I felt fortunate when I got a gift as a backrest pillow. I want to thank my generous friend for giving me something that I can use comfortably every night. It is still in excellent condition, but I want to make sure that it is always clean and sanitized.
Backrest pillows, often used for comfort and ergonomics during remote work, can accumulate sweat, odors, and dirt over time. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain hygiene and freshness.
When you also have your backrest pillow, you will understand what I am trying to say. I am going to explain step by step how to wash your backrest pillow, both by machine and by hand. We’ll also provide some helpful tips on how to maintain your backrest pillows so they last for years to come.
To wash backrest pillows, follow these steps:
1. Check the care label
2. Remove the pillowcase
3. Vacuum the pillow
4. Spot clean stains
5. Place the pillow in the washing machine or by hand-wash
How to Wash Backrest Pillows in the Washing Machine
Most backrest pillows are machine-washable. However, it’s always a good idea to check the care label first to make sure.
1. Remove the pillowcase. If your backrest pillow has a removable pillowcase, take it off and wash it separately.
2. Vacuum the pillow. You’ll find that this helps in getting rid of any loose dirt or dust.
3. Place the pillow in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle and cold water. Be cautious not to add fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they may cause damage to the pillow’s filling.
4. Add a mild detergent. Be careful not to overstuff the washing machine, as this can damage the pillow.
5. Wash the pillow. After the cycle finishes, take the pillow out of the washing machine and allow it to air dry, or use a low dryer setting.
How to Wash Backrest Pillows by Hand
If your backrest pillow is not machine-washable, or if it is very dirty, you can hand-wash it.
1. Fill a sink or bathtub with cold water. Add a mild detergent and stir to combine.
2. Submerge the pillow in the water. Gently agitate the pillow to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Soak the pillow for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse the pillow thoroughly with cold water.
5. Squeeze out any excess water. Be careful not to over-wring the pillow, as this can damage the filling.
6. Let the pillow air dry.
Tips for Washing Backrest Pillows
- If your backrest pillow is large or heavy, you may want to wash it in two batches.
- If your pillow is filled with foam, you may want to place it in a mesh laundry bag before washing it. This will help protect the foam from getting damaged.
- If your pillow exhibits extensive dirt or stains, it’s a good idea to use a stain remover as a pre-treatment before initiating the washing process.
- Once the pillow is washed, you can either air dry it or place it in the dryer on the lowest possible setting.
How to dry your backrest pillows
If your backrest pillows are machine-safe, you can dry them in the dryer on the lowest possible setting. However, it is important to note that drying your backrest pillows in the dryer can damage them over time. If possible, it is best to air dry your backrest pillows.
To air dry your backrest pillows, simply place them on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area. You may want to flip them over periodically to help them dry evenly.
Maintaining your backrest pillows:
To help keep your backrest pillows looking and feeling their best, you should vacuum them regularly and spot-clean them as needed.
How Often Should the Backrest Pillow Be Washed?
Do you only clean your pillow once it starts to smell? When you do this, you are allowing your pillow to become heavier because of the oil, the dead skin cells, and all the other particles that you leave on it whenever you use it.
What if you use your pillow every time you sleep? You need to clean the pillow once a month.
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Factors that Affect the Cleanliness of Your Pillow
Certain things will affect how often you should clean your pillow. For example, if you wear clothes whenever you sleep, you do not need to clean the pillow as regularly as expected.
Your clothes will be the barrier against sweat and bacteria, so your pillow will not get as dirty as expected. Other factors that will affect the cleanliness of your pillow are the following:
- Having pets at home. Your pets may use your pillow, and if this is the case, the backrest pillows would need to be cleaned more often.
- Using the pillow on your bed means that you are going to use it more often as compared to using it on your couch.
- Your hygiene will affect how clean the pillow is going to be. If you often take a shower before sleeping, there is a big chance that your pillow will be cleaner than most.
Consider the factors that are mentioned above and decide when you should clean your pillow. Just remember that you need to know the process of actually cleaning your pillow so that you will not ruin it.
Washing and Spot-clean Stains
Spilling something on your pillow will require you to clean it immediately. The faster that you clean it, the smaller the chance that the stain will stay on the pillow for a long time.
Use a warm damp cloth to clean your pillow. Some stains are more stubborn than usual. There are fabric stain removers that you can use to clean the stains properly.
It will be different when there are mold and mildew stains. You need to disinfect the pillow by removing the stains with the use of a sponge and a mild detergent.
You can stop scrubbing the surface when the stains become completely removed. The tricky process here is making sure that the pillows will be air-dried.
What if the Pillow Does Not Fit the Washing Machine?
Some backrest pillows will be too big to fit the washing machine. You have to clean it area by area with suitable soap and water.
1. Prepare all of the materials that you need. You will need a damp cloth, gentle soap, and a sponge.
2. Flinch cleaning per area, even those that may not have spots that need to be cleaned.
3. Once you are sure that you have soaped the whole area, it will be time to rinse everything.
4. You may need to rinse out the soap from the pillow several times. Some pillows can be rinsed thoroughly, while others require more patience and effort to ensure the pad is free from detergent.
5. Allow the pillow to air dry. Some pillows will not fit your dryer or will be ruined when you place them on the dryer.
When Should You Replace Your Pillow?
There are a few signs that it’s time to replace your backrest pillow:
- It’s lost its shape. Backrest pillows are designed to support your back and neck, so if they’ve flattened out or become misshapen, they’re not doing their job properly.
- It’s uncomfortable. If your backrest pillow is causing you any pain or discomfort, it’s time to replace it.
- It’s dirty or stained. Even if you regularly wash your backrest pillow, it can still become dirty or stained over time. If the pillow looks worse for wear, it’s time to get a new one.
- It’s old. Backrest pillows typically last for 1-2 years, depending on how much use they get. After that, they may start to lose their support and comfort.
Conclusion
You have now learned the various details on how to wash backrest pillows. Take care of your pillows for as long as you can because they will last longer. They will be worth the money that you will spend on them.
Get to know other care tips aside from washing that will help your pillows stay useful for a long time. Your backrest pillow will provide you comfort as long as you would care for it properly. Don’t forget to read our expert’s guide on Coziepillow.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washing Backrest Pillows:
How do I maintain the shape of my backrest pillow after washing?
There are a few things you can do to maintain the shape of your backrest pillow after washing:
1. Fluff the pillow regularly. This will help to distribute the filling evenly and prevent it from clumping together.
2. Shape the pillow while it is still wet. After washing the pillow, gently reshape it with your hands and place it on a flat surface to dry.
3. Dry the pillow on the lowest possible heat setting. This will help to prevent the filling from shrinking or becoming damaged.
4. Use a tennis ball to help fluff and reshape the pillow. Place a tennis ball in the dryer with the pillow and dry on the lowest possible heat setting. The tennis ball will help to break up any clumps of filling and keep the pillow fluffy.
5. Store the pillow in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing the pillow in humid or damp conditions, as this can cause the filling to mold or mildew.
Can I iron my backrest pillow cover?
It depends on the fabric of the pillow cover. Fabrics like cotton and linen can be ironed on a low setting, but others like velvet and silk should not be ironed.
To check if your backrest pillow cover can be ironed, turn it inside out and look for the care label. The care label will tell you the fabric content of the pillow cover and how to care for it.
Can I dry-clean my backrest pillow?
Yes, you can dry-clean your backrest pillow. Dry cleaning is a good option for backrest pillows made of delicate fabrics or complex embellishments.
When taking your backrest pillow to the dry cleaner, tell them what fabric it is made of and if there are any special care instructions. You may also ask them to place the pillow in a