How to Clean a Kapok Pillow and Wash Its Cover

Kapok care is simple: keep the filled pillow dry, wash the removable cover with your sheets and fluff the fill now and then. Here's the whole routine.

Content reviewed October 3, 2026.

Know your layers

The filled shell holds the kapok and has a hidden zipper for adjusting it. MAREA's zip on cotton sateen cover is sold separately and slides off for washing. A pillowcase goes over the top. Most of your cleaning happens on those outer two layers, which is exactly what they're for.

Wash the removable MAREA cover

1. Remove it from the pillow and zip it closed.
2. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
3. Tumble dry low or line dry; follow the care label.
4. Put it back on once it's fully dry.

Skip bleach and high heat. Sateen sheets and pillowcases take the same cold wash, low heat routine, which I lay out in How to Wash Organic Cotton Sateen Sheets, and the schedule for every layer of the bed is in How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?

Spot clean the shell

Use a lightly damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap on the spot. Blot gently so moisture stays on the surface, then let it dry fully before use. The filled pillow doesn't go in the washer, dryer or to the dry cleaner.

Keep it fresh

Give the pillow a good fluff each morning and let it breathe now and then with the cover off in a dry, airy room. Kapok's hollow fibers handle everyday humidity well; what it doesn't want is a soaking.

If it gets wet

If the pillow gets soaked, set it aside until you've talked to us. Contact MAREA and we'll help you figure out the next step.

Allergies and dust mites

A washable cover and a regularly washed pillowcase keep the layers closest to you clean. If you use a specific encasement, follow its label and keep the filled pillow dry. Read the allergy and dust mite guide.

Fluffing and refilling

Redistribute fill when it feels uneven, and add small handfuls from the 3 lb refill bag when you want more height. Keep the quick care guide handy.

More customer questions · Explore the adjustable MAREA kapok pillow

Anthony
Founder, MAREA Sleep

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