by The most common question among first-time users of bamboo pillows is, “can you wash ‘em?” Well, most people refer to these pillows as just regular ones, so yes, you can wash them. But what are these bamboo pillows, and what is the procedure for washing them?
Keep reading this guide because we will present you with our guide on washing these pillows and making them look as good as new.
What are Bamboo Pillows?
These pillows are made of memory foam, and they come in pillowcases that are made of bamboo. Conventional pillows have cases that are of cotton or polyester.
These bamboo pillowcases are deemed premium quality. Therefore, they come with a higher price tag. These pillows can cost you more than double the price of a conventional pillow with a cotton or polyester pillowcase.
But the high price justifies by the range of benefits they offer (check 5 top-rated luxury bamboo pillows). These bamboo pillows are good for all sleeping positions. They provide exceptional support and spinal alignment.
These pillows are available in different shapes. Bamboo pillows can feature various fillings, including memory and shredded foam.
These pillows are incredibly soft; you can pair them with your bamboo mattress toppers and other bamboo bedding for a quality sleep experience. Moreover, these pillows are breathable and hypoallergenic, so they are great for hot sleepers.
How to Wash a Bamboo Pillow?
Now, the good thing is that washing your bamboo pillows is simple and similar to washing any traditional pillows. But before we start listing down any steps in this how-to guide, we need to highlight a few things that you will need to begin. These are bulleted as follows:
What will you need?
- Gentle or mild detergent.
- A washing basket or a sink or a hand wash basin.
- Washing machine.
- A drying rack or a designated drying place.
Step #1 – Washing your pillowcases
You can begin by washing the cases by removing them from your pillows. You will be machine washing them using a gentle cycle with warm water.
Don’t use cold or hot water for this purpose, or you will ruin your pillowcases immediately. They will fall apart, and what will remain is the leftover of your bamboo pillowcase. So, make sure you use lukewarm water and only choose gentle cycles.
Step #2 – Drying your pillowcases
Once you have washed your bamboo covers, make sure not to use your dryer. Just leave the pillowcases on a drying rack and let them air dry.
This way, you will prevent the fabric from suffering any further in the dryer by the hot air. Just hang the pillowcases on your drying rack and let the sun dry them completely.
Step #3 – Washing your pillow
The next step involves hand washing, so you need to add lukewarm water in a shut sink. The water should be around 90 F to 110 F and add about three tablespoons of the most gentle detergent you can find.
After that, you can add your pillows to the solution and begin squeezing them into it. Continue repeating this process for a few minutes to ensure your entire pillow is soaked in the solution.
Step #4 – Soaking your pillow
Some people leave their pillows soaking in the solution for better results. But others prefer not to follow this practice. We think soaking your pillow will make it longer to dry later and eliminate any dirt.
So, soaking your pillows is entirely up to you. If you think your pillows need detailed cleaning, you can let them soak for some time.
But you must remember that it will take much longer for your pillows to dry afterward completely. Always remember not to put too much detergent into the solution, or it will damage the memory foam.
Step #5 – Rinsing your pillow
After soaking your pillow, the next step is to rinse it. You must ensure you are using clean, warm water for this purpose. Be sure to keep rising until no detergent is left in your pillow.
If you don’t rinse the pillow properly, any leftover detergent will begin ruining your pillow, as it is made of memory foam. Hence, rinsing several times is necessary with clean water.
Step #6 – Drying your pillow
With your dying pillowcases, it’s time to put your washed pillows on your drying rack. It is best to use a pillow drying hanger and leave your pillow to dry in direct sunlight.
From time to time, you can check if the pillow is dry. But ensure you don’t leave it in sunlight for too long. It can ruin the memory foam inside the pillow.
But you do have to make sure to wait for the pillow to dry out completely. This is because it will prevent any moisture buildup inside the pillow, or it can result in mildew or mold development, and nobody wants that to happen.
