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Is Your Travel Pillow Gross? Here’s How to Clean It Properly
Open Spaces
Let’s be honest—your travel pillow has been everywhere with you: 🚗 road trips, 🛫 red-eye flights, and maybe even a nap or two on the office desk. But have you ever cleaned it?
If the answer is “uhh… no,” it’s time to change that.
Cleaning your memory foam travel pillow doesn’t have to be complicated—but doing it the right way does make a big difference. Ready to level up your travel comfort?
👉 Let’s get into it.
Open Spaces
Open Spaces
Step 1: Remove & Wash the Cover
✅ If your pillow has a removable cover, unzip it and toss it in the wash:
- Use cold water
- Mild detergent
- Air dry or tumble dry on low
📌 No cover? No worries—we’re about to clean the foam itself.
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Step 2: Spot Clean Like a Pro
For light cleaning and minor stains:
- 🫧 Mix a small amount of gentle detergent with lukewarm water.
- 🧼 Dip a soft white cloth into the solution.
- ✋ Blot stains gently—don’t rub hard!
- 💧 Use a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue.
Do NOT drench the pillow—it’s memory foam, not a sponge.
Step 3: Deep Clean (When It’s Really Gross)
If your pillow needs a total refresh:
- 🛀 Fill your bathtub or sink with lukewarm water + a small amount of detergent
- 🧼 Gently submerge and press (don’t twist or wring)
- 🚿 Rinse with clean water until all soap is gone
- ✋ Press out excess water gently
🔔 Important: Never wring or twist the foam—it’ll damage it!
Step 4: Air Dry Properly
Memory foam takes its sweet time to dry, and that’s okay.
- Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel
- Keep it in a well-ventilated room
- Flip it every few hours
- Avoid direct sun or heat
Tip: Place a fan nearby to help speed up the process.
🛑 Never use a dryer. Repeat after us: Never. Use. A. Dryer.
Bonus Tips for a Fresher Pillow
Want to keep your pillow cleaner for longer? Try these quick tips:
💨 Fluff it occasionally to help it keep its shape
🧹 Vacuum it regularly with a handheld vac to remove dust and lint
🛡️ Use a pillow protector to keep grime away
🌬️ Air it out after trips—don’t just toss it in a dark suitcase
Why Cleaning Your Travel Pillow Actually Matters
You might think, “It doesn’t look dirty…”—but your pillow collects:
- 🛏️ Sweat
- 🧴 Oils
- 😴 Dead skin
- 🦠 Bacteria
A clean pillow means:
✔️ Better skin
✔️ Healthier sleep
✔️ Longer-lasting comfort
🚀 Take Action Now
🔹 Clean your pillow today. Your neck (and your nose) will thank you.
🔹 Share this guide with your favorite travel buddy—because theirs is probably gross too.
🔹 Bookmark this blog for your next trip prep checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a memory foam travel pillow in the washing machine?
No, you should never machine wash a memory foam pillow. The agitation and water saturation can cause the foam to break down, lose shape, or even tear. Always hand wash or spot clean the foam only.
Can I tumble dry my travel pillow?
Not the memory foam part. Foam should always be air-dried flat, away from direct sunlight or heat. Using a tumble dryer can warp or damage the structure of the foam.
➡️ However, if your pillow has a removable fabric cover, that cover can typically be tumble dried on low (check the label first!).
How often should I clean my travel pillow?
Removable cover: Every 2–4 weeks, or after each trip.
Memory foam core: Spot clean as needed, deep clean every 2–3 months or after heavy use.
How do I remove a smell from my travel pillow?
Sprinkle the pillow with baking soda, let it sit for 1–2 hours, and then vacuum it off. You can also air the pillow out near an open window to remove musty odors.
Is it safe to use disinfectant spray on memory foam?
It’s okay to lightly mist the surface with a fabric-safe disinfectant spray, but don’t soak it. Too much liquid can damage the foam. Let it air dry thoroughly afterward.
What should I do if my pillow gets soaked in rain or during travel?
Gently blot it with a dry towel to absorb excess moisture, then lay it flat in a ventilated space to air dry completely. Avoid squeezing or wringing it out.
Can I use essential oils on my travel pillow?
Yes, but with caution. Add a drop or two to the outer cover—not directly on the foam—to avoid damage. Always test a small area first and make sure the oil doesn’t stain.
Are travel pillows machine washable if they’re not memory foam?
Some travel pillows, like microbead or polyester-filled ones, may be machine washable. Check the care label. If no label is present, it’s safest to hand wash.