Travel is hard enough without a smelly, stained or worn-out neck pillow. Fortunately, caring for your Cabeau neck pillow is simple. Just a few easy steps will help keep it clean, comfortable, and ready for your next trip.
By Rachel Weber
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To help you get the most out of your pillow, we’ve put together a quick, step-by-step guide that walks you through exactly how to wash the cover, freshen the memory foam, and keep everything in top shape between trips. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional adventurer, these cleaning tips will ensure your pillow stays fresh, hygienic, and supportive every time you travel.
Why Cleaning Matters
Over time, all the sweat, oils, dust, germs and travel grime can build up on your travel neck pillow cover, even after just a short flight. A clean pillow isn’t only about keeping things fresh. It also helps reduce allergens, odors, and bacteria that can affect your comfort. Washing the cover regularly preserves the breathability of the fabric, while occasional care for the memory foam ensures the pillow maintains its supportive structure. With a little upkeep, your Cabeau neck pillow will last longer, feel better, and deliver the same cozy comfort every time you travel.
What You’ll Need
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Mild detergent
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Cold or cool water
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A soft cloth
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A ventilated space to air dry (or low-heat dryer)
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(Optional) Gentle fabric refresher or odor absorber
How to Clean Your Cabeau Neck Pillow
Many Cabeau pillows (like Evolution X and Evolution S3) come with a removable fabric cover. The Cabeau YouTube channel has a quick how-to video showing exactly how to remove and slip the cover back on. Once the cover is off, place it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle using cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid bleach, ironing, or dry cleaning, and when it comes to drying, either tumble dry on low or let it air-dry naturally.
The memory foam insert requires a gentler touch. Instead of putting it in the washer, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap. Be careful not to saturate the foam, because too much water can damage its structure. Once wiped, allow the foam to air dry completely in a well-ventilated space before using it again. If you’d like to freshen it further, a sprinkle of baking soda left on the foam for about 20 minutes and then shaken off works well, or you can let it air out on a shaded balcony or patio. Just keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent heat damage.
Once both the cover and foam are fully dry, reassemble the pillow by slipping the cover back on and fastening any zippers or clasps. For ongoing upkeep, it’s a good idea to wash the cover after every trip and let the foam air out before storing it. This quick routine keeps your pillow hygienic, supportive, and ready for your next journey.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
If you notice lingering odors in the memory foam, a simple sprinkle of baking soda can help absorb them. Just let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before gently shaking or vacuuming it out. A light fabric-safe odor neutralizer or even leaving the pillow to air out in a shaded outdoor space can also work wonders, though it’s best to avoid direct sunlight to protect the foam. Before tossing the cover in the wash, zip up all zippers and fasten clasps to prevent snagging. And while it may be tempting to wring out or twist the memory foam, avoid doing so to prevent warping its supportive structure. Most importantly, always make sure the foam is completely dry before reassembling. Moisture trapped inside can cause mildew or lingering smells, so giving it an overnight air-dry in a well-ventilated area is the safest approach.
Cabeau Makes it Easy to Keep Your Travel Neck Pillow Clean
Cabeau pillows were designed with cleaning and maintenance in mind, making the process simple and stress-free. Many of our neck pillows feature moisture-wicking, removable covers that can be tossed straight into the washing machine and dried on a gentle cycle, protecting the memory foam core from sweat and travel grime. The core itself is made of durable memory foam that holds its shape well when properly cared for, ensuring lasting support over time. Scroll through Cabeau’s YouTube tutorials to see exactly how to remove, wash, and replace the covers, making the process foolproof even for first-time users. Between the thoughtful design and the step-by-step resources available, keeping your pillow fresh and comfortable has never been easier.
