How to Clean and Care for a Memory Foam Camping Pillow
By HEST Memory Foam Camping Mattress Pads & Pillows | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your camp pillow fresh trip after trip. Learn how to wash the cover, spot-clean memory foam, remove odors, and store it so it stays comfortable and mold-free.
Quick answer
Never soak memory foam. Remove the cover and machine wash it cold on gentle, then air-dry. Spot-clean the foam with a damp cloth and mild soap, press out water without wringing, and let it air-dry completely before storing. Do this after every few trips to prevent odors and mildew.
Why memory foam needs a different cleaning routine
Memory foam is an open-cell material. When it gets wet, water fills those cells and can take a long time to dry, creating a risk of mildew and breakdown. That's why the cover is designed to be removable and washable while the foam core is spot-clean only. If you treat the whole pillow like a load of laundry, you'll shorten its life.
Gather these supplies before you start
You don't need special gear. A mild liquid detergent, a soft cloth or sponge, a clean towel, and a drying rack or clothesline are enough. Skip fabric softener and bleach—they leave residue and can damage the foam or cover fabric.
Step-by-step cleaning process
Follow these steps in order. Each one includes a checkpoint so you don't skip a critical detail.
Your 6-step memory foam camping pillow care routine
- Remove and wash the cover: Unzip the cover and machine wash it cold on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Turn it inside out first to protect the zipper and fabric. Checkpoint: never wash the foam core.
- Spot-clean the foam core: Dampen a cloth with cold water and a drop of mild soap. Blot stains gently—don't rub, which can push dirt deeper into the foam. Checkpoint: if the foam is soaked through, it may be time to replace it.
- Press out excess water: After spot-cleaning, press the foam between two dry towels to absorb moisture. Never wring or twist the foam—it can tear the cell structure. Checkpoint: the foam should feel damp, not dripping.
- Air-dry completely: Lay the foam flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. Flip it after a few hours. The cover can hang dry or tumble on low. Checkpoint: foam must be bone-dry before you store it or put the cover back on.
- Deodorize naturally: If odors linger, sprinkle baking soda over the dry foam, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum or brush it off. For the cover, add half a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. Checkpoint: avoid scented sprays, which can trap odors and irritate skin.
- Store it right: Once fully dry, put the cover back on and store the pillow in a cool, dry place—not compressed in a stuff sack long-term. HEST pillows pack into themselves, which keeps them clean and protected. Checkpoint: never store a damp pillow; mildew can start within 24 hours.
HEST pillows built for this routine
- HEST X KOA Camp Pillow: HEST X KOA Camp Pillow features a removable cover and packs into itself for storage. The removable cover means you can wash the part that touches your face without risking the foam core, and the self-stuffing design keeps the pillow clean between trips.
- Camp Pillow Packs: Camp Pillow Packs bundle multiple pillows and save up to 25% off when you buy up to 4. If you camp with a partner or kids, having a spare pillow means you can rotate one out for washing and still have a fresh pillow for the next night.
