Body pillows are a fantastic addition to your bedding, providing support and comfort for a restful night’s sleep. However, body pillows can accumulate dust, sweat, and other unwanted elements over time, making it essential to know how to wash them properly.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to ensure your body pillow remains clean, fresh, and allergens-free. Whether you have a memory foam body pillow or a standard one, we’ve got you covered.
Machine Washing a Body Pillow
1. Wash Your Pillows Alone
The first step when machine washing a body pillow is to wash it alone. Avoid washing it with other bedding or clothing items, as it can become entangled, leading to uneven cleaning or potential damage.
2. Use a Mild Detergent
When adding detergent, use an amount appropriate for a hefty load, as you want to ensure thorough cleaning without excessive suds. Too much detergent can be difficult to rinse thoroughly, leaving residue behind.
3. Air Dry or Tumble Dry on a Low Setting
After the wash cycle, it’s essential to dry your body pillow properly to prevent moisture retention and the growth of mold or mildew. You have two primary drying options: air drying or using a dryer.
Air Drying:
- Lay the body pillow flat on a clean, dry surface. You can place it on a towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Flip and rotate the pillow occasionally to ensure even drying.
- This method may take longer, but it’s gentle on the fabric and stuffing.
Tumble Drying:
- If you tumble dry, use a low heat setting to prevent overheating and potential damage to the fabric and filling.
- To help maintain the shape and fluffiness of your body pillow, consider adding clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer. These items can help break up clumps and distribute the filling evenly.
- Check the pillow regularly to prevent over-drying.
4. Fluff Your Body Pillow
Once your body pillow is fully dry, it may need some fluffing to restore its shape and loft. Gently knead and manipulate the pillow, paying extra attention to any compressed or lumpy areas. Fluffing your pillow will help it regain its original fullness and ensure a comfortable sleep experience.
Hand Washing a Body Pillow
1. Fill a Bathtub or Large Bucket with Cold, Soapy Water
Start by preparing a suitable cleaning solution. Fill a bathtub or a large bucket with cold water. Cold water prevents the pillow’s filling from clumping or deteriorating.
Add a mild detergent to the water. Be sure to choose a gentle and appropriate detergent for delicate fabrics.
2. Work the Soapy Water into Your Pillow
Submerge the body pillow in the soapy water, ensuring it is fully immersed. Gently press on the pillow to help it absorb the soapy water.
Then, using your hands, carefully knead and squeeze the pillow to work the soapy water into the fabric and filling. Pay extra attention to stained or soiled areas, which may require more thorough cleaning.
3. Thoroughly Rinse
Once you’ve cleaned the pillow thoroughly, it’s time to rinse away the soap and dirt. Drain the soapy water from the bathtub or bucket and refill it with clean, cold water.
Submerge the body pillow in the clean water and gently knead and squeeze it to rinse the soap residue. Repeat this process until the water runs clear, indicating that the pillow is detergent-free.
4. Air Dry
After rinsing, it’s essential to ensure the body pillow is dried correctly. Avoid using a machine dryer, which can damage the pillow’s filling and fabric.
Instead, lay the pillow flat on a clean, dry towel or hang it outside in the shade, ensuring it’s well-supported to maintain its shape.
It’s essential to allow the pillow to air dry thoroughly, which may take several hours or even a full day, depending on the climate and humidity.
Spot Cleaning a Body Pillow
1. Use a Mild Detergent and a Damp Cloth
The first step in spot-cleaning your body pillow is to gather the necessary materials. You’ll need a mild detergent, a clean cloth, and a small bowl of lukewarm water.
Choosing a mild detergent is essential to avoid damaging the fabric or causing skin irritation.
2. Gently Scrub Off the Stains
Start by identifying the stained area on your body pillow. Common stains include body oils, food spills, or liquid accidents.
Mix a small amount of mild detergent with the lukewarm water in the bowl. Ensure the detergent is well-dissolved in the water.
Dampen a clean cloth in the soapy water mixture. Ensure the cloth is not soaking wet but slightly damp to prevent over-wetting the pillow.
Gently blot or scrub the stained area with a damp cloth. Be cautious not to scrub too vigorously, as this can damage the fabric or push the stain deeper into the pillow. Instead, use a gentle circular motion to lift the stain.
Continue to blot or scrub until the stain begins to lift. You may need to repeat this process several times, using a clean portion of the cloth each time until the stain is no longer visible.
3. Pat the Area Dry and Air Dry
After successfully removing the stain, it’s crucial to remove excess moisture from the pillow to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Take a separate clean, dry cloth and gently pat the spot to absorb any remaining moisture. Ensure you don’t rub the area vigorously, which may damage the pillow’s filling or fabric.
Once you’ve removed most moisture, allow the pillow to air dry completely. Placing it in direct sunlight can help speed up the drying process and eliminate any remaining odors.
Ensure the body pillow is dry before putting it back on your bed or using it again. Depending on your home’s humidity and air circulation, this may take several hours to a full day.
Conclusion
Washing your body pillow properly ensures a clean and comfortable sleep environment. By following these steps and paying attention to the care label, you can keep your body pillow fresh and hygienic for years.
Don’t forget to regularly wash the pillowcase, too, as it is crucial in maintaining cleanliness. Sweet dreams await you on your freshly cleaned body pillow!
FAQs
How often should I wash my body pillow?
Ideally, you should wash your body pillow once a month, but more frequent washing may be necessary if you have allergies or spill something on it.
Can I use bleach to remove stains from my body pillow?
When washing your pillows, avoid using chlorine bleach to whiten them.
Is it safe to dry my body pillow in the sun?
After thoroughly rinsing the pillow, lay it flat in the sun or in front of a fan. To prevent discoloration, take your pillow out of the sun after an hour or two if you decide to do so.
What if my body pillow doesn’t have a care label?
It’s advisable to hand-wash your pillow if it’s composed of memory foam or latex or if the label doesn’t include cleaning instructions.
