Quick Answer: Never machine wash or tumble dry memory foam pillows. The agitation destroys the foam's structure. Instead, remove the cover and wash it separately, vacuum the foam surface, spot clean stains with mild detergent and a damp cloth, deodorize with baking soda, and air dry flat for 24 hours. A monthly light refresh and a deeper clean every 2 to 3 months keeps memory foam pillows hygienic.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Memory foam pillows need cleaning just like any other pillow, but the method is completely different. You cannot toss a memory foam pillow in the washing machine and dryer the way you would a down or polyester fill pillow. The foam will not survive it.
Learning how to wash memory foam pillows properly takes a bit more effort, but it is straightforward once you understand what the material can and cannot handle. We sell pillows at our Brantford showroom and walk every customer through proper care, because a well-maintained memory foam pillow lasts significantly longer than one that gets neglected or cleaned incorrectly.
Why You Cannot Machine Wash Memory Foam
Memory foam (viscoelastic polyurethane foam) has an open-cell structure that gives it the ability to conform to your head and neck shape. A washing machine's agitation cycle tears this structure apart. Even on a gentle cycle, the repeated compression and twisting breaks the foam's internal cells, causing the pillow to lose its shape, crack into pieces, or become lumpy and unusable.
The dryer is equally destructive. Heat breaks down the chemical bonds in polyurethane foam, making it brittle and crumbly. A memory foam pillow that goes through a hot dryer cycle will likely come out misshapen and permanently damaged.
This does not mean memory foam pillows cannot be cleaned. It means you need to clean them differently.
Quick Refresh Method (Do This Monthly)
This takes about 45 minutes of hands-off time and keeps your pillow fresh between deeper cleans.
- Remove the pillowcase and any removable cover. Wash these in the machine with your regular laundry.
- Vacuum the foam surface. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to remove dust, skin cells, and debris from the pillow surface. Cover all sides.
- Sprinkle baking soda generously over one side of the pillow. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes odours.
- Vacuum off the baking soda. Flip the pillow and repeat on the other side.
- Air out the pillow near an open window or with a fan for an hour before putting the cover back on.
This monthly routine removes surface contaminants and keeps the foam smelling fresh without introducing any moisture to the foam.
Spot Cleaning Stains
For visible stains (drool marks, sweat yellowing, spills), spot cleaning targets the problem area without soaking the entire pillow.
- Mix a small amount of mild liquid dish soap with lukewarm water (roughly 1 teaspoon of soap per cup of water).
- Dip a clean white cloth into the solution and wring it out so the cloth is damp, not wet.
- Gently dab the stained area. Do not rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper and can damage the foam surface.
- Use a second clean, damp cloth (water only) to blot away the soap residue.
- Press a dry towel against the area to absorb excess moisture.
- Let the pillow air dry completely before using it again.
| Stain Type | Best Treatment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drool or saliva | Mild dish soap and cold water | Treat promptly. Dried drool stains are harder to remove. |
| Sweat yellowing | Hydrogen peroxide (3%) dabbed on, sit 10 min | Test on a hidden spot first. May lighten coloured covers. |
| Blood | Cold water and enzyme cleaner | Never use hot water on blood. |
| Makeup or oils | Rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad, dab gently | Follow with a damp cloth rinse. |
| General odour | Baking soda application, 1+ hours | For stubborn smells, repeat twice. |
8 min read
Deep Surface Cleaning (Every 2-3 Months)
When spot cleaning and baking soda are not enough, a deeper surface wash refreshes the entire pillow.
- Fill a basin or bathtub with lukewarm water and add 1 tablespoon of mild liquid detergent per gallon of water.
- Submerge the pillow and gently press it with your hands to work the soapy water through the foam. Do not wring, twist, or squeeze aggressively.
- Drain the soapy water. Refill with clean lukewarm water and gently press the pillow again to rinse. Repeat until the water runs clear and no soap bubbles remain.
- Press the pillow gently between clean towels to absorb excess water. Do not wring.
- Air dry flat on a clean, dry surface (see drying section below).
Talia, Showroom Specialist: "I tell customers to think of memory foam like a sponge, except one that takes a full day to dry. If you soak it, you have to be patient with the drying. Skipping that step and putting a wet pillow back in a case is how you end up with mould inside the foam."
Drying: The Most Important Step
Improper drying is where most people make mistakes with memory foam pillows.
- Never use a dryer. No heat, not even low. Heat damages polyurethane foam at any dryer setting.
- Lay the pillow flat on a clean, dry surface. A drying rack works well because air can circulate underneath.
- Point a fan at the pillow to speed airflow. This can cut drying time significantly.
- Flip the pillow every few hours so both sides dry evenly.
- Allow 24 hours minimum. Thicker pillows may need longer, especially in humid conditions. In Ontario's summer humidity, budget extra time.
- Check for dampness before use. Press the centre of the pillow firmly. If it feels cool or damp at all, it is not dry yet. A damp memory foam pillow is a mould risk.
Why Drying Time Matters
Memory foam's open-cell structure traps moisture deep inside. Surface dryness does not mean the interior is dry. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has documented that trapped moisture in bedding materials creates favourable conditions for mould and dust mite proliferation (Arlian et al., 2015). Complete drying is not optional. It is what prevents your pillow from becoming a health problem.
Protecting Your Pillow Between Cleans
Prevention reduces how often you need to deep clean.
- Use a pillow protector. A zippered pillow protector between the foam and your pillowcase catches most sweat, oils, and skin cells before they reach the foam. Wash the protector monthly.
