Washing a body pillow can be a daunting task, but it is important to keep your pillow clean and fresh for a comfortable night's sleep.
Key points:
- Use a mild detergent and cold water to avoid damaging the fabric or filling.
- Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can weaken the fabric or cause discoloration.
- If your pillow has a removable cover, wash it separately from the pillow itself.
- If your pillow is machine washable, make sure to use a large enough machine to accommodate its size.
- If your pillow is not machine washable, spot clean it with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
- Allow your pillow to air dry completely before using it again.
- Avoid over-stuffing your pillow in the washing machine, as this can cause it to become misshapen.
Hand-washing
Depending on the type of material used, a body pillow can be machine or hand-washed. It is best to follow the washing instructions on the tag to ensure its durability. However, some pillows cannot be washed, including down and memory-foam models. These types of pillows can lose their shape if washed in a washing machine. Those made of cotton, however, can be washed. Care should be taken, though, because poorly made models can fall apart if washed improperly.
If you have a body pillow made of memory foam, you should follow the washing instructions carefully to maintain its quality. You can use a mild detergent in cold water to wash the pillow. Squeeze out any excess soap and water before rinsing the pillow. If needed, you can repeat the process several times to ensure a thorough cleaning. Drying the pillow in the sun is another great way to maintain its condition.
Some body pillows are too large to fit into a washing machine, so it’s best to wash them by hand. Avoid using a top-loading machine with an agitator, because it will wear out the cloth more with every wash. Also, avoid bleach, as this can be harmful to the pillow’s materials.
Drying
If your pillow is stained, the first step to cleaning it is to rinse it thoroughly with warm water. You can then use a damp cloth to wipe off the stain. To prevent discoloration, place the pillow out of direct sunlight to air dry. If the stain is persistent, it can be cleaned by soaking the pillow in warm water and mild detergent. However, this method may cause the pillow to lose its shape.
You should also dry your pillow after washing it. Drying it on a fan or under a fan can help your pillow dry faster, but be sure to let it dry completely before putting it back into its cover. Leaving the pillow damp will encourage mold growth and ruin the pillow.
Machine-washing
Many body pillows are machine-washable, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you must carefully read the care instructions on the label of your body pillow to determine the proper washing process. Different pillows have different washing instructions, depending on the materials they are made of. Feather pillows, for example, should only be hand-washed, while polyester pillows can be machine-washed. Whatever the material of your pillow is, be sure to use a soft detergent when washing. Also, you should make sure that the pillow is thoroughly dry before you use it again to avoid mold growth.
If you want to avoid machine-washing your pillow, you can spot clean it yourself. For this, you can use a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove the stains. Once the pillow is clean, let it air dry. Be aware that some soap spots will remain on the pillow after drying. Depending on the material of your pillow, you may have to repeat this process a few times before the stain disappears completely.
Spot-cleaning
Spot-cleaning your body pillow can be an easy way to keep it fresh and clean. The basic process involves soaking a white cloth in warm water with a mild dishwashing detergent. Then, gently press it against the spots. It’s best to wipe from the outer edge to the center of the stain. This method can work wonders for tough stains. Before you use this method, though, make sure you test it on a small section of the pillow. If the fabric care tag is missing, you may want to use a corner of the pillow to ensure that the solution won’t damage the dye.
If a stain is too large to be removed by hand, try washing it in a washing machine. This process is safe for microbead pillows, but you need to wrap them up tightly to avoid spilling the beads. However, solid foam pillows should only be spot-cleaned. To clean a spot, you should use a clean cloth and a mild detergent, water, and stain remover. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as certain materials may not be compatible with washing.