Body pillows provide essential support for side sleepers, pregnant individuals, and those seeking extra overall comfort. Cleaning a body pillow properly helps maintain its shape, extends its life, and keeps it hygienic. This guide covers cleaning strategies for common pillow setups, including memory foam cores, removable covers, and protective layers. By following these steps, you can keep your body pillow clean without compromising its comfort.
Quick Answer
Spot clean and air out regularly for most pillows, and wash removable covers as needed. Use gentle detergents and cold or warm water, and air dry or use a low-heat dryer setting. If the core is memory foam, avoid soaking and use surface cleaning or partial washing to prevent damage.
What You’ll Need
- memory foam body pillow cover machine washable 54×20 inches
- removable cotton body pillow cover 60×20 zipper
- microfiber body pillow cover 20×54 machine wash
- body pillow protector waterproof breathable 54×20
- gentle detergent for memory foam body pillow washable
Before You Start
Read manufacturer care labels first. If your pillow uses a memory foam core, do not fully submerge it in water; excess moisture can lead to lumping or mold. Ensure the work area is clean, and have ample drying space. Time estimate: 2–6 hours, depending on drying methods and pillow materials. Important cautions include avoiding high heat, not using aggressive or bleach-based detergents, and preventing water from penetrating the memory foam core.
Step-By-Step: Cleaning A Body Pillow
- Detach any removable covers. If a zipper is present on the removable cotton body pillow cover 60×20 zipper, unzip fully and set aside the cover for washing.
- Inspect the pillow core. If the core is memory foam, skip soaking and use surface cleaning for stains or a shallow rinse around the edges only.
- Pre-treat stains. Lightly dab stains on the pillow with a mild gentle detergent for memory foam body pillow washable mixed with water. Avoid harsh scrubbing to protect the core and fabric.
- Wash the removable covers separately. Place the memory foam body pillow cover machine washable 54×20 inches and microfiber body pillow cover 20×54 machine wash in the washing machine with cold or warm water on a gentle cycle.
- Use an appropriate detergent. Choose a gentle detergent for memory foam body pillow washable to prevent residue and preserve fabric integrity.
- Dry covers properly. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry as recommended on care labels for the covers to maintain softness and size.
- Clean the pillow protector as needed. If using a body pillow protector waterproof breathable 54×20, launder it according to the label, typically on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
- Wipe the pillow core carefully after any surface cleaning. Use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild detergent, then rinse with a clean damp cloth and allow to air dry completely before reassembling.
- Reassemble and air out. Once all components are dry, reattach the covers and protectors, then fluff the pillow to restore loft. Consider occasional sun exposure or fresh air to reduce odors.
- Establish a routine. Regularly wash the removable covers every 1–2 months and spot-clean the core as necessary to maintain cleanliness without frequent full core washing.
- Storage and care. Store the pillow in a breathable cover when not in use to reduce moisture buildup and prevent mildew.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persistent odor after washing | Moisture trapped in core | Air out thoroughly; consider a brief sun exposure | Keep covers dry between washes |
| Color fading on covers | Bleach or harsh chemicals | Use a gentle detergent and avoid bleach | Follow care labels precisely |
| Lofty feel diminished | Flattened memory foam | Spot-clean only; avoid over-wetting | Rotate pillow usage and fluff regularly |
| Cover shrinking after washing | High heat drying | Switch to low heat or air dry | Wash in cold or warm water, air dry when possible |
| Water seepage into core | Over-wetting during cleaning | Limit moisture; use surface cleaning methods | Protect core with a moisture barrier or waterproof cover |
Common Mistakes
- Washing memory foam cores with full submersion or hot water
- Using bleach or strong detergents on delicate pillow fabrics
- Drying memory foam on high heat, which can degrade foam
- Not drying covers completely before reassembling, leading to mildew
To avoid these issues, always check care labels, opt for gentle cycles, and select fabrics that handle repeated washing well.
Tips For Best Results
- Keep a dedicated body pillow protector waterproof breathable 54×20 to reduce frequent washings and extend cover life.
- Pair a low-heat dryer cycle with dryer balls to restore loft on covers and prevent clumping of filler.
- Test stain removal on a hidden edge before applying to visible areas to prevent color transfer.
- Set a regular schedule for washing covers to maintain hygiene without stressing the core.
- Store pillows in a well-ventilated space to reduce moisture buildup between uses.
Call A Professional
Consider contacting a professional upholstery or mattress cleaning service if the pillow develops persistent stains, stubborn odors, or signs of mold that do not improve with at-home cleaning. Seek professional help immediately if you notice structural damage, a warped core, or unusual swelling that could indicate containment failures in the memory foam.
FAQ
Can I wash memory foam and its cover together?
Do not submerge memory foam; wash only the cover and spot-clean the foam as needed.
How often should I wash removable pillow covers?
Typically every 1–2 months, or sooner with heavy use or accidents.
Is it safe to use a dryer for memory foam pillows?
Only for the covers; memory foam cores should air dry or be dried on a cool setting with careful air circulation.
What detergent is best for memory foam pillows?
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free detergent designed for sensitive fabrics and foams to avoid residue and irritation.
Buying Guide
When choosing a body pillow cleaning setup, consider size compatibility, cover materials, and care requirements. Ask yourself: Will the primary cleaning involve only covers, or does the core need occasional refreshing? Key buying factors include:
- Size and fit: Ensure the memory foam body pillow cover machine washable 54×20 inches or removable cotton body pillow cover 60×20 zipper match your pillow dimensions.
- Noise level: Quiet washing cycles and a mid-range dryer are beneficial for bedrooms and nurseries.
- Energy efficiency: Consider energy-efficient washers and dryers to reduce utility use during routine cleaning.
- Controls and cycles: Gentle or delicate cycles with low heat protection help preserve fabric integrity.
- Placement: Store cleaning supplies near the laundry to streamline maintenance and avoid cross-contamination with sleeping areas.
For best results, pair a waterproof breathable protector with washable covers to minimize moisture exposure to the core and simplify maintenance. If you’re unsure about your pillow’s cleaning needs, start with the easiest option—cleaning the removable covers—before tackling the inner core.