How To Wash A Tempurpedic Pillow

Knowing how to wash a Tempurpedic pillow is essential for keeping your favorite sleep accessory clean, fresh, and supportive for years to come. These pillows are a significant investment in your sleep quality, and proper care is the key to protecting it.

You might be nervous about washing memory foam. It’s understandable. But with the right method, it’s a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through every step, from pre-treatment to final fluffing, ensuring you don’t accidentally damage your pillow.

We’ll cover the materials you need, the safest washing techniques, and crucial drying tips. We’ll also explain what not to do. Let’s get started.

Tempurpedic pillows are made from proprietary TEMPUR material, a high-density viscoelastic foam. Unlike standard pillows, they can’t be tossed in the washer without preparation. The core goal is to clean the outer cover thoroughly while gently washing the foam core itself, avoiding agitation that can break down the material.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Gathering your supplies before you begin makes the whole process smoother. Here’s your checklist:

Mild, liquid detergent (avoid powders, bleach, or fabric softeners)
Two clean bath towels
A large capacity washing machine (front-loading or top-loading without an agitator is best)
A clothes dryer
A spot treatment stain remover (optional, for pre-treating)
A well-ventilated area or a fan (for air-drying if preferred)

Step 1: Check the Care Label

First things first. Always look for the sewn-in care label on your Tempurpedic pillow. While most follow a standard method, Tempur-Pedic has updated instructions over the years. The label provides the most accurate, model-specific guidance. If the label contradicts anything here, follow the label.

Step 2: Remove and Wash the Outer Cover

Nearly all Tempurpedic pillows come with a removable, zippered outer cover. Unzip it and take it off. This cover is designed to be washed frequently—about once a month—to manage oils, sweat, and dust.

Wash the cover separately on a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water.
Use a small amount of mild detergent.
Tumble dry on low heat or air dry. Do not use dryer sheets, as they can coat the fabric.

Step 3: Pre-Treat Stains (If Necessary)

If the foam pillow core has any visible stains, address them now. Never saturate the foam. Apply a small dab of mild detergent directly to the stain and gently rub it in with a damp cloth. You can also use a approved upholstery cleaner. Avoid soaking the area.

Step 4: Prepare the Pillow for the Washing Machine

This step is crucial for protecting the foam. The pillow must go in the machine alone, with nothing else. To balance the load and mimimize stress on the foam, you’ll create a “pillow sandwich.”

Place one clean bath towel in the bottom of the washing machine drum.
Place your Tempurpedic pillow on top of the towel.
Place the second clean bath towel on top of the pillow.

The towels provide cushioning and help balance the machine, preventing the pillow from getting thrown around aggressively.

Step 5: Select the Correct Washer Settings

Using the wrong settings is a common mistake. Here’s exactly what to choose:

Cycle: Gentle or Delicate cycle only.
Water Temperature: Cold water exclusively. Hot water can damage the memory foam structure.
Spin Speed: Select the lowest spin speed available (often called “slow spin” or “no spin”). High-speed spinning can tear the foam apart internally.
Detergent: Use only 1-2 tablespoons of mild, liquid detergent. More soap makes rinsing harder.

Step 6: The Drying Process – Patience is Key

Drying is the most time-consuming part and where most errors happen. Rushing this will ruin your pillow. You have two good options, and a combination approach often works best.

Option A: Air Drying (Safest)

This is the method Tempur-Pedic often recommends for thorough drying.

After the wash cycle, gently press the pillow to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist it.
Lay the pillow flat on a clean, dry surface, like a drying rack or across two chairs. Ensure good air circulation.
Flip and rotate the pillow every few hours. This is important for even drying.
Expect it to take 24 to 48 hours to dry completely. A fan pointed at the pillow can speed things up.

Option B: Machine Drying (With Extreme Caution)

If you use a dryer, you must be very careful. Heat is the enemy of memory foam.

Place the damp pillow in the dryer by itself.
Add the two clean, dry bath towels from the wash cycle. They will help cushion the pillow and absorb moisture.
Set the dryer to NO HEAT or AIR FLUFF cycle only.
Run the cycle for 20-30 minutes at a time.
After each cycle, remove the pillow, feel for dampness, and fluff it manually. Check especially the center core.
Repeat until completely dry. This may take several cycles.

