How to Clean a Meditation Cushion (Covers, Filling, and Odor Tips)

Short answer

To clean a meditation cushion, wash the removable cover according to its label (often cold gentle cycle, air dry). Spot-clean the inner cushion—avoid soaking memory foam. For buckwheat-filled cushions, remove the hulls before washing the inner liner, and never wash the hulls. For odor, air out the cushion and use baking soda on the cover (not directly on foam) when needed.

Before you clean: identify your cushion type (30 seconds)

Cleaning depends on what’s inside:

• Removable cover + inner cushion (most common)

• Buckwheat hull filling (often in zafu cushions)

• Memory foam or foam core

• Cotton/kapok or wool fill

If you’re unsure, check for:

• a zipper (cover or inner liner)

• a care tag or product description section

Step 1: Cleaning the removable cover (the easiest win)

Most cushion covers can be cleaned like clothing, but always follow the label. A safe default:

For most fabric covers (cotton/linen blends):

1. Remove the cover

2. Shake out dust and loose debris outside

3. Wash cold on a gentle cycle

4. Use mild detergent

5. Air dry or tumble dry low (if allowed)

What to avoid

• Hot water (can shrink or fade)

• Strong bleach (damages fibers, irritates skin)

• High heat dryer (shrinks, weakens seams)

Pro tip: Zip the cover before washing to protect the zipper and seams.

Step 2: Spot-cleaning the inner cushion (foam or cotton fill)

The inner insert is where people make mistakes. Most inserts should not be fully soaked.

If your cushion has memory foam / foam core

Do this:

• Vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment

• Spot-clean with a damp cloth + mild soap

• Blot (don’t scrub aggressively)

Avoid this:

• soaking foam in water

• harsh cleaners or alcohol

• direct heat to “dry faster”

Drying foam safely

• Pat with a dry towel

• Air dry in a well-ventilated place

• Keep away from direct sunlight for long hours (can degrade some foams)

If your cushion has cotton/kapok fill

• Spot-clean outer liner if washable

• Air out regularly to prevent musty odor

• If the liner is washable, keep it on gentle cycle and fully dry before re-stuffing

Step 3: Cleaning a buckwheat-filled cushion (zafu-style)

Buckwheat hulls are great for support, but they require the right cleaning method.

Key rule: Never wash the buckwheat hulls.

How to do it properly

1. Open the inner liner zipper

2. Pour hulls into a clean, dry container (large bag or box)

3. Wash the cover (and the inner liner if it’s washable)

4. Fully dry everything

5. Refill the hulls

If hulls smell musty

• Spread hulls on a clean tray in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated area for several hours

• If the smell remains, consider replacing the hulls (rare, but sometimes needed)

Step 4: Removing odor (incense, sweat, storage smell)

Odor usually comes from moisture, oils, or closed storage—not the cushion itself.

Best odor fixes

• Air out: 2–6 hours in a ventilated space

• Baking soda on the cover: sprinkle lightly, sit 20 minutes, vacuum off

• Activated charcoal deodorizer nearby in storage (not inside the cushion)

Avoid

• spraying heavy fragrance directly onto foam

• essential oils directly on fabric (can stain and irritate skin)

If you use incense often, washable covers make life easier—smoke scent can cling to fabrics over time.

Step 5: Stain removal (tea, makeup, oil)

For small stains on the cover:

1. Blot immediately

2. Use a mild detergent + cool water

3. Dab from the outside in

4. Air dry

For oil stains:

• Use a tiny amount of dish soap diluted in water

• Do a small patch test first

If the insert is stained and it’s foam: blot gently and let it air dry fully.

How often should you clean your meditation cushion?

A simple schedule:

• Weekly: quick shake + spot wipe if needed

• Monthly: wash cover

• Every 3–6 months: deep refresh (air out + check for odor)

If you meditate daily, washing the cover monthly keeps it fresh.

Internal links (recommended)

• Meditation Cushion Materials Guide: Buckwheat vs Foam vs Cotton

• How a Meditation Cushion Improves Posture (Hip Elevation Explained) 

• How to Create a Meditation Space at Home (Simple, Cozy, and Minimal)

CTA (choose one)

• Browse Meditation Cushions → https://zensoullab.com/products/zensoullab-ergonomic-meditation-cushion-floor-seat-memory-foam-4-colors

FAQ

Can I put the whole cushion in the washing machine?
Usually no. Most inner inserts—especially foam—should not be soaked. Wash the cover and spot-clean the insert.

Can I wash buckwheat hulls?
No. Buckwheat hulls should be kept dry. Remove them before washing the cover/liner.

How do I remove incense smell from my cushion?
Air it out in a ventilated space and wash the cover. Baking soda on the cover (then vacuum) can help.