Knowing how to wash a Tempur pillow is essential for keeping your investment clean and supportive for years. This guide will walk you through the safe, step-by-step methods approved by Tempur-Pedic, so you can maintain your pillow without damaging its unique material.
Tempur pillows are a significant investment in your sleep. Their high-density, temperature-sensitive foam is different from any other pillow filling. Because of this, washing them incorrectly can lead to clumping, damage, or even mold. Don’t worry, though. With the right approach, you can effectively clean your pillow and extend its life.
How To Wash Tempur Pillow
It’s crucial to start by stating that most Tempur pillows have a removable, washable cover. The foam core itself should never be submerged in water or put in a washing machine. The primary method for cleaning the actual TEMPUR material is spot cleaning and air drying. Let’s break down the process for both the cover and the foam.
What You’ll Need
Gathering your supplies before you start makes the whole process smoother. You won’t need anything fancy.
- Mild liquid detergent (avoid bleach or fabric softeners)
- Cool or lukewarm water
- Clean, white cloths or sponges
- A well-ventilated area or a fan
- A bathtub or large sink (for the cover)
- Optional: A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
Step 1: Check the Care Label
First things first. Always look for the care label on your pillow. It’s usually sewn into the seam of the inner cover or on a tag. This label provides the manufacturer’s specific instructions for your exact model. Following these guidelines is the best way to avoid voiding any warranty.
Step 2: Remove and Wash the Outer Cover
Most Tempur pillows come with a zippered outer cover. Unzip it carefully and remove it. This cover is designed to be machine washed, which handles a lot of the routine dirt and oils.
- Check the care label on the cover for specific water temperature.
- Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or lukewarm water.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent. Do not use bleach or fabric softener, as they can break down the fibers.
- Tumble dry on low heat or air dry. It’s best to air dry to prevent any potential shrinkage.
Step 3: Spot Clean the TEMPUR Foam Core
This is the most important step for the pillow itself. You are not soaking the foam. You are gently dabbing at stains.
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cool water to create a weak solution.
- Dampen a clean, white cloth with the solution. Wring it out so it’s only slightly damp, not dripping wet.
- Gently blot the stained area. Never rub or scrub, as this can drive the stain deeper or damage the foam’s cell structure.
- Use a second cloth dampened with clean water to blot the area and rinse out the soap.
- Continue blotting with a dry cloth to remove as much moisture as possible.
Step 4: Air Dry the Foam Core Thoroughly
Proper drying is non-negotiable. Any trapped moisture inside the dense foam can lead to mildew.
- Place the pillow in a well-ventilated room, away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators.
- Use a fan to circulate air around the pillow. This significantly speeds up drying.
- Flip the pillow every few hours to ensure all sides dry evenly.
- Be patient. It can take 24 to 48 hours for the interior to dry completely. Do not put the cover back on until you are 100% sure the foam is dry.
What NOT To Do
Avoiding these common mistakes is just as important as following the right steps.
- DO NOT machine wash or machine dry the TEMPUR foam core.
- DO NOT soak, saturate, or submerge the foam in water.
- DO NOT use dry cleaning chemicals on the foam.
- DO NOT put the foam in direct sunlight or use a hair dryer, heater, or clothes dryer to speed up drying.
- DO NOT use harsh chemicals, bleach, or stain removers.
Dealing with Odors
If your pillow has developed a smell, spot cleaning might not be enough. For general odor refreshment, lightly sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the foam. Let it sit for an hour or two, then vacuum it off thoroughly with an upholstery attachment. This can help absorb odors without wetting the foam.
For Persistent Stains or Spills
Act quickly for liquid spills. Immediately blot up as much liquid as possible with dry towels. Then, follow the spot cleaning method above. The faster you remove the moisture, the less chance it has to seep deep into the foam where it’s harder to dry.