Never use low, medium, or high heat. Heat will degrade the TEMPUR material, making it lose its supportive properties and potentially causing it to crumble.

Step 7: Final Fluff and Reassembly

Once your pillow is 100% dry—no cool or damp spots at all—it’s time to finish up. Give it a good fluff by shaking it and kneading it with your hands to restore its loft. Then, put the clean, dry outer cover back on and zip it up. Your pillow is now fresh, clean, and ready for another night of perfect support.

What NOT to Do When Washing Your Tempurpedic Pillow

Avoiding these mistakes is just as important as following the right steps.

Do not use a washing machine with a central agitator if you can avoid it. The agitator can rip the pillow. A front-loader or impeller top-loader is safest.
Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or dry cleaning solvents. These chemicals break down the foam fibers.
Do not wring, twist, or stretch the wet foam. This can cause permanent damage and tearing.
Do not put the pillow in the dryer with heat. We cannot stress this enough. Air drying is always the safer bet.
Do not store the pillow while it’s even slightly damp. This will lead to mold and mildew growth inside the foam.

How Often Should You Wash It?

You don’t need to wash the foam core very often. A deep clean every 6 months to a year is usually sufficient for most people. However, you should wash the removable outer cover every 1-2 months. Using a pillow protector underneath the outer cover is a smart extra layer; you can wash the protector weekly.

Tips for Maintaining Your Pillow Between Washes

Daily care extends the time between big washes.

Use a pillow protector. It’s a waterproof or water-resistant barrier that guards against stains and absorbs oils.
Air it out regularly. On a sunny day, let it sit near an open window (out of direct sunlight) for a few hours.
Fluff it nightly. A quick shake and punch helps maintain its shape and responsiveness.
Spot clean immediately. If you spill something, dab it gently with a damp cloth and mild soap right away.

FAQ: Your Tempurpedic Pillow Washing Questions Answered

Can I wash a Tempurpedic pillow in a top-loading washer?

Yes, but only if it’s a top-loading washer without a central agitator column. The agitator is too rough on the foam. If you only have an agitator washer, hand washing in a bathtub is the safer alternative.

How do you hand wash a Tempurpedic pillow?

Fill a bathtub with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the pillow and gently press it to circulate the soapy water. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes. Drain the tub and refill with cold water to rinse, pressing the pillow repeatedly until the water runs clear. Follow the careful drying instructions above.

Why did my pillow come out lumpy or misshapen after washing?

Lumps usually mean the pillow wasn’t dried completely or was exposed to some heat. Incomplete drying can cause clumping of the foam fibers. Unfortunately, this damage is often permanent. Always ensure thorough, heat-free drying.

Can I dry my Tempurpedic pillow in the sun?

It’s not recommended. While sunlight can freshen, direct UV rays and heat can degrade the TEMPUR material over time. If you air dry outside, choose a shaded, well-ventilated spot and bring it in before the sun hits it.

Is it okay to put two pillows in the washer at once?

No. Wash only one pillow at a time, using the towel method described. Two pillows will not get clean properly, can unbalance your machine, and put too much stress on the foam.

What if my pillow doesn’t have a removable cover?

Some older models have sealed covers. In this case, you must wash the entire pillow following the same gentle, cold-water method. Be extra vigilant with drying, as water trapped inside a non-removable cover takes much longer to evaporate.

When It’s Time for a Replacement

Even with perfect care, all pillows eventually wear out. If your Tempurpedic pillow no longer regains its shape, feels permanently flat or lumpy, or causes you neck pain, it’s likely lost its support. Most high-quality memory foam pillows have a lifespan of 2 to 3 years with regular use. Proper washing helps you reach that full lifespan.

Cleaning your Tempurpedic pillow might seem daunting, but it’s a simple process when you break it down. Remember the golden rules: cold water, gentle cycle, no heat, and complete drying. By investing a little time and care, you ensure your pillow continues to provide the unique, pressure-relieving comfort you bought it for. Sweet dreams on your freshly cleaned pillow are worth the effort.