Whether you just purchased a bamboo pillow or have had one for a while, you might have noticed it didn’t come with any specific care instructions. This leaves many people wondering whether or not they can wash their bamboo pillows, and if so, how.
Washing your bamboo pillow is actually quite easy, and can be done by hand or in most standard washing machines. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to wash a bamboo pillow, and provide some bonus tips for keeping it in tip-top shape.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to keep your bamboo pillow clean and fresh, so it can continue providing you with a comfortable night’s sleep. Let’s get started!
Skip to…
- How to Machine Wash a Bamboo Pillow
- How to Wash a Bamboo Pillow by Hand
- Tips to Keep Your Bamboo Pillow Clean
Can You Wash a Bamboo Pillow?
Bamboo pillows with shredded memory foam or polyester filling can safely be washed by hand or even in a washing machine. However, bamboo pillows with a solid memory foam core should never be fully submerged in water or put in a washing machine! Solid memory foam bamboo pillows should only be spot-cleaned when necessary.
If you’re not sure what type of filling your bamboo pillow has, you can compare it with the diagram below.
As you can see, bamboo pillows with a solid memory foam core (left) should never be washed in a machine or fully submerged in water. Bamboo pillows with shredded memory foam or polyester filling (right) can be safely machine-washed or washed by hand.
With that being said, we recommend spot-cleaning solid memory foam bamboo pillows whenever possible. This will help prevent the pillow from becoming waterlogged, which could damage the foam and affect its ability to provide support.
How to Machine Wash a Bamboo Pillow
The easiest way to wash a bamboo pillow is in a washing machine. Below are the steps you’ll need to take:
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Before washing your bamboo pillow, take a look at the care label to see if there are any specific instructions. Bamboo is a strong and durable fabric and can be washed on most standard settings, but it’s always best to check the care label first.
Step 2: Remove the Pillowcase
Next, remove the pillowcase from the bamboo pillow and set it aside. If the pillowcase is machine-washable, you can wash it at the same time as the pillow. If not, you’ll need to wash it by hand or spot-clean it as needed.
Step 3: Machine Wash on a Delicate or Gentle Cycle
Once the pillowcase has been removed, machine wash the bamboo pillow on a delicate or gentle cycle in cold water. If your washing machine has a “pillow” setting, we recommend using that. Repeat this cycle for heavily soiled pillows or to remove tough stains.
Step 4: Tumble Dry on Low Heat or Air Dry
Once you’re comfortable with the cleanliness of the pillow, it’s time to dry it. Making sure your pillow is completely dry is crucial, as mold and mildew can grow in damp conditions. To dry your bamboo pillow, tumble dry it on low heat or air dry it. Air drying is the safest option, but it will take longer for the pillow to completely dry.
If you choose to tumble dry your pillow, make sure to check on it periodically to ensure it’s not getting too hot. Bamboo is a natural fabric and can shrink when exposed to high temperatures, so it’s important to be careful.
Step 5: Fluff and Re-Shape
Once your bamboo pillow is completely dry, fluff it and re-shape it as needed. This will help restore its original shape and ensure it’s ready for a comfortable night’s sleep.
And that’s it! You now know how to machine wash a bamboo pillow. Just remember to follow the instructions on the care label and take care not to expose the pillow to high temperatures.
How to Wash a Bamboo Pillow by Hand
If you don’t have a washing machine or you’re not comfortable machine-washing your bamboo pillow, you can always wash it by hand. Below are the steps you’ll need to take:
Step 1: Fill a Tub or Sink with Water
To start, fill a tub or sink with cold or lukewarm water. Make sure the water is deep enough to fully submerge the pillow.
Step 2: Add Detergent
Next, add a mild detergent or laundry soap to the water and mix it around until it’s evenly distributed.
Step 3: Submerge the Pillow and Swish It Around
Once the detergent is mixed in, submerge the bamboo pillow in the water and swish it around. Be sure to get all sides of the pillow and work the detergent into any stains.
Step 4: Rinse the Pillow Thoroughly
After you’ve given the pillow a good cleaning, it’s time to rinse it off. Remove the pillow from the water and rinse it thoroughly under cold or lukewarm running water. Be sure to get all the soap out of the pillow, as this can cause skin irritation.
Step 5: Squeeze Out the Water
Once you’ve rinsed off the soap, squeeze out as much water as possible. You can do this by hand or use a salad spinner if you have one.
Step 6: Air Dry the Pillow
After you’ve squeezed out as much water as possible, it’s time to air dry the pillow. Place it in a well-ventilated area and allow it to air dry completely. This could take a few hours or even a full day, so be patient.
And that’s it! You now know how to wash a bamboo pillow by hand. Just remember to use cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent or laundry soap. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause the bamboo to shrink.
Tips to Keep Your Bamboo Pillow Clean
Now that you know how to wash a bamboo pillow, here are a few tips to help keep it clean:
Use a bamboo pillowcase: Using a bamboo pillowcase can help prevent the build-up of dirt and dust on your pillow. This is because the pillowcase will act as a barrier between your pillow and the environment, trapping any allergens and debris inside.
Wash your pillowcase regularly: Even if you’re using a bamboo pillowcase, it’s important to wash it regularly. Bamboo is an absorbent material, so your pillowcase can become stained and smelly over time if it isn’t washed frequently. Aim to wash your pillowcase at least once a week, or more often if it gets dirty quickly.
Invest in a pillow protector: If you want to extend the life of your bamboo pillow, consider investing in a pillow protector. A pillow protector is a removable and washable cover that goes over your pillow, protecting it from stains, dust, and dirt. Additionally, some pillow protectors are waterproof, which can be helpful if you tend to sweat a lot at night or live in a humid environment.
Conclusion
Washing your bamboo pillow is important to keep it clean and fresh. Luckily, it’s easy to do, whether you’re machine-washing or hand-washing your pillow.
Just remember to use cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent or laundry soap. And, if you want to keep your pillow looking and smelling great for a longer period of time, consider using a bamboo pillowcase and washing it regularly.
We hope this guide was helpful in teaching you how to wash a bamboo pillow. If you have any questions or would like to share your own tips, please leave a comment below!
