Body pillows can be an excellent sleep companion as they provide the warmth and comfort necessary to indulge in a relaxing slumber. These extra-long pillows are soft and fluffy, and can also be helpful if you are pregnant, healing from surgery, have a bad back, or need extra support. But when it comes to washing a body pillow, it can seem overwhelming. However, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Because we are here to tell you how to wash a body pillow effortlessly. Read ahead!
Things to Consider Before You Clean a Body Pillow
Before you start washing body pillow, you must consider a few things so you don’t damage the material or the fill inside. Take a look.
Identify the Material of Your Body Pillow
To ensure you take the best route when washing your body pillow; the first step is to identify the material. Usually, a body pillow is made of latex, down, feathers or foam. And if a particular brand has used something unique, you will find the washing details on the instructions label.
Determine the maximum washing temperature and detergent compatibility
Once you have identified the material; it’s time to gain information about the maximum washing temperature. Not everything can handle hot or even warm water. Therefore, go through the instruction label. If you don’t have one or it has faded away, find washing information, such as maximum temperature and detergent compatibility, via a simple online search.
Choose the Right Detergent for your Body Pillow based on its material
As discussed above, check the right strength of the detergent you can use via the instruction label or conduct an online search for that specific material because some materials are susceptible to strong detergents and can lead to damage.
Choose the Proper Washing Technique For Your Body Pillow
The care label can cover this too. If you must machine wash or hand wash the pillow, proceed accordingly. Sometimes, when the body pillow is stained, you can try both techniques, where you first hand wash it. You can also mildly scrub any stains and put your body pillow into the washer.
Dry the Body Pillow
Finally, dry your body pillow. The complete information on how to dry the body pillow will be given throughout the article as per the washing technique. But some methods are sun drying the pillow and tub drying.
How to Machine Wash a Body Pillow
Can you put a body pillow in the washer? Yes, if the care label says so.
If you can machine wash the pillow, you are fortunate! It is the most convenient way to wash a body pillow. However, make sure you double-check once.
Wash Your Pillows Alone
Since a body pillow is already large enough, wash it alone. It is because when the machine is overstuffed, it makes it difficult for your pillow to become thoroughly clean. It is also ideal to use low heat settings to avoid any damage.
Use a Mild Detergent
To prevent any pillow damage; it is best to use a mild detergent. Avoid bleach, chlorine, and just a couple of tablespoons of detergent.
Air Dry or Tumble Dry on a Low Setting
Once the pillow has been thoroughly washed, you can air or tumble dry it on low settings. If your pillow fills are down or feather, it may take about 2 to 3 hours to dry. But cotton and polyester tend to dry quickly. This is how to wash a polyester body pillow. In fact, to keep the fluff intact, you can also add clean tennis or wool dryer balls to the machine when you dry them.
Fluff Your Body Pillow
Once your body pillow is fully dry. Fluff it well with your hands by massaging or kneading it. It is an essential step because pillow fluffing increases its life.
How to Hand Wash A Body Pillow
If the instructions ask you to hand wash your pillow or if you cannot fit it into the machine, you can hand wash it. So, look at how to clean a body pillow by hand.
Fill a Bathtub or Large Bucket With Cold, Soapy Water
Make sure you use a large tub, so the pillow can easily submerge inside. A small bucket or sink may not do. Now, fill your tub with cold water and mix a mild detergent. Ensure the detergent is fully dissolved.
Work the Soapy Water into Your Pillow
Now, completely immerse the pillow and soak it for a few minutes. Next, gently massage the pillow and get rid of any dirt.
Thoroughly Rinse
Once all the dirt is gone, empty the tub and fill it with clean water. Now, submerge the pillow in and rinse thoroughly. You can repeat this process until all traces of soap are gone.
Air Dry
Squeeze the excess water from the pillow, and you, can either air dry it under the sun or next to the fan.
Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning helps treat any minor stains that make their way into your pillow. Take a look at how you can do it without damaging your pillow.
Use a Mild Detergent and a Damp Cloth
First, create a mix of mild detergent and water. Once it turns into a soapy liquid, dip it in the mixture with a clean cloth. Wring it out and use it to clean the spot.
Gently Scrub Off the Stains
Be gentle with the stain. Mildly scrub it. You can dip the cloth again in the mix, wring it and repeat scrubbing until the spot disappears.
Pat the Area Dry and Air Dry
Once the stain is gone, use a clean cloth to dry the area and then let it air dry.
How to Wash a Body Pillow Cover?
Can you wash a body pillow cover? Yes, just like with the body pillow, depending on the type and material of the cover, you can devise the right method to wash the body pillow cover.
Check the Label for the Instructions on How to Wash the Body Pillow Cover
First, check the care label to see the best method to wash and dry the body pillow cover. It is an important step because it will avoid any damage.
Identify the Material of Your Body Pillow Cover
Make sure you check the material. If you cannot find any instructions on the label, you can always do an internet search to check the best way to wash that particular material.
Decide Whether to Wash the Body Pillow Cover Separately or With Similar Colored Fabrics
Usually, body pillow covers are made of regular material that doesn’t lead to mixing of color. So you don’t have to wash your pillow covers separately. However, if the body pillow is dark, don’t mix it with light-colored clothes and vice versa.
Common Stains and Cleaning Techniques
Take a look at the quick tips to remove and clean stains from the body pillow.
| Stain Type | Cleaning Technique |
|---|---|
| Adhesives | First, take some ice and rub it on the pillow. Do it until the stain becomes hard, making it easier to scrape it off. Use the knife for the scrapping procedure. However, make sure it is not too sharp. |
| Blood | Take some cold water or mild detergent to remove the blood stain. Use a clean rag, dip it in cold water, and then mildly scrub it. Don’t use hot water as it can set the blood stain. Once the stain is almost gone, wash it off. |
| Dried Stains | To remove dry stains, use warm water and a mild detergent mix. Soak the stained spot in the mixture and then rinse it with water. |
| Red Wine | Since it is a pesky stain, you will need a stronger detergent. But make sure it is not harsh on your pillow. |
You must wash your pillows every three to six months, more frequently, if there are any spills or spots. And you must clean the body pillow covers every week as it accumulates sweat and stains. Proper cleanliness of your body pillow helps you remain healthy and maintain good hygiene. With the above steps on how to wash your body pillow, you can get the job done almost effortlessly.
