Pillows are often one of the first places we notice when our homes start to feel dirty. Not only are they home to dust mites, but they can also attract pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. Bamboo pillows are a splendid choice for people with allergies, as they are naturally hypoallergenic. But how do you wash a bamboo pillow? Keep reading for tips on how to clean your bamboo pillow and keep it looking and feeling fresh.
Can You Wash Bamboo Pillows?
There is no doubt that bamboo pillows are becoming more and more popular and are among the most frequently used pillows. So, how can you take care of it properly?
It is well known that a clean bamboo pillow keeps dust mites away, which can help with many allergies. However, to prolong the life of your bamboo pillow, wash it every 6 months during its 2-to-3-year lifespan.
But can you wash a bamboo pillow? And if it’s possible, is there an easy way to do it? How do you wash a bamboo pillow without damaging it? The short answer is yes! However, the extent you can wash a bamboo pillow always depends on the product you have.
Bamboo pillows are a combination of a cover made of bamboo fabric and a special pillow filling. The first thing you should do when buying a pillow is read the specific washing instructions that come with the pillow.
While your pillow care instructions may vary, there are general guidelines you can follow to extend the life of a pillow.
Let’s dive in...
How To Wash a Bamboo Pillow?
First, when washing bamboo pillows, separate the case from the pillow filling and separately clean them, as they typically require various cleaning methods.
Clean The Bamboo Pillowcase in Your Washing Machine
The best thing about bamboo pillows is the removable, machine-washable cover.
Here is what you should do for the best results:
- Wash it separately to prevent friction with rough materials. When we say rough, we mean towels, coarse fabrics, or anything with a zipper.
- As a general rule of thumb for all bamboo fabrics, avoid heat as much as possible. Heat destroys the bamboo fibers and causes shrinkage in the fabric.
- Always wash it on a gentle cycle, with warm or lukewarm water.
- Finally, be sure to use a gentle detergent. Add about a tablespoon of mild or gentle detergent per normal load size.
Hand Wash the Bamboo Pillow Filling
Bamboo sleeping pillows are typically filled with either shredded or solid memory foam. In fact, you’ll have to think twice about which washing method you choose if you don’t want to risk destroying the pillow.
It sounds thoughtful, but it all boils down to one thing: most memory foam pillows should be hand-washed. This is mainly because even the gentlest wash cycle can be too harsh and memory foam is likely to degrade and lose its shape.
But if a washer isn’t an option to clean your bamboo pillows, what steps can you take?
Whether your pillow is made of shredded or solid memory foam, you’ll need a gentle or mild bleach-free detergent. Fill your bathtub or sink with warm water and mix it with the detergent until it bubbles.
The next step is to submerge the pillow until it has completely absorbed the water. Rub the pillow with a soft cloth in a circular motion, remembering not to be too harsh.
Be careful not to use excessive detergent or soap before beginning the process. This is mainly because it's difficult to extract large amounts of detergent.
After filling in the detergent, gently squeeze the bamboo pillow like a sponge to allow it to soak into the interior. Since dirt may have built up inside the pillow, you need to be thorough, which means digging into the deeper layers.
Combine this with massaging until you realize the detergent is actually in the pillow filling, then let it soak in for some minutes. If you want a good smell afterward, this is how you get it.
However, do not let it soak for more than fifteen minutes. This makes it more difficult for moisture to escape, which can degrade the pillow.
The last part is the easiest because all you have to do is squeeze the pillow and rinse it under lukewarm water until the detergent is completely drained out.
Now all that’s left to do is let it dry!
Can Bamboo Pillows Be Tumble Dried?
You’re here because you have done the hardest part of cleaning your bamboo pillow: washing it. Now you likely have questions about the drying process, which we will answer step by step.
The Best Way to Dry the Bamboo Pillow Filling
As we mentioned earlier, avoid the washing machine when cleaning a viscoelastic pillow. You should never dry it in a dryer. Yes, we know it’s convenient and can save you a lot of time, but it comes at a cost: it can cause your memory foam padding to break down or even melt.
Interestingly, the alternative option is easier because you just need to let the pillow-filling air dry.
Here are some additional tips:
- Choose a well-ventilated area and place the pillow filling on a flat, clean surface. You can place it in direct sunlight but rotate the pillow filling from time to time to prevent excessive heat on one side.
