Quick answer: Do not wash, soak or put the TEMPUR foam insert in a washing machine. Many Tempur-Pedic pillow covers are removable and washable, but check the label for your exact model before removing or washing the cover. Tempur-Pedic’s care guide says never to wash the TEMPUR material.
Can you wash a Tempur-Pedic pillow?
Wash the cover only if your specific product’s label permits it. The foam inside and its cover are different materials with different care instructions. The manufacturer says to keep TEMPUR material dry; its pillow care FAQ says not to wash or submerge an insert unless its product instructions explicitly say it is washable.
Do not hand-wash the foam in a bathtub. Water can penetrate the material and is difficult to remove. Steam cleaning and liquid stain treatments are not a substitute for the care label.
How to wash a removable pillow cover
- Read the sewn-in care tag and confirm that the cover can be removed and washed. A zipper alone does not establish that it is washable.
- Remove the cover carefully, keeping the foam insert dry.
- For covers that permit machine washing, Tempur-Pedic generally recommends cold water and mild detergent. Follow any different instructions on your particular label.
- Air-dry the cover; if the label permits machine drying, use its specified cool setting and avoid over-drying. Skip chlorine products and harsh stain removers.
- Once the cover is completely dry, put it back on the pillow.
The manufacturer notes that care varies by product. Contact it if the tag is missing or unclear.
What if the pillow gets wet?
Remove wet bedding and, if permitted, the cover. Blot or gently press the spill with clean absorbent towels; do not rub or add water. Let the insert air-dry completely, and use a fan to move air across it. The manufacturer’s spill guidance applies to its mattresses, toppers and pillows, and cautions that stains and odors may not come out.
If urine, a large spill or persistent odor has penetrated the foam, ask Tempur-Pedic for model-specific advice. Do not apply vinegar, enzyme cleaner, bleach or detergent to the foam unless the manufacturer explicitly directs you to do so. Deep contamination may require replacement.
How to freshen a pillow without washing it
Tempur-Pedic suggests removing the cover and rolling and unrolling the pillow, then repeating in the opposite direction to let air through. Follow your model’s instructions: the Comfort Pillow instructions advise gentle rolling and say not to keep the insert tightly compressed for an extended time. Let the pillow air out in a clean, dry place; do not rely on sunlight as disinfection.
Keep it cleaner for longer
Use a pillowcase and a suitable washable protector, and launder them according to their labels. A protector can reduce exposure to spills but cannot guarantee the insert stays dry. Replace a pillow when it remains damp, smells persistently, is damaged or no longer feels supportive; warranty length is not a promise of useful life.
Frequently asked questions
Can I spot-clean the foam?
Tempur-Pedic says not to clean TEMPUR material with liquid. If there is a spill, blot it and follow the manufacturer’s spill instructions rather than applying a cleaning solution to the insert.
Can I machine-dry the insert?
Do not assume a foam insert is machine-dryer safe. Air-dry after blotting and ask the manufacturer about your model.
Can the cover go in the dryer?
Some washable covers permit a cool setting, but follow the cover’s own label; air-drying is generally preferred.
Related: Clean a Tempur-Pedic mattress · Compare Tempur-Pedic pillow models · Flip or rotate a Tempur-Pedic mattress
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