Taking Care of Bamboo Pillows
Aside from washing, there are a few tips and tricks that you can utilize to keep your bamboo pillows in top shape for a long time to come. Some of them are as follows:
- Nobody wants dirt or dust accumulating within their pillows. So, it is best to cover these pillows with your blanket, sheet, or other bedding. Doing so will keep them clean throughout the day. It’s a good practice for people who have sensitive skin types.
- If you want to store your bamboo pillows, wash them and dry them out completely. If you have that, you can put them in their original package bag, but make sure the bag is clean. You can put them in vacuum-sealed bags. Unpack them every 6 months, so make them breathe, then vacuum-seal them again.
- If your pillow loses its fluff or shape, you need to re-fluff it by placing it in a dryer and allowing it to tumble for a few minutes. It won’t ruin the memory foam, but you will get your pillows re-fluffed. If you are only drying a single pillow, you can place a few tennis balls. It’s good practice to re-fluff the pillow and get it back in shape.
- Be sure to use a mild detergent for washing your bamboo pillows. This detergent must not contain bleach because even a small amount can ruin the pillow’s memory foam and bamboo casing.
Can I wash a bamboo pillow with regular laundry detergent?
It’s best to use a gentle, mild detergent when washing bamboo pillows, as harsh detergents can damage the bamboo fibers and memory foam fill. Regular laundry detergent may be too harsh on the materials. Stick to delicate or sensitive skin detergents.
How do I dry a bamboo pillow quickly?
Letting your bamboo pillow air dry in sunlight is the fastest way to dry it. You can also tumble dry on low heat for 10-15 minutes to speed up drying time. Avoid high heat settings when machine drying bamboo pillows.
What’s the best way to store a bamboo pillow?
Store bamboo pillows in a breathable cotton pillowcase or the original packaging. Vacuum seal them in a storage bag, unpacking every 6 months to let the pillow breathe. Storing in an airtight space prevents moisture buildup and mildew.
Conclusion
For those of you who are confused about whether they can wash your bamboo pillows, yes, you can do that. You can wash the pillow itself; do all the washing using warm water and mild detergent.
Hot or cold water can damage the fibers of your bamboo pillowcase. Moreover, heavy-duty detergents tend to do the same. So, you have to be very careful with your cleaning approach when dealing with your bamboo pillows.
So, it is best to make them last longer to get the best value. But once they lose their shape and become visibly damaged, replacing them for good is a better option.
Bamboo pillows wash FAQs
Do bamboo pillows need regular or frequent washing?
Bamboo pillows are quality products that don’t need to be washed regularly. But you do need to do that once or twice a year. It’s an optimal cleaning practice for this type of pillow.
However, sleeping on a dirty pillow can trigger allergies if you have a sensitive skin type. In such a scenario, you can wash your bamboo pillows every three months. But you can wash them at any time if they are visibly dirty. Generally, if you keep your room clean and dust free as much as possible, you won’t need to wash them that often.
When is it time to get a new bamboo pillow?
Keeping your bamboo pillows clean will only make them last that long, but it can’t go forever. So, if you see visible damage on your pillow or its pillow case, it's time to replace it.
But you must ensure whether the pillow is damaged from the inside or only the pillowcase is ruined. In such a scenario, you will only have to replace the pillow case and not the pillow itself.
Make sure you replace your pillow when it loses its shape entirely. It will become more uncomfortable, and you will start experiencing neck or back pain.
Can I iron my bamboo pillowcase?
When you are ironing your bamboo pillowcases, make sure to keep your iron on low heat. This is exactly the case when pressing your bamboo mattress toppers. It’s important because excessive heat can significantly reduce the durability of the bamboo fibers in your bamboo pillowcases.
Can I use stain removers on these bamboo pillows?
Be sure not to use any heavy-duty detergents or branches because they can damage the bamboo fibers in the bamboo pillowcases. Only use gentle detergents or mild alternatives to remove stains on these bamboo bedding accessories.
You can pretreat these stains before washing them for the best results. Use small amounts of oxygen bleach, baking soda, and vinegar to remove stains. You can use white vinegar and pine oil to disinfect your bamboo pillow.