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How To Wash a Body Pillow?
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If you’re one of the many people who enjoy the comfort and support a body pillow provides, then you know that regular use leads to the accumulation of dirt and debris.
Different types of pollutants and allergens can permeate the pillow, even if you use a body pillow cover. This can lead to a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including sore throat, sneezing, and runny nose.
To prevent this, be sure to wash your body pillow around two to three times a year. If you don’t use a pillow protector, you should wash your body pillow even more frequently. Washing a body pillow correctly can be tricky since they are much larger than standard pillows.
But don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll show you how to clean your body pillow in a way that won’t damage it.
What To Consider Before Washing Your Body Pillow?
If you have an organic or synthetic body pillow, and you want to wash it without causing damage, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, check the care tag to see the recommended way to wash the pillow. Different materials require different methods, so make sure you follow the instructions closely.
As body pillows are usually quite long, it’s best to wash them by hand or in a commercial front-loading washer. Tossing them in a home washing machine can damage both the pillow and your machine.
Depending on the pillow fill, you may need to take extra care. Wool, feather, and kapok pillows should be spot-cleaned if possible, as washing them can cause damage.
Polyester body pillows can usually be machine-washed, but make sure to use a gentle cycle and
Let´s take a closer look at how to wash different kinds of body pillow filling materials.
How To Wash Body Pillows In a Washing Machine?
Machine washing body pillows is easy–just make sure you use a
- Place the pillow vertically curving around the agitator if you have a top-loading washer. If you’re using a front-loading washing machine, place the pillow curved around the washer drum.
- Avoid overcrowding the machine, as this can prevent thorough cleaning. You may need to take your body pillows to a local laundromat if your home washing machine doesn’t have enough space.
- Avoid washing your body pillow with other colors, as this may cause the colors to bleed.
- Run an extra rinse cycle or two to make sure all the detergent is rinsed away. Be sure to rinse your pillow well after washing, as any residue from the detergent can cause the feathers or down to clump together, making the pillow uncomfortable.
- Avoid using hot water when washing body pillows, as the high temperature can break down the fill material.
Machine washing body pillows is easy, just make sure you use a
How to Dry Machine Washable Body Pillows?
If you want to machine-wash your body pillow, it’s important to know how to dry it properly so that it doesn’t get moldy or mildewy. Make sure the pillow is free of moisture before putting it into the cover.
You can do this by tumble drying it on low heat for 2-3 hours, depending on the fill type. You can also fluff the pillow by adding clean tennis balls or wool balls to the dryer. These will help prevent the pillow fill from clumping together and retaining moisture.
Avoid using dryer sheets or fabric softeners, as these can leave a residue on the pillow. Once the pillow is dry, insert it into the cover and enjoy!
Read More: Why Should You Use a Body Pillow?
What´s The Best Detergent for Washing Body Pillows?
It is important to use a non-toxic, natural, and
The harsh chemicals in most detergents can cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions. They can also damage the delicate fabric of your body pillow, causing it to break down prematurely.
Choose a laundry detergent that is free of dyes, perfumes, and other harsh chemicals. It will be gentle on your skin and body pillow.
We recommend Frey Laundry Detergents because they are all-natural, non-toxic, and gentle. They also have different scents to choose from, so you can find one that you love.
How About Washing Memory Foam or Latex Body Pillows?
These types of pillows can be hand-washed, but you should avoid using hot water, as it can damage the foam. Fill your bathtub with cold or warm water and add a single cap full of gentle detergent. You can gently swirl it around and then gently squeeze the pillow to help remove dirt. If you need to, you can repeat this process until the pillow is clean.
Next, drain out the soapy water and refill the tub with fresh water. Gently squeeze the pillow again to remove any soap residue. Finally, lay the pillow flat on a clean surface, preferably outside but avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the pillow. Allow the pillow to dry completely before using it again.
Read More: How To Use A Pregnancy Pillow?
Spot Cleaning Kapok and Wool Body Pillows
Kapok and wool pillows should never be machine or hand-washed, as this can damage delicate fibers. Instead, spot-clean them as soon as a stain appears. To do this, dip a damp cloth in
Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with a fresh, damp cloth. If the stain persists, sprinkle some baking soda on it and let it sit for an hour. Vacuum the area to remove the baking soda, then you can reapply the baking soda if the stain hasn´t disappeared completely.
You can dry your pillow outside in direct sunlight, which will help to disinfect the filling. It will prevent mold and mildew from forming. Once completely dry, place it back in the cover and enjoy!
FAQs
How long do body pillows last?
A body pillow will last longer if it is made of natural materials such as latex, wool or kapok. These materials hold their shape better than synthetic fibers and will not break down as quickly. Memory foam body pillows are also quite durable.
Polyester-filled body pillows are least likely to last as long, but they are usually the most affordable option. In general, you can expect your body pillow to last between 1 and 3 years.
How often should I wash my body pillow?
You should wash your body pillow at least once every 3-6 months, or more frequently if it is being used by someone with allergies or asthma. Washing your pillow will help to remove dust mites, mold, and other allergens that can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
How do I store my body pillow?
When not in use, your body pillow should be stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or in a humid environment, as this can damage the materials. If you need to, you can vacuum-seal your pillow to help protect it from dust and moisture.
Do I have to buy a separate body pillow cover?
Some body pillows come with a removable cover, but you can purchase one separately if yours doesn’t. We recommend getting an organic cotton body pillow cover as this material is more breathable and won´t trap heat.
You should also look for a pillow cover that is machine-washable, so you can easily keep it clean. A body pillow cover will help to extend the life of your pillow and keep it looking its best.
How do I fluff my body pillow?
If your body pillow has gone flat, there are a few things you can do to fluff it up. One option is to put it in the dryer on a low heat setting for 10-15 minutes. Another option is to place it in the sun for an hour or two, but don´t do it with latex or memory foam pillows.
You can also try gently kneading the pillow or rolling it up tightly and letting it sit for a few hours. Finally, you can check our article about how to fluff a pillow for more tips.
My body pillow is starting to smell, what can I do?
If your body pillow has started to smell, it is probably because it needs to be washed. We recommend spot cleaning first, using a
You can also try using a natural fabric freshener or essential oils to help remove the smell. If all else fails, you can wash your pillow in the washing machine, but be sure to check the manufacturer´s care instructions first.
My body pillow is starting to yellow, is this normal?
Yellowing is most often caused by sweat and body oils, but it can also be caused by sun exposure. If your pillow is made of natural materials such as latex or wool, yellowing is less likely to occur. If your pillow is starting to yellow, we recommend spot cleaning with a
You can also try using lemon juice or vinegar as a natural bleaching agent. If the yellowing is bad, you may try washing your pillow in the machine, but first, double-check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading our article on how to wash a body pillow. We hope you found it informative and helpful. Be sure to check out our other articles about organic body pillows and organic pregnancy pillows. At Green Snooze, we are committed to providing our readers with the best information possible about healthy and sustainable living. Thanks again for reading!
About the Author Kamila Flieger
My name is Kamila, and I'm passionate about researching non-toxic, organic products for the home. I believe it's so important to create a safe and healthy environment for our families, and I enjoy helping others do the same.
