Ever wondered why a body pillow can feel fresh one week and musty the next? If you use yours every night, learning how to wash body pillows in washing machine the right way can help extend its life, remove allergens, and keep your sleep space cleaner.
What to Know Before You Start
Before you toss a body pillow into the washer, check the care tag. Not every body pillow is machine washable, and some inserts have memory foam, latex, or delicate fills that need spot cleaning only. If the label says machine wash is safe, you are in good shape to proceed.
Also, make sure your washing machine is large enough. Body pillows are bulky, and cramming them into a small drum can prevent proper cleaning and strain the washer. A front load washer or a large capacity top load washer usually works best.
Check the Pillow Material
Polyester and Down Alternative Fill
Most polyester-filled and down alternative body pillows can be washed in a machine using a gentle cycle. These materials are usually the easiest to clean and dry.
Memory Foam or Latex
If your body pillow contains memory foam or latex, do not machine wash it unless the manufacturer specifically allows it. Water can damage the structure of the fill and shorten the pillow’s lifespan.
Removable Covers
If your body pillow has a removable cover, wash the cover separately. This helps remove sweat, body oils, and dust more effectively and keeps the main pillow cleaner longer.
How to Wash Body Pillows in Washing Machine
Use a Gentle Cycle
Set your washer to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or warm water. Hot water may damage fabric or cause the filling to clump. A gentle cycle helps protect the pillow shape.
Choose a Mild Detergent
Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Too much soap can leave residue inside the pillow and make rinsing harder. Avoid bleach unless the care label clearly says it is safe.
Balance the Load
Wash two body pillows at once if possible to balance the machine. If you only have one, add a few towels to help keep the washer stable during the spin cycle.
Rinse Thoroughly
Extra rinsing is important when washing a body pillow. Soap left behind can make the pillow feel stiff or cause irritation for sensitive skin.
How to Dry a Body Pillow Properly
Dry on Low Heat
After washing, dry the body pillow on low heat in the dryer if the care label allows it. High heat can damage the fill and fabric.
Add Dryer Balls
Use dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help fluff the filling and prevent clumping. This is especially useful for large, stuffed body pillows.
Air Dry if Needed
If the pillow is still damp after the cycle, air dry it completely before using it again. A partially wet pillow can develop mildew or odors. Place it in a well-ventilated area and rotate it occasionally.
Tips to Keep Body Pillows Fresh Longer
Wash the cover every one to two weeks if you use the pillow nightly. For the pillow itself, cleaning every few months is often enough unless you sweat heavily or have allergies. Using a pillow protector can also reduce how often you need to deep clean it.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to wash body pillows in washing machine safely starts with reading the care label, choosing the right cycle, and drying it correctly. When washed and dried properly, a body pillow can stay cleaner, smell fresher, and last much longer. If your pillow is made from delicate materials, spot cleaning may be the safer choice.
