How to Wash a Bamboo Pillow Without Ruining the Foam
Bamboo pillow covers are usually machine washable, but the foam core inside is almost never safe to soak. Washing the cover wrong — or tossing the whole pillow in the machine — can shrink the rayon cover, waterlog the foam, and leave mildew behind. This guide walks through the correct way to clean each part.
In this guide
Step 1: Read the tag first
Bamboo pillow is not one universal construction. Some have a removable bamboo cover over a foam core; others are a single piece with a sewn-on cover. The care tag is the final word, but the most common setup is cover-only machine washing and foam core spot cleaning.
Step 2: Wash the cover
If the cover zips off, remove it and wash it alone.
- Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle.
- Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent.
- Avoid bleach and fabric softener — both can break down bamboo fibers and coatings.
- Air dry flat or tumble dry on the lowest heat setting.
- Do not over-dry; high heat shrinks rayon-based covers.
Step 3: Spot clean the foam core
Never put a solid or shredded memory foam core in a washing machine. Water saturates the foam and it can take days to dry, leading to mold and mildew.
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with lukewarm water.
- Dampen a clean cloth and blot the stained area — do not soak.
- Use a second cloth with plain water to remove soap residue.
- Press gently with a dry towel to absorb moisture.
- Let the pillow air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, rotating occasionally.
Step 4: Dry thoroughly before reassembling
Both the cover and the foam must be 100% dry before the cover goes back on. Even slightly damp foam can develop mildew inside the pillow. If the weather allows, drying in indirect sunlight or near a fan speeds things up without applying heat.
How often to wash
Wash the cover every 2 to 4 weeks, or immediately after spills or illness. Spot clean the foam only when needed. Using a pillow protector extends the time between washes and keeps sweat and oils out of the foam.
Pillows we recommend for this
Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Pillow
Side and back sleepers who want an adjustable bamboo-covered pillow
Bamboo is Better Adjustable Cooling Pillow
Hot sleepers who want a bamboo cover and adjustable gel foam
Cariloha Classic Pillow
Back and side sleepers who want a bamboo-charcoal memory foam feel
FAQ
Can you put a bamboo pillow in the washing machine?
Usually only the removable cover. The foam core is spot clean only unless the manufacturer explicitly says otherwise.
Can you dry a bamboo pillow cover on high heat?
No. High heat shrinks rayon-based bamboo covers. Use low heat or air dry.
How do you get smells out of a bamboo pillow?
Wash the cover, sprinkle baking soda on the foam core for a few hours, then vacuum it off with the upholstery attachment and let the pillow air out.
Can bamboo pillows get wet?
The cover can. The foam core should only be lightly dampened for spot cleaning; soaking it risks mold and ruins the foam.
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