Can You Wash A Bamboo Pillow?

Published Categorized as Pillows, Bedding

New bamboo pillows sometimes have a chemical smell when you first open the packaging. So you might be wondering if you can wash your bamboo pillow. 

Find out everything you need to know in this article.

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What exactly is a bamboo pillow made of?

Most bamboo pillows only contain bamboo in the casing and not in the stuffing. The stuffing is generally made of shredded memory foam.

This is important because memory foam needs to be washed and dried with care.

Discover more: What Are Bamboo Pillows Made Of?

Can bamboo pillows be washed in the washing machine?

Most bamboo pillows contain shredded memory foam (How Long Do Memory Foam Pillows Last?), so it is not advised to wash them in the washing machine. 

The movement inside your washer can break up the foam and cause it to lose shape or crumble to pieces.

Can you put bamboo pillows in the dryer?

Similar to the washing machine, a machine dryer can cause damage to your bamboo pillow if run on a high heat cycle.

Also, the movement inside your dryer can damage the shredded memory foam and cause it to break up.

How To Wash And Dry Bamboo Pillows

How do you wash and dry a bamboo pillow? Most bamboo pillows should be hand washed and air dried unless directed otherwise by the manufacturer.

can you wash a bamboo pillow

Step 1: Wash The Pillow Cover

Remove the pillow cover and machine wash using a gentle, cold or lukewarm water cycle. 

If you want to be sure not to cause any damage to the pillow cover then hand wash it using cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent (see below).

Step 2: Wash The Memory Foam Pillow

You’ll need to hand wash the pillow using lukewarm water and a mild detergent without bleach, phosphates, or enzymes.

The detergent below is perfect for the job:

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Woolite Delicates Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent, 50 oz, 33 Washes, Machine and Hand Wash Eligible

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It uses a unique hypoallergenic formula that won’t cause your pillow to fade, shrink or stretch.

Use a small amount of detergent, then carefully squeeze and rub the water and detergent mix into the pillow by hand.

Do this for several minutes to ensure that the whole pillow is covered and that the mixture has deeply penetrated the pillow.

You can cover the pillow in water, but it shouldn’t be soaked with too much detergent otherwise, it can be difficult to rinse and dry the pillow properly.

If your pillow does need a thorough washing, then feel free to soak it; just bear in mind that it’ll take twice as long to dry.

Step 3: Rinse & Squeeze The Pillow Thoroughly

When you’re done washing, you’ll need to remove the detergent from the pillow.

Rinse several times with clean, warm water until there are no detergent suds left.

Memory foam can be damaged by leftover detergent, so make sure you thoroughly rinse the pillow. 

Rinse several times and use clean, warm water each time.

Then you can squeeze out the pillow gently but thoroughly. 

Do your best to remove as much moisture as possible.

Step 4: Air Dry The Pillow & Pillowcase

The last step is to air dry the pillow and pillowcase, preferably on a drying rack in the sun, so that all moisture evaporates.

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If you don’t let the pillow completely dry before using it, mold or mildew could grow. 

Moldy pillows are not something you want to sleep on, especially if you have asthma, allergies or breathing problems.

The pillow can be dried inside without sun, and you don’t have a drying rack. 

Place the pillow somewhere dry and flip it from time to time to ensure it dries evenly from both sides.

Find out: How Long Does COVID Live on Pillows?

How To Wash A Miracle Bamboo Pillow?

The great thing about the Miracle Bamboo Pillow is that you can machine wash and dry both the cover and inner lining.

Ontel Miracle Shredded Memory Foam Pillow with Viscose from Bamboo Cover, Queen, White

First, remove the liner, then wash the liner and cover together on a gentle cold water cycle using a mild detergent.

Dry both the liner and cover on a low tumble dry setting until both are fully dry.

Lastly, place the pillow liner inside the cover and let the pillow air and dry again outside to re-expand.

Note that excessive washing and drying can cause the memory foam to deteriorate quickly. 

So it’s advised that you should only wash the liner when necessary. 

Bamboo Pillow Care and Washing: FAQs

How Often Should I Wash My Bamboo Pillows?

The best way to keep bamboo pillows fresh and clean is to wash them twice a year. 

Sleeping on a dirty pillow, however, can worsen skin conditions like sensitive skin and acne. 

If this is the case, then you should wash your bamboo pillow every three months. 

How Should I Take Care Of Bamboo Pillows?

Here are some extra tips and tricks to keep your bamboo pillow clean and long-lasting:

  • Keep your bamboo pillows covered with bedding (sheet or blanket) to keep them protected against dust and dirt during the day.
  • For longer-term storage, keep your bamboo pillows in their original packaging or vacuum-sealed bags. 
  • Is your bamboo pillow flat or losing its shape? (Read more: Why Do Pillows Go Flat?)
    • You can re-fluff it by shaking or punching the pillow to break up and redistribute the filling until it regains its shape.
    • If your dryer has a low or no heat cycle, put the pillow into the dryer with 3 dryer balls (tennis balls will work too!) for 5 to 10 minutes. The movement will help break up the filling and create air pockets to make your pillow nice and fluffy. 
    • Add a few drops of essential oil onto the balls for a pleasant pillow scent.
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  • Always wash your bamboo pillows with a mild detergent without bleach, phosphates, or enzymes so that they don’t fade, shrink or stretch.

When Should I Get A New Bamboo Pillow?

You should replace your bamboo pillow if it’s no longer comfortable because it’s gone flat and you can no longer fluff it up. Another sign is if you’re waking up with neck or shoulder pains.

If your pillow has any visible damage or stains that you’re unable to wash out, you might also want to replace your bamboo pillow.

Any signs of mold or sneezing from dust mites will mean that you should replace your bamboo pillow immediately.

When you do replace your bamboo pillow make sure that you choose the correct one.