Your body pillow works hard every night, absorbing sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and dust mites. Regular cleaning is essential not only for hygiene but also for maintaining the pillow's supportive qualities and extending its lifespan. This guide covers everything you need to know about properly caring for your body pillow, from routine maintenance to deep cleaning techniques.

Understanding Your Pillow's Fill Material

Before cleaning any pillow, you need to identify its fill material, as this determines the appropriate cleaning method. Check the care label or product description for specifics.

Common Fill Types

  • Polyester Fiberfill: The most common and generally machine washable
  • Memory Foam: Cannot be machine washed; requires spot cleaning only
  • Shredded Memory Foam: Some are machine washable; check the label carefully
  • Down Alternative: Usually machine washable with gentle care
  • Microbeads: Typically spot clean only; check manufacturer guidelines
⚠️ Important Warning

Never machine wash solid memory foam pillows. Water can damage the foam structure, cause mold growth, and ruin the pillow completely. Memory foam requires different care techniques covered later in this article.

Regular Maintenance Routine

Establishing a regular maintenance routine keeps your body pillow fresh between deep cleans and extends its overall lifespan.

Daily Care

  • Fluff your pillow each morning to redistribute fill and maintain loft
  • Allow the pillow to air out by pulling back covers for 30 minutes after waking
  • For memory foam pillows, give them a gentle shake to help air circulation

Weekly Maintenance

  • Wash your pillowcase if using one (always recommended)
  • Vacuum the pillow surface to remove dust and debris
  • Spot clean any visible stains immediately
  • Air the pillow outdoors for a few hours if possible (avoid direct harsh sunlight for memory foam)

Monthly Tasks

  • Wash or replace pillow protector
  • Inspect the pillow for signs of wear, lumps, or permanent odours
  • Rotate the pillow head-to-foot if applicable
🎯 Cleaning Schedule Summary
  • Pillowcase: Weekly
  • Pillow protector: Monthly
  • The pillow itself: Every 3-6 months (or as needed)
  • Spot cleaning: As soon as stains occur

Machine Washing Polyester and Down Alternative Pillows

Most fiberfill and down alternative body pillows can be safely machine washed. Follow these steps for best results:

Step 1: Prepare the Pillow

  • Remove all covers and protectors
  • Check for any tears or weak seams and repair before washing
  • Pre-treat any stubborn stains with a mild stain remover

Step 2: Choose Your Machine Settings

  • Use a front-loading washer if possible (top loaders with agitators can damage pillows)
  • Select the gentle or delicate cycle
  • Use cold or lukewarm water (hot water can damage some fills)
  • Use a mild, liquid detergent—avoid powder detergents that may not rinse completely

Step 3: Wash Properly

  • If your machine is large enough, wash two pillows together for balance
  • For very large body pillows that won't fit in your machine, consider a laundromat with commercial-sized washers
  • Use only half the normal amount of detergent to prevent residue buildup
  • Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed

Step 4: Dry Thoroughly

Proper drying is crucial to prevent mold and mildew growth.

  • Tumble dry on low heat
  • Add clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the fill and prevent clumping
  • Check the pillow periodically and break up any clumps by hand
  • Ensure the pillow is completely dry before use—this may take 2-3 hours or more
  • If possible, air dry outdoors (in shade) for the final hour to ensure complete dryness
💡 Pro Tip

To test if your pillow is completely dry, press your face into it. If it feels cool or damp, it needs more drying time. Using a pillow that's not fully dry can lead to mold growth and unpleasant odours.

Cleaning Memory Foam Body Pillows

Memory foam requires special care because water can damage its cellular structure and take an extremely long time to dry, creating a breeding ground for mold.

Spot Cleaning Method

  1. Mix a small amount of mild liquid detergent with water
  2. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and wring it out thoroughly
  3. Gently blot (don't rub) the stained area
  4. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue
  5. Blot with a dry towel to absorb excess moisture
  6. Allow to air dry completely before covering

Deodorising Memory Foam

If your memory foam pillow develops odours, try this method:

  1. Remove the cover and sprinkle baking soda liberally over the pillow surface
  2. Allow the baking soda to sit for at least one hour (longer for stubborn odours)
  3. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly using an upholstery attachment
  4. Repeat on the other side if needed

Deep Cleaning Memory Foam (When Necessary)

If your memory foam pillow needs more than spot cleaning, follow this careful approach:

  1. Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent
  2. Submerge the pillow and gently squeeze (don't twist or wring) to work the water through
  3. Drain and refill with clean water; repeat squeezing to rinse
  4. Gently press out excess water (do not wring)
  5. Lay flat on a clean surface in a well-ventilated area
  6. Allow to dry completely—this can take 24-48 hours or more
  7. Use a fan to improve air circulation and speed drying
ℹ️ Shredded Memory Foam

Pillows filled with shredded memory foam can often be machine washed because the small pieces dry more quickly than solid foam. However, always check your specific pillow's care instructions first, as this varies by manufacturer.

Caring for Pillow Covers

Most body pillow covers can be washed more frequently than the pillows themselves. Here's how to care for common cover materials:

Cotton Covers

  • Machine wash in warm water
  • Tumble dry on medium heat or line dry
  • Iron on medium if desired

Bamboo Covers

  • Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle
  • Tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry
  • Bamboo fabric can shrink in high heat

Microfiber Covers

  • Machine wash in cold or warm water
  • Avoid fabric softeners which can reduce breathability
  • Tumble dry on low heat

When to Replace Your Body Pillow

Even with excellent care, body pillows don't last forever. Consider replacing yours if you notice:

  • Permanent lumps or flat spots that don't fluff out
  • Persistent odours that remain after washing
  • Visible staining that won't come out
  • Reduced support—you wake with aches you didn't have before
  • Allergic reactions—dust mites can accumulate over time
  • Age: Most pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on quality and use

Investing in a quality pillow protector from day one significantly extends your pillow's usable life by providing an additional barrier against sweat, oils, and allergens.

Australian Climate Considerations

Australia's climate can affect pillow care in several ways:

  • Humidity: In humid regions like Queensland, ensure pillows are completely dry before use to prevent mold
  • Sun exposure: Australian UV is intense; avoid prolonged direct sunlight which can break down foam materials
  • Dust: In dusty rural areas, more frequent vacuuming may be necessary
  • Heat: Store pillows away from heat sources; high temperatures can affect memory foam
👨

James Chen

Product Research Lead

James brings a background in materials science to BodyPillow.au. He analyses fill materials, cover fabrics, and construction quality across all products reviewed, and leads our testing protocols for durability and care.