Body pillows provide support for sleep, comfort during rest, and relief from certain aches. Regular cleaning helps maintain hygiene and extends the pillow’s life. The cleaning approach varies by cover type and pillow filling. This guide covers practical steps using common materials and safe detergents so American households can keep their body pillow fresh and comfortable.
Readers will find a concise quick overview, a step-by-step process, troubleshooting tips, and a buying guide to help choose the right covers and protectors for ongoing care.
Quick Answer
Most body pillows with removable covers are cleaned by washing the cover separately in a machine or by hand. If the pillow itself is foam or memory foam, avoid fully submerging it; spot-clean and air dry as directed by the manufacturer. Always use a gentle detergent, wash on a delicate cycle with cold water, and line dry or tumble dry on low heat if the care label allows.
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
Check care labels on both the pillow and the covers. Use gentle detergent and avoid bleach or fabric softeners that can degrade fabric or memory foam. If the pillow cover is removable, washing the cover alone is fastest; if the entire pillow needs cleaning, confirm it is safe to wash the filling components. Allow adequate drying time to prevent mold growth. A typical cleaning window is 1–3 hours for covers and 24 hours for full pillow air-drying.
Surface prep: gather a clean laundry bag if needed, and protect zippers during washing. Safety notes: avoid exposing memory foam to heat above recommended levels; heat can warp or damage the foam. Time estimate: 30–45 minutes for a cover-only wash; 2–4 days for a full pillow air-dry in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
Step-By-Step: How To Clean A Body Pillow
- Remove the pillow covers from the body pillow and inspect their care labels for washing instructions.
- If the cover is machine washable, place it in a washing bag or pillowcase to prevent snagging on zippers and seams.
- Wash the cover on a delicate cycle with cold water using a gentle detergent for memory foam body pillow washable or a mild detergent suitable for cotton or microfiber fabrics.
- For memory foam or synthetic covers, avoid chlorine bleach. Use a small amount of detergent and run an extra rinse cycle to remove soap residues.
- Pat or roll excess water from the cover, then air-dry flat or tumble dry on a low setting if the care label permits.
- While the cover dries, inspect the body pillow protector 54×20 for signs of wear. If necessary, wash the protector in cold water and air dry or machine dry on low heat according to label directions.
- For non-removable covers or foam cores, spot-clean stains with a mild detergent solution and warm water. Do not soak memory foam; rinse with a damp cloth and blot dry.
- Allow the pillow to dry completely before reassembling. Reinsert the cover and ensure the zipper closes smoothly.
- Re-cover with a clean removable cotton body pillow cover 60×20 or the memory foam cover to maintain hygiene during use.
- Regular maintenance: wash every few weeks or when exposed to spills, sweat, or odors; consider using a waterproof breathable protector to extend clean periods.
- Store in a dry, ventilated area when not in use to prevent moisture buildup and odor.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stains remain after washing | Detergent residue or set-in stain | Run an extra rinse; use a stain remover compatible with fabrics | Pre-treat stains promptly; blot spills immediately |
| Color fading or fabric pilling | Aggressive wash cycle or high heat | Switch to delicate cycle and cold water; avoid high heat | Use gentle detergents and wash alone or with similar colors |
| Memory foam core feels damp | Insufficient drying time | Air dry in a well-ventilated area; avoid direct heat | Patience during drying; flip and air-circulate |
| Musty odor | Moisture trapped in fabric | Deep dry and sun-expose the pillow or cover | Ensure complete drying after every wash |
Common Mistakes
- Using hot water or strong detergents on memory foam cores, which can damage the foam.
- Wringing memory foam or soaking the core, leading to slower drying and potential mold.
- Neglecting to remove stains promptly, making them harder to remove later.
- Overloading the washing machine, causing uneven cleaning and strain on zippers.
Tips For Best Results
- Pair washing with a dedicated, waterproof protective cover to reduce frequent full cleanings.
- Always air-dry memory foam covers and, if the label allows, tumble dry on low heat with similar fabrics.
- Use a color-safe detergent to preserve fabric brightness on cotton covers.
- Rotate pillow usage to distribute wear and help with even cleaning of the cover components.
- Keep a spare removable cover on hand for quick changes during heavy-use periods.
Call A Professional
Consider professional cleaning if the pillow shows persistent stains, persistent odors, or if the memory foam core becomes misshapen or waterlogged after home cleaning. Stop and seek professional care if there is visible mold, persistent dampness, or a breakdown of the foam structure.
FAQ
Can I wash a memory foam body pillow in a machine?
Only the cover should be machine washed unless the manufacturer explicitly states the foam core is machine-safe.
How often should I wash a body pillow cover?
Washing every 1–3 weeks is typical, or sooner if spills or odors occur.
What detergent is best for memory foam?
A gentle, non-biological detergent designed for delicate fabrics is recommended.
Is it OK to use a waterproof protector on a memory foam pillow?
Yes, a waterproof breathable protector can help reduce frequent washing and protect against spills.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right setup for a body pillow involves several factors. Size matters; ensure the cover fits the pillow core and offers easy removal for cleaning. Noise level is not a concern for covers, but consider the ease of moving and handling fabric to avoid wear. Energy efficiency is less relevant for laundry tasks, but choosing durable, machine-washable fabrics reduces washing cycles and energy use. Controls refer to care labels and washing instructions—sticking to gentle cycles and cold water saves both the fabric and energy. Placement is about where the pillow and covers live during cleaning and storage; store in a dry, ventilated space and use a waterproof protector to extend the time between washes. For material choices, blends of cotton, microfiber, and memory-foam-friendly fabrics balance softness, washability, and durability. Consider having at least one spare removable cover (60×20) for quick swaps. If choosing a protector, prioritize waterproof breathability to prevent moisture buildup while guarding the core. Finally, verify that the product sizing matches the pillow dimensions listed on care tags to ensure full coverage and easy maintenance.