- Make sure it is completely dry before use to prevent mold and moisture buildup. This can be done by squeezing it from time to time to see if the pillow is damp or not.
The Best Way to Dry the Bamboo Pillowcase
Air drying is the best way to dry the removable case as well. It is also fast because you just have to leave it on a clothesline. However, if you want to accelerate the process, you can definitely use the dryer. Keep in mind that heat can damage not only the memory foam but the entire pillow, including the cover.
To avoid this, choose a gentle cycle at low temperatures, constantly checking the humidity level to avoid over-drying the pillowcase.
How To Prolong the Life of a Bamboo Pillow?
Everyone wants their bedding products to last as long as possible, but does everyone take good care of them? To extend the life of your bamboo pillows, ensure that you wash your pillowcase regularly. The pillowcase is a haven for bed bugs that could destroy your pillow.
It is necessary to wash the pillowcase weekly to avoid the accumulation of bodily fluids that will seep into the removable cover with time. The National Sleep Foundation recommends washing your pillowcase at least once per week. It is also recommended that you wash the removable pillowcase at least every 6 months, depending on how often you wash the pillowcase.
You can also save time and money by keeping the bamboo pillow dry. A moist pillow can cause bacteria to grow quickly, particularly when combined with heat. Take care not to sleep sweaty or with wet hair and always try to keep your bamboo pillow as dry as possible.
Another important thing in the fight against bacteria is dusting. Dusting your pillow regularly can hinder bed bugs from feasting on our dead skin cells.
How to Wash a Bamboo Pillow: Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Wash Your Bamboo Pillows?
You can wash your bamboo sleeping pillows twice per year; which should be optimal to keep them clean and fresh. However, if you are dealing with sensitive, acne-prone skin, sleeping on a dirty pillow can make your skin and skin problems worse. Here, we recommend washing the bamboo pillows every three months, for instance. If your bamboo pillows are visibly dry, wash them immediately regardless of the recommended time.
How To Care for Bamboo Pillows?
Besides washing, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to keep bamboo pillows long-lasting and clean, for instance;
If you don’t want dirt and dust to build up on your bamboo pillows, we recommend covering them with your blankets, sheets, or whatever bedding you are using. This keeps them clean all day, which is ideal for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin.
If you would like to store your bamboo pillows, wash them first and let them dry completely. You can then place them in the bag from the original packaging (which must also be clean) or vacuum pack them. Try to unpack your bamboo pillows at least every six months to let them air out and “breathe” a bit.
If your pillow loses its shape and becomes fuzzy, you can simply inflate it again. Just put it in a dryer and allow it to dry for a few minutes (low or gentle cycle). It will not damage the memory foam but will plump up your beloved pillow in no time. You can even lay out a couple of tennis balls if you are just drying a pillow; it works best to help the bamboo pillow fluff up and hold its shape.
When washing bamboo pillows, be sure to use a mild detergent without bleach. Even a small amount of bleach can damage the memory foam and casing.
When Should I Buy a New Bamboo Pillow?
Since you can’t wash your bamboo pillows forever, you’ll need to buy new ones in no time. When you start to see visible damage to your pillow or pillowcase, it’s time to replace everything.
However, check if only the pillowcase is damaged. Here, you only need to replace the pillowcase and not the pillow itself. This will save you money until you decide to change the pillow as well.
You should change the pillow when it completely loses its shape, becomes uncomfortable and causes neck pain, and generally shows signs of damage.
Final Thoughts
Let’s face it, life happens and often we don’t always stick to our perfect schedule. If you find yourself sleeping on a dirty pillow and cover more often than you would like, there are things you can do to help. First, be sure to wash your face before bed and use a clean pillow cover. Second, if you have long hair, try to tie it up before bed. This will help prevent your hair from transferring oils to your pillow and its casing.
Finally, if all else fails, don’t worry too much. A little grime and dirt won’t hurt anyone. Just be sure to change your pillow cover as often as possible and your bed will be fine.
Looking to replace your pillow covers? Why not try bamboo bedding? Bamboo Bed is a leading supplier of bamboo bedding and pillowcases – shop today to have your new silky-smooth, breathable, and anti-bacterial bamboo pillowcase delivered straight to your door.
