How To Wash and Dry a Gel Pillow: Step by Step Guide

This post is a part of the complete gel pillow buyers guide

If you enjoy feeling cool at night when you’re sleeping, you likely know the cooling sensation of gel pillows. Gel pillows are great for keeping you cool if you sleep hot. To maintain the optimum comfort of your pillow will require you to care for it the right way. 

This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to wash and dry a gel pillow.

Quick Step-by-Step Guide

Wash To Remove Stains

1. Remove pillow covering or case. 
2. Mix a few drops of soap and one to two cups of lukewarm water.
3. Add white vinegar if an odor also exists.
4. Rub the stains.
5. Apply hydrogen peroxide for stubborn stains.
6. Let the pillow dry completely.

Wash To Eliminate Odors

1. Remove the pillow covering or case. 
2. Sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda over the pillow. 
3. Let baking soda sit on the pillow for 30 minutes. 
4. Vacuum the remaining baking soda.  

Do I Need To Wash My Pillow?

A really good pillow can be a really great investment when taken care of properly, and a gel pillow is no different.

Pillows are prone to attracting mechanisms like dust and dust mites and can be culprits in the creation of allergy symptoms. If you ever find yourself sneezing or sniffling more or waking up with running eyes, it could be because your pillow needs to be washed. 

Also, stains from spills can end up on pillows, and oils from our skin and hair can also build up. Our pillow can end up smelling bad or looking worse. Proper maintenance of your pillow helps to guarantee it will provide you the comfort you desire for as long as possible. 

How To Wash and Dry a Gel Pillow

When it comes to washing a gel pillow, the first thing to remember is it should always be hand washed. We’ll provide steps for how to wash a gel pillow to remove stains and how to wash a gel pillow to eliminate odor.

Wash To Remove Stains

1. Remove pillow covering or case. Clean the pillowcase separately according to instructions on the tag. Most pillowcases can be machine washed. 
2. Mix soap and water. Combine one to two cups of lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap in a medium-sized bowl. Mix until about one inch of bubbles has formed on top of the water. Combine additional dish soap if needed.
3. Add white vinegar if an odor also exists. Add one to two tablespoons of white vinegar to the water if the stain has a strong scent. Adding other types of vinegar other than white may leave a film on the top of the pillow.
4. Rub the stains. With a damp cloth or sponge, rub the pillow lightly until the stain disappears. Rub as often as needed to remove the stain(s).
5. Apply hydrogen peroxide for stubborn stains. Some stains, like blood or oil are difficult to remove. Dip the end of a cotton swab into 3% hydrogen peroxide to rub back and forth over the stain if the stain is difficult to remove. Do this until the stain disappears, and wipe the pillow with a damp cloth to remove any hydrogen peroxide that may remain.
6. Let the pillow dry completely. Never put your pillow in the dryer. That will damage the pillow. Let the pillow lay in a well-ventilated area or the sun for about two hours. After two hours, touch the pillow to ensure it is completely dry. If so, place the pillow back inside its cover. To speed the drying process, you can try wiping the surface of the pillow with a dry towel after applying soap and water. It’s important to ensure the pillow is completely dry inside to avoid the growth of mildew and mold.

Wash To Eliminate Odors

1. Remove the pillow covering or case. Clean the pillowcase separately according to instructions on the tag. Most pillowcases can be machine washed. 
2. Sprinkle baking soda over the pillow. Coat the entire pillow on both sides with two tablespoons of baking soda. 
3. Let the baking soda sit on the pillow for 30 minutes. Allow the baking soda to absorb the odor for about 30 minutes. If the smell is very bad, place the pillow in a plastic bag for one to two days with the baking soda on it.
4. Vacuum the remaining baking soda. After the allotted time, the baking soda should have absorbed the smell. Vacuum the surface thoroughly to remove the baking soda. Make sure to clean and dry the vacuum attachment before using it on your pillow. 

What To Remember In Between Washes

Pillows are not washed daily due to their makeup. The more you wash them, the more damage they sustain. It is highly recommended to wash your gel pillow every one to two months or as needed. So it’s important to maintain it in between washings. To do this, you can:

• Ensure you use an appropriate pillowcase or pillow covering on your pillow. The covering protects it from stains and oils. 
• Remember to wash the pillowcase separately and more often than the pillow (at least every two weeks). Clean the pillowcase according to instructions on the tag. Most pillowcases can be machine washed. 
• Consider vacuuming the pillow at least once a week to help reduce the build-up of dust and dust mites. Make sure to clean and dry the vacuum attachment before using it on your pillow.

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Gel Pillows: A Complete Buyers Guide – Parts:

1. Why Use a Gel Pillow? The Benefits & Drawbacks
2. Memory Foam vs. Gel Foam Pillows: What’s The Difference & is One Better?
3. How Long Do Gel Pillows Last? This is The Replacement Time
4. Are Gel Filled Pillows Safe to Use?
5. Best Gel Pillows of 2022 – Complete Review
6. How to Wash And Dry a Gel Pillow: Step by Step Guide