off the cover.
- Wash according to the care label, usually on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
- Do not use bleach unless the label says otherwise.
- Air dry or as stated on the label.
Care instructions at a glance:
- Butterfly pillow: removable cover, machine washable on a gentle cycle, mild detergent, according to the care label.
- Wolkenkissen: removable bamboo viscose cover, machine washable according to the care label. The filling is not washed.
- Wolkenkissen Air+: outer cover on a cold gentle cycle, the filling is not washed.
The applicable temperature is stated on each label.
Spot cleaning
A small stain on the core or the inner cover does not need a full wash. Proceed carefully:
- Dab with a slightly damp, clean cloth, do not rub.
- If needed, dissolve a drop of mild washing-up liquid in lukewarm water and apply it with the cloth.
- Dab again with a second cloth dampened with water only.
- Do not soak the foam.
- Leave to dry completely in the open air.
Dabbing matters here: if you rub, you press the stain deeper into the foam. Test cleaning products on an inconspicuous spot first. Do not use solvents or harsh cleaners.
Airing
Airing is the simplest care. It needs no water and freshens the pillow if it smells slightly different after a while.
- Put the pillow in an airy, dry place, for example by an open window or outdoors.
- If possible put it in the shade, as strong sunshine can stress materials.
- Turn the pillow over in between.
- With shredded foam pillows, you can gently loosen or redistribute the filling after airing.
Baking soda is often recommended to absorb odours. Sprinkle it thinly on the removed cover, leave it for a few hours and vacuum it off. Test an inconspicuous spot first.
New smell
New foam can have a slight smell shortly after unpacking. This is not unusual for foam products and, as a general guide, often fades after airing. How long this takes varies.
What you can do:
- Take the pillow out of its packaging and leave it for some time in a well-ventilated room.
- Wash the cover, if it is removable.
- Do not put the pillow straight into a closed cupboard.
If the smell lasts a long time or gets stronger, contact customer service.
Drying, and when a new pillow makes sense
Dry the cover as stated on the label. Let the core dry in the open air only, if a stain has made it damp. Radiators, hair dryers and tumble dryers are off limits unless the label says otherwise.
A new pillow can make sense if:
- the shape no longer recovers and the pillow stays permanently flat,
- the foam crumbles or shows cracks,
- a smell remains even after airing and washing the cover.
There is no fixed lifespan. For the warranty, read the warranty terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wash a memory foam pillow?
The foam core is usually not washed, because it absorbs a lot of water and dries only slowly. The cover can usually be removed and washed according to the care label. Treat stains on the core spot by spot with a damp cloth.
How do I clean a memory foam pillow without a washing machine?
Pull off and wash the cover, dab the core with a slightly damp cloth and then air it thoroughly. Avoid solvents and hard rubbing. The foam should not be soaked and must dry completely.
How do I get the smell out of a memory foam pillow?
As a general guide, a slight new smell often fades after airing. Put the pillow in a well-ventilated place and wash the cover. Baking soda on the removed cover is often recommended. If the smell remains, contact customer service.
Can a memory foam pillow go in the tumble dryer?
No, do not put the foam core in the dryer. It is only aired. The removable cover follows the care label and is usually air dried.
How long does a memory foam pillow last?
That cannot be said in general and depends on use and care. For the warranty, read the warranty terms. A new pillow makes sense if the shape no longer recovers or the foam crumbles.