How to Dry a Foam Pillow

Co-authored by Ashley Matuska and Caroline Heiderscheit

Last Updated: July 24, 2022

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Looking to dry your foam pillow after a wash? Memory foam retains a ton of water, so this can feel like a daunting task. But trust us, with a little patience, your sopping pillow will be dry in no time. Even though a quick-dry might feel tempting, be sure to avoid heat sources, like the dryer. To learn how to dry out your pillow so it's all ready for slumber, read our complete guide below!

1

Remove the cover from your pillow.

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Your cover can be dried separately, so take it off of your pillow. If you’ve just finished washing your foam pillow, it’s possible that you’ve already completed this step.
- Note that your pillow cover can be thrown in the wash and then the dryer, even though your pillow can’t.

2

Squeeze out the excess water.

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You can remove a ton of extra liquid just by using your hands. You won’t be able to get everything, but before you move on in the drying process, squeeze your pillow to remove extra water. Be sure to do this over a bucket, sink, tub, or outdoor area—that way, you won’t make a mess.^{[1]
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- Be careful not to twist and wring out your pillow because you could damage the material.

3

Place your pillow outside for 4 hours.

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Set your pillow in a sunlit area with great ventilation. The keys to drying out a foam pillow are heat, air, and time. Find a clean spot on the ground (where your pillow won't pick up stains!), and if possible, make sure direct sunlight is hitting it. Make sure that air can flow through the pillow freely (on as many sides as possible).^{[2]
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- If it’s raining or overcast, your pillow will dry faster inside your home. In this case, place the pillow somewhere with great ventilation (you could even point a fan in its direction!). Drying indoors will take longer, sometimes up to 24 hours.

4

Flip the pillow after 2 hours for quicker drying.

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This isn’t a requirement, but it might be wise to turn your pillow over after a couple hours in the sun. This way, you won’t have to wait around for the bottom of your pillow to dry long after the top has finished.^{[4]
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5

Wait until your pillow is completely dry before using it.

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Your pillow might need a little extra time in the sun before it's ready for use. Squeeze or poke your pillow to feel for excess moisture. If it’s all dry, you’re done! If it’s not, you’ll need to leave your pillow out a little longer.^{[6]
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- Don't jump the gun and bring it back inside before your pillow is dry. If water is left undried, it could be a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
- If you're really pressed for time, speed up the process by blowing a hairdryer on a low setting.