Published by FlyHugz. We make travel pillows, but this guide covers all the common types, not only ours.
Quick answer: you can usually machine wash the cover of a neck pillow, but not always the pillow itself. Memory foam should be wiped and never soaked. Inflatable pillows should be cleaned by hand. Microbead and down pillows can sometimes go in the machine, but only if the care label says so. Always check the label first.
How to wash each type at a glance
| Type | Machine wash? | How to dry |
|---|---|---|
| Memory foam | Cover only | Air dry, no heat |
| Inflatable | No | Air dry flat |
| Microbead | If the label allows | Air dry flat |
| Down or fiber | If the label allows | Low heat or air dry |
How to wash a memory foam neck pillow
Memory foam holds water and takes a long time to dry, so the aim is to clean the surface without soaking it.
- Take off the removable cover and wash it as its care label says.
- Mix a little mild detergent into lukewarm water and dip in a clean cloth. Wring the cloth out well.
- Gently wipe the foam, paying attention to any marks. Do not submerge it.
- Wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap.
- Press with a dry towel. Do not twist or wring the foam.
- Air dry somewhere well ventilated, away from direct sun and heat. Keep it out of the tumble dryer, because high heat can damage foam.
How to wash an inflatable neck pillow
- Open the valve and let all the air out.
- Wipe the surface with a soft cloth and a little mild detergent in lukewarm water.
- Wipe again with a clean damp cloth.
- Lay it flat on a towel to air dry, then make sure it is fully dry before you inflate or pack it.
Do not put an inflatable pillow in the washing machine. The cycle can damage the material or the valve.
How to wash a microbead neck pillow
Check the label first, because some microbead pillows are spot clean only. If it is machine washable, put it in a mesh laundry bag and use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. If not, blot marks with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent.
Lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry, away from direct sun and heat. Do not tumble dry it.
How to wash a down or fiber neck pillow
If the label allows machine washing, use a gentle cycle with cool water and a mild detergent. Add an extra rinse so no soap stays in the filling. Dry on low heat if the label allows it, with a couple of clean dryer balls to stop the filling from clumping. Check it often, because this can take a few hours, and make sure the middle is fully dry.
How to wash a FlyHugz travel pillow
The FlyHugz travel pillow has a memory foam core, so only the cover goes in the machine.
- Open the zip and slide the soft cotton cover off.
- Machine wash the cover on a gentle cycle.
- Wipe the memory foam with a damp cloth or wipes. Never soak it.
- Air dry everything away from direct sun, heat and tumble dryers.
- When everything is fully dry, slip the cover back on.
You can see each step in our how to use guide. If your cover is looking tired, you can swap it for one of our travel pillow covers.
How to disinfect a neck pillow
- Check the care label. If the cover comes off, wash the cover and focus on that.
- On foam or microbead pillows, do not spray directly. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with a fabric-safe disinfectant and wipe the surface.
- Let it air dry completely before you use or pack it.
How to keep it fresh between washes
- Use a removable cover and wash it after every long trip or two.
- Spot clean small marks as soon as you notice them.
- Keep it off the airport floor, and store it in its bag.
- Let it air out after a flight before you pack it away.
Common questions
Can you put a neck pillow in the washing machine?
Only if the care label says so. The cover usually can go in the machine. Memory foam and inflatable pillows should not.
Can you put a neck pillow in the dryer?
Keep memory foam, microbead and inflatable pillows out of the dryer. Down and some fiber pillows can go on low heat if the label allows it.
How often should you wash a neck pillow?
Wash the cover after every long trip or two. Clean the pillow itself when it looks or smells like it needs it, or every few months if you travel often.
How long does a neck pillow take to dry?
Memory foam and microbead pillows can take a day or more to air dry, so wash them well before a trip. Always check the middle is dry before you use or pack it, because damp filling can turn musty.
How do you get the smell out of a neck pillow?
Wash the cover, wipe the pillow, then leave it to air out somewhere well ventilated. Smells often come from sweat and skin oils in the cover, so a washable cover makes a big difference.