Learn How to Wash Your MyPillow Properly

Understanding Your MyPillow's Washable Components

MyPillow products come with different materials, and knowing what you actually own matters before water ever touches it. The most common MyPillow model features a removable outer cover (the pillowcase) and an inner fill made of shredded foam. This design is what makes MyPillow different from traditional pillows—and it's also what changes how you should wash it.

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The outer cover is typically made from a polyester-cotton blend or pure cotton, depending on your specific purchase. This cover is the barrier between your skin and the foam inside. It collects sweat, dust, dead skin cells, and all the things that accumulate on any pillowcase over time. The manufacturer designed this cover to be removable specifically so you can clean it regularly without damaging the pillow's internal structure.

The inner fill is where things get different from standard pillows. MyPillow uses shredded memory foam that can shift and settle over time. This foam fill can technically get wet, but it's not designed to be machine-washed like the cover. Water can seep into foam, and drying it thoroughly becomes difficult and time-consuming. If foam doesn't dry completely, it can develop mold or mildew, which defeats the purpose of washing your pillow in the first place.

Some MyPillow owners also purchase additional accessories like mattress toppers or body pillows, which may have slightly different washing instructions. Always check the care tag attached to your specific product. The tag provides the manufacturer's official guidance based on that particular item's materials and construction. This tag is your first reference point—not a suggestion, but the actual care instructions for your purchase.

Practical takeaway: Before you wash anything, locate and read the care tag on your MyPillow. Understand whether you're washing just the removable cover or if you have a pillow model where the entire thing can be submerged. Most standard MyPillow owners will only be washing the outer cover regularly, which is the simpler and safer approach.

Preparing Your Pillow and Cover for Washing

Preparation is where many people skip steps and create problems. Rushing straight to the washing machine without checking pockets, zippers, or the overall condition of the cover can result in damage. A few minutes of prep work prevents costly mistakes.

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First, check the removable cover for any holes, tears, or damaged seams. If the cover already has small openings, washing it will only make those holes bigger. You might see seams starting to fray or small punctures you didn't notice during regular use. If the cover has damage, either repair it with a needle and thread before washing or consider replacing the cover if the damage is substantial. This prevents foam fill from leaking out during the wash cycle.

Next, remove the pillow from its cover completely. Most MyPillow covers have a zipper or button closure on one side. Unzip or unbutton the entire closure so you can slide the pillow out. Don't try to wash the cover while it's still stuffed with foam—the foam won't need washing this frequently, and keeping them separate means each can be cleaned on its appropriate schedule. Once separated, set the foam pillow insert aside in a dry location. You'll handle just the cover moving forward.

Check the cover's zipper or closure mechanism itself. If the zipper is stuck, has broken teeth, or doesn't slide smoothly, washing might make it worse. A stuck zipper can snag fabric during the wash cycle. You don't necessarily have to fix a minor zipper issue before washing—just be aware of it and handle the cover gently. If the zipper is severely damaged, washing might be the least of your concerns with that cover.

Empty any items that might be in the cover. Occasionally people find hair clips, glasses, or other objects caught in the seams or folds. Turn the cover inside out and inspect the seams and corners thoroughly. Look for visible debris like dust balls or lint clumps that washing would just redistribute.

Practical takeaway: Spend 3-5 minutes preparing your cover before washing. Remove it from the foam insert completely, inspect for damage or stuck zippers, and empty any loose items or debris. This simple step prevents washing machine damage and ensures your cover comes out cleaner.

Choosing the Right Washing Machine Settings

MyPillow covers are durable, but they're not indestructible. The fabric can fray, fade, or weaken if washed incorrectly. Your washing machine has numerous settings, and choosing the right combination matters for preserving your cover's lifespan.

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Water temperature should be warm or cool, never hot. Hot water can cause colors to fade faster and may cause the fabric to shrink, particularly if there's cotton content. Most modern MyPillow covers can handle warm water, but cool or cold water is safer if you're uncertain. Think of it this way: the temperature that's gentle enough for your regular clothing is gentle enough for your pillow cover.

Cycle selection is important. Use a gentle or delicate cycle rather than a heavy-duty or normal cycle. Your pillowcase doesn't have heavy soil like work clothes or towels do—it has skin oils and dust, which gentler agitation can handle. A gentle cycle typically uses lower water levels, slower spin speeds, and shorter agitation periods. This reduces stress on the fabric's fibers and seams. If your washing machine has a "bedding" or "whites" cycle, that's often a good middle ground between standard and delicate.

Detergent selection should be straightforward: use a regular laundry detergent in the amount recommended for your load size. You don't need special detergent or extra-strength formulas. In fact, using too much detergent or specialized products marketed as "extra strength" can leave residue on the fabric that makes it feel stiff or uncomfortable against your face. A standard dose of your regular detergent works perfectly fine. If you have sensitive skin and use gentle or fragrance-free detergent for other laundry, that same product is fine for your pillow cover.

Avoid bleach entirely. Even diluted bleach or oxygen-based bleach can discolor your cover permanently. If your MyPillow cover is white, you might be tempted to use bleach, but the fabric's dyes and the synthetic materials don't respond well to bleaching. If stains are the concern, pre-treat the stained area with a small amount of detergent and let it sit for a few minutes before washing. This often works better than harsh chemicals.

Don't overload the washing machine. Your pillow cover shouldn't be the only item in the wash, but it also shouldn't be crammed in with a full load of heavy items like jeans. Wash your pillow covers with similar items like other bedding, lightweight clothing, or towels. This ensures proper water circulation and thorough cleaning without excessive agitation.

Practical takeaway: Wash your MyPillow cover on a gentle cycle with warm or cool water and standard laundry detergent. Avoid bleach and hot water. These settings will clean your cover effectively while minimizing wear on the fabric over repeated washings.

Drying Your Cover Without Causing Damage

How you dry your pillow cover is just as important as how you wash it. High heat in a dryer can damage synthetic fibers, cause shrinkage, and shorten the cover's lifespan significantly. Most MyPillow owners have options for drying that work better than a standard dryer cycle.

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Air drying is the gentlest option and what many manufacturers recommend. After washing, remove the cover from the washing machine and hang it on a clothesline, drying rack, or shower rod. If you have outdoor space, hanging it in natural sunlight (but not in direct intense sun for hours) allows it to dry while fresh air circulates through the fabric. Indoors, near an open window or in a room with good air circulation works fine. Air drying typically takes 4-8 hours depending on humidity and airflow, but the cover suffers no heat damage and often smells fresher than machine-dried items.

If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting available—typically labeled as "air dry," "low heat," or "delicate." Some modern dryers have a "moisture sensor" setting that automatically stops the cycle when the fabric reaches the right dampness level. This prevents over-drying,