How to Wash a Body Pillow: The Ultimate Guide

Have you ever wondered how to wash a body pillow or how to keep it in tip-top condition? Everyone loves a body pillow — they are perfect for bedtime or for chilling out on the sofa.

But of course, they do get dirty. Since these pillows are large, it might be necessary to take them to a Laundromat to wash in an oversized washer. Then again, some persons prefer doing it themselves.

Below are a few tips on how to take care of and wash your body pillow. Choose the right washing or cleaning technique and in no time it will be right where you want it.

What’s Great About Body Pillows

Body pillows are the perfect way to relax your muscles and align your body. At the end of a busy working day, there is nothing more comforting than to unwind in comfort.

Cuddling up on the sofa with your body pillow and a box of chocolate is the perfect way to ease the stressors of the day.

Body pillows have lots of uses because they come in many shapes and sizes.

The long, narrow ones are great in the bedroom because they can help you sleep in a comfortable and supported position.

Large pillows are perfect for movie-nights or those cozy nights-in with a glass of wine and a good book.

Why Wash Your Body Pillow?

Of course, however much you love your body pillow, all that wine and chocolate eventually takes its toll. Even if you manage to avoid chocolate stains, eventually the sweat of regular use will start to build up.

Sweat is perfectly natural, but after a while, it starts to soak into your pillow.

Along with sweat, dust and dead skin also collect on your pillow, which could cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other health problems.

How Often Should You Wash Your Body Pillow?

So, it is time to start thinking about how to wash a body pillow. This is not something you need to do very often, but it’s a good idea to wash your body pillow every 3 to 6 months.

Of course, this depends on how often you use it.

Hand-Washing

The first tip on how to wash a body pillow is hand-washing. This is the gentlest method of all.

Firstly, you need to remove the case from the pillow. It is more effective to wash these two parts separately.
Use a mild detergent, as stronger detergents can damage delicate body pillows.
Submerge the pillow in water and detergent.
Use your hands to squeeze the pillow repeatedly. Continue doing this until you’re sure the pillow is clean.
Rinse your body pillow with lots of fresh, clean water.
Once your body pillow is thoroughly rinsed, squeeze the water out of the pillow firmly.

To ensure your pillow regains its fluffiness, lay it flat to dry.

Machine-Washing

Another method on how to wash a body pillow involves using the washing machine. It requires much less effort, but it can be harsher on the texture of the pillow. You don’t need to remove the pillowcase — both can be washed together.

Place your body pillow in the washing machine.
Add a mild detergent to your wash.
When the wash is complete, remove the clean pillow.
If you use a tumble dryer to dry your body pillow, it will be lovely and fluffy.

You can wash more than one pillow in one wash, depending on the size of your machine.

If you only have one pillow that needs washing, it’s a good idea to balance the load with another similarly-sized item.

Washing a Printed Body Pillow

This method is especially suited to delicate body pillows with printed designs. It is essential to be particularly careful when using this technique.

Remove the pillowcase from your body pillow and turn it inside-out.
Make sure you use a mild detergent.
Submerge your pillowcase in water and detergent. Take care not to leave the pillowcase in the water for too long.
Gently rinse and do not squeeze.
Hang to dry.
If your body pillow is patterned, be careful to iron on reverse, avoiding direct contact with the pattern.

It is best to avoid washing the inner part — the pillow itself. It can be placed in the sun, which will freshen it and kill any bacteria.

You can make your body pillow fluffy again by patting it lightly. It is also advisable to have it dry cleaned if necessary.

Looking After Your Body Pillow

Your body pillow probably gets lots of use. To keep in clean, fresh and looking like new, it is important to wash or freshen it up regularly.

How you wash your body pillow is up to you, but ensure that you clean both parts of your pillow frequently.

If your pillow is down-filled, it is advisable to avoid washing it in water. Putting it outside in the sun is a great way to freshen it up. Occasional dry-cleaning is worth considering too.

Storing Your Body Pillow

If you are not using your body pillow, it is important to store it correctly. The pillowcase and pillow can be stored separately to ensure they are kept in the best condition.

Sealed bags are great for storage because they keep items fresh and moisture-free.

Ensure your pillowcase is thoroughly dry before putting it away for any length of time.

If it is damp, it will become musty and potentially moldy. Store the pillow in another sealed bag. It works best if the bag is the same size as the pillow and all the air is removed.

A body pillow is an excellent addition to anybody’s home. It is a versatile pillow that brings comfort to you and your family in so many ways.

If you use your body pillow a lot, you will need to keep it clean. Depending on how delicate your pillow and pillowcase are, there are several washing techniques to follow.

Selecting the right method will make all the difference when it comes to keeping your body pillow clean, fresh, and in perfect condition.