This post is a part of the complete polyester pillow buyers guide
Unlike most pillows that are named by their filling, bamboo pillows are named by their casing. The pillows are actually filled with memory foam with a bamboo casing around.
Bamboo pillows are comfortable and great for travel. They are a safe choice for people who are susceptible to allergies because they’re naturally resistant to bacteria and dust mites.
They are also safe for those who suffer from asthma, snoring or other breathing problems. As if those aren’t good enough reasons to own a bamboo pillow, they are also non-toxic and entirely sustainable.
With all these benefits, it’s important to properly maintain your bamboo pillow so that it endures as long as possible. Knowing how to clean and dry your bamboo pillow will help it to last as long as possible.
Quick and Easy Cleaning Guide
- Wash the cover first, using the gentle, cold water cycle on your washing machine.
- Wash the bamboo pillow in a sink or tub with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
- Gently rinse all of the soap completely out of the pillow.
- Air dry the pillow in the sun or by using a drying rack, ensuring it is thoroughly dry.
- Air dry the cover or place it on a drying rack.
If you want to know more about completely washing your bamboo pillow and how to properly care for it, read on to learn more.
Steps to Clean and Dry a Bamboo Pillow
Choose to not machine wash your bamboo pillow. Machine-washing can very easily cause your pillow to lose shape or crumple to pieces due to the memory foam.
Also never dry your bamboo pillow in a dryer because the high temperature can melt the foam and cause the pillow to crumble. Instead, follow the steps below to clean and dry a bamboo pillow:
What You Will Need:
Lukewarm water (90 to 110 degrees F)
Mild detergent (2 to 3 teaspoons)
A sink or tub
A line hanger or drying rack
A washing machine and/or dryer
Step 1. Wash the Cover First
- Take the bamboo case off your pillow.
- Using the gentle, cold water cycle, wash the cover in the washing machine. If the water is too hot or too cold, it can ruin the cover.
- You can also choose to wash the cover by hand using cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent.
Step 2. Wash the Bamboo Pillow
- Fill the sink or tub with lukewarm water enough to completely cover the pillow.
- Add mild detergent without bleach.
- Hand wash the bamboo pillow using lukewarm water and mild detergent without bleach.
- Gently squeeze the pillow and rub in the detergent for a couple of minutes until you are sure the detergent went through the whole pillow. Too much detergent will prevent the pillow from properly drying.
Step 3. Soak the Bamboo Pillow (Optional)
Soaking your pillow will take it twice as long to dry out. However, if you feel your pillow needs the soaking due to its dirtiness, then do so.
- Allow the pillow to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Give a small push to the pillow during this process.
- Don’t allow the pillow to soak for more than 20 minutes.
Step 4. Rinse the Pillow
- Gently squeeze out the pillow thoroughly until there is no more detergent left in it. Soap left inside your pillow can ruin it.
- Rinse the pillow in clean, warm water. Do this several times, if needed.
Step 5. Dry the Bamboo Pillow
- Using hangers, air dry your pillow by hanging it to dry in the sun.
- You could also use a drying hanger or place it on a flat surface with a clean white towel underneath. If you choose to dry using this option, be sure to turn the pillow to the other side from time to time to ensure it dries completely through.
- Don’t allow the pillow to sit in the sun for too long after it’s dried. This could ruin your pillow by staining it.
- Ensure that your bamboo pillow dries completely through on the inside before using it. Dampness can cause it to mildew.
Step 6. Dry the Cover
- Place the cover in a dryer on the gentle cycle.
- You could also choose to air dry the cover or place them on a drying rack. Doing this will allow the fabric to dry without suffering any damage from hot air and will yield better results.
Frequent Asked Questions Around Caring for Your Bamboo Pillow
How Often Should I Wash My Bamboo Pillow?
It’s recommended you wash your bamboo pillow every six months to so your pillow can last as long as possible. However, if you’re dealing with sensitive and acne-prone skin, a dirty pillow will only aggravate it. In that case, you may want to wash the pillow a little more frequently, like every 3 or 4 months.
What Other Things Can I Do to Care for My Bamboo Pillow?
Here are some additional things you can do to care for your bamboo pillow:
- Consider covering your pillow with your bed sheets or blanket to keep it clean throughout the day. That will help it to last longer.
- It’s a good idea to put on a pillowcase that serves as an extra layer of protection for your pillow. The outer case will soak up dirt, oil and moisture. The extra pillowcase will need to be replaced weekly.
- When you’re ready to store your pillow away, remember to wash it first and then let it dry completely. You can then place it in the original package it came in or vacuum it in a vacuum-sealed bag. Try to unpack the pillow at least every six months so it can air out and breath.
- If your bamboo pillow loses its shape, you can place it in a dryer and let it tumble (on the delicate cycle) for a few minutes. This will easily re-fluff your pillow without hurting the memory foam. Add a couple of tennis balls to the dryer to help with the fluffing and to help the pillow to keep its shape.
- Make sure when you wash your pillow that the detergent does not contain bleach. Even a small amount of bleach can ruin the casing and the memory foam.
- To alleviate as much dust as possible, vacuum the pillow occasionally. Vacuuming the pillow will pull out the dust and prevent nasty dust mites from nesting in your pillow.
- Don’t sleep after a workout, all dirty and sweaty. The gunk from you will stick to the pillow and bed. It’s always recommended to bath or shower before going to sleep.
- Try to keep your pillow as dry as possible, avoid wet hair and oils at night. A wet pillow attracts mold.
When Should I Get a New Bamboo Pillow?
Bamboo pillows generally last about one to two years. Regardless of how often you wash your bamboo pillow, if used on a daily basis, you’ll know when it’s time to replace it with a new one. You’ll know it’s time to replace your pillow if:
- There are noticeable bumps and lumps on the pillow
- There are permanent stains on the pillow even after it’s been washed
- You wake up with neck and shoulder pains
- You wake up with headaches and fatigue
- You find yourself sneezing from dust mites after sleeping on the pillow
- The pillow goes flat and cannot be fluffed up properly no matter what you do
Bamboo Pillows: A Complete Buyers Guide – Parts:
1. Why Use a Bamboo Pillow? The Benefits & Drawbacks
2. How Long Do Bamboo Pillows Last? (How to Make Them Last Longer)
3. How to Sleep on a Bamboo Pillow: Guide and Tips
4. Why do Bamboo Pillows Smell? And How to Get Rid of it
5. How to Clean and Dry a Bamboo Pillow: Step by Step Guide
6. Do Bamboo Pillows Attract Bugs And Dust Mites?
7. Will a Bamboo Pillow Make You Sleep Hot or Cool?
8. Are Bamboo Pillows Good For Skin and Hair?