How to Wash the TEMPUR Breeze or Cooling Pillow Covers
Some high-tech models, like the TEMPUR Breeze line, have special phase-change or cooling covers. Always defer to the care label. Generally, these covers are also machine washable on a gentle, cold cycle. However, to preserve the cooling technology, air drying is almost always recommended over machine drying.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Prevention is the easiest form of cleaning. Here’s how to keep your pillow fresh longer.
- Use a pillow protector. A high-quality, waterproof, and breathable pillow protector under your pillowcase is the best defense against stains, sweat, and dust mites. This can be washed weekly.
- Wash your pillowcases and protector regularly, at least once a week.
- Air out your pillow. When you make your bed, pull the covers back for a little while to let the pillow breathe.
- Vacuum the foam core occasionally with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and debris.
When Professional Cleaning Might Be Needed
For very large stains, accidents involving non-water-based liquids, or if you’re unsure, consider professional help. Look for a reputable upholstery or furniture cleaning service that has experience with memory foam. Tell them the material is temperature-sensitive foam and they should use minimal moisture cleaning methods.
How Often Should You Clean Your Tempur Pillow?
You should wash the removable outer cover every 1-2 months, or according to your needs. The foam core itself rarely needs a full spot clean if you use a protector and cover. A deep clean of the foam might only be necessary once a year or if a spill or stain occurs. Regular vacuuming can be done every couple months.
Why These Specific Methods Matter
Memory foam is an open-cell material. It’s designed to be breathable and responsive. Soaking it collapses these cells and washes away the material’s proprietary properties. The foam can also trap water inside, leading to a breakdown of the material and creating a environment for mold and mildew, which is a health risk. That’s why air drying with good airflow is so critical—it allows the water to evaporate without damaging the foam’s structure.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with good care, issues can pop up. Here’s what to do.
Pillow Feels Lumpy or Uneven
If your pillow develops lumps, it’s often due to improper washing or drying where the foam clumped. You can try to gently massage and knead the foam to redistribute it. To prevent this, always avoid getting the foam too wet and ensure it’s completely dry before use.
Pillow Has a Musty Smell After Cleaning
A musty smell usually means moisture is still trapped inside. Immediately remove the cover and place the foam core back in a ventilated area with a fan. It may need several more hours to dry. The baking soda method described earlier can help with residual odors once it’s fully dry.
The Cover Shrank in the Dryer
This is why air drying covers is safest. If it shrank slightly, you might be able to gently stretch it while it’s still damp. If it’s unusable, you can contact Tempur-Pedic to purchase a replacement cover for your specific model.
FAQ Section
Can I put my Tempur pillow in the washing machine?
No, you should never put the TEMPUR material foam core in a washing machine or dryer. Only the removable, zippered outer cover is machine washable.
How do you wash a TEMPUR pillow without ruining it?
You wash it by spot cleaning only the stained areas with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, followed by a crucial thorough air drying with a fan for 24-48 hours. The main cleaning happens by regularly washing the removable cover.
Can you get TEMPUR pillows wet?
You should avoid getting the foam core wet. Spot cleaning involves minimal, localized dampness that is immediately blotted and dried. Saturation can ruin the foam’s support and lead to mold.
What is the best way to dry a Tempurpedic pillow?
The best and only recommended way is air drying in a room with strong airflow, aided by a fan. Flip the pillow periodically. Do not use direct heat, sunlight, or a mechanical dryer.
How do you clean a yellowed Tempur pillow?
Yellowing is often due to sweat and body oils migrating through the covers. Prevention with a good protector is key. For existing yellowing, you can try a gentle spot clean with a mild detergent. However, some aging of the material may be permanent.
Are Tempur pillows waterproof?
The foam core is not waterproof. That’s why using a separate waterproof and breathable pillow protector is such an important recommendation for keeping the foam itself clean and dry.
Following these instructions for how to wash a Tempur pillow will ensure it provides you with comfortable, supportive sleep for many nights to come. Taking a little extra care during cleaning protects your investment and maintains the health of your sleeping environment. Remember, when in doubt, always check the care label first and err on the side of less moisture.