- Change pillowcases weekly. Your pillowcase absorbs body oils and facial products every night. Weekly changes prevent that buildup from transferring to the foam.
- Air out your pillow regularly. When you change your sheets, leave the pillow uncovered for a few hours. This lets trapped moisture evaporate.
- Keep the bedroom well-ventilated. Good airflow prevents moisture buildup. In Brantford's winter, heated indoor air is dry enough. In summer, a fan or dehumidifier helps.
When to Replace Instead of Clean
Memory foam pillows have a lifespan of 2 to 3 years. Cleaning extends that life, but eventually the foam degrades beyond what cleaning can fix.
Replace your memory foam pillow when:
- It stays flat and does not spring back to its original shape overnight
- There is a persistent odour that baking soda and cleaning cannot eliminate
- The foam feels crumbly, brittle, or has visible deterioration
- You wake with neck pain or stiffness that was not present when the pillow was newer
- Visible yellowing has penetrated deep into the foam (surface yellowing is cosmetic, but deep yellowing indicates material breakdown)
We carry a selection of pillows at our Brantford showroom, including memory foam, down alternative, and adjustable fill options. Come in and test a few, because the right pillow depends on your sleeping position, and a pillow that has lost its support is not doing your neck any favours.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "A good pillow costs $40 to $80 and lasts 2 to 3 years. That works out to less than 10 cents a night for proper neck support. When the foam stops bouncing back, it is time, not in another 6 months."
Sources
- Arlian, L. et al. (2015). "Reducing relative humidity to control house dust mites." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(8), 8561-8574.
- Asthma Canada (2025). "Common Indoor Allergen Triggers." asthma.ca
- Health Canada (2024). "Indoor Air Quality." canada.ca
Memory foam pillows should never go in a washing machine, as agitation destroys the foam structure. Instead, spot clean stains with a damp cloth and mild detergent, deodorize with baking soda, and air dry completely to prevent mould growth inside the dense foam. Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford carries memory foam and latex pillows with removable washable covers. Dorothy recommends choosing a pillow with a zippered washable cover, as regular cover washing keeps the foam core clean and extends pillow life from one year to three or more. Call (519) 770-0001.
Shop: Pillows at Mattress Miracle
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Popular pillows at Mattress Miracle:
- Somnia 3.0 posture support pillow
- Symbia Orthopedic Wedge Pillow
- Talalay Latex Pillow (Dreamcloud)
- Cool Ice Pillow (Cooling Gel)
Or our full pillow range in our Brantford showroom.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put memory foam pillows in the washing machine?
No. The agitation of a washing machine tears apart memory foam's cellular structure, causing it to break into pieces or lose its shape permanently. Even on a gentle cycle, the mechanical action is too rough for viscoelastic foam. Always hand clean memory foam pillows using spot cleaning, surface washing, or careful hand washing in a basin.
How often should you clean a memory foam pillow?
Do a light refresh (vacuuming and baking soda deodorizing) every month. Spot clean stains as they happen. A deeper surface wash every 2 to 3 months keeps the pillow hygienic. Always wash the removable pillowcase weekly with your regular laundry. A pillow protector between the foam and pillowcase reduces how often the foam itself needs cleaning.
How long do memory foam pillows last before replacement?
Most memory foam pillows last 2 to 3 years with proper care. Signs it needs replacing include permanent flattening that does not recover overnight, a persistent odour that cleaning cannot remove, visible yellowing throughout the foam, or waking up with neck pain that goes away within an hour. A pillow that no longer returns to its original shape has lost the memory foam properties that make it supportive.
Can you put a memory foam pillow in the dryer?
No. Heat damages memory foam by breaking down its cellular structure, causing it to become brittle, crumbly, or permanently deformed. Always air dry memory foam pillows on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area. Drying can take 24 hours or more depending on humidity. A fan pointed at the pillow speeds the process safely.
Can you wash memory foam pillows safely, and which Mattress Miracle pillows are easiest to clean?
Yes, you can wash memory foam pillows, but only the cover and the surface - never the foam itself in a washing machine. Solid memory foam absorbs water deep into its cell structure, and the agitation of a wash cycle physically tears the cellular walls. The right method: remove the zippered cover and machine-wash it separately, vacuum the foam with the upholstery attachment, spot clean stains with diluted mild detergent on a damp cloth, deodorize with baking soda left on the surface for an hour, and air dry. Pillows with shredded memory foam fill (rather than solid blocks) can sometimes be hand-washed in a basin if the manufacturer specifically permits it. Talia, who pairs Brantford customers with pillows that fit their cleaning preferences, says: "If you hate the idea of hand-cleaning a pillow, get one with a fully removable washable cover. The Cool Ice and AromaCloud pillows we carry both have zip-off covers, which solves 80% of the cleaning problem before it starts." The 1996 PubMed allergen study (PMID 8876094) on pillow fill types found that allergen accumulation depends heavily on washability, so a pillow with a washable cover holds its hygiene longer than one without. Browse our Cool Ice gel memory foam pillow or our AromaCloud queen pillow, or see our full pillow collection for washable-cover options. For broader pillow allergen guidance, read our best pillows for allergies guide.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Looking for a new pillow or a protector to keep your current one cleaner longer? Stop by and we will help you find the right fit. We carry multiple pillow types and can match one to your sleeping position. Helping Brantford families sleep better since 1997.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441 1/2 West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle -- 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, ON -- (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Come in and let our team help you find the right mattress for your needs. No pressure, no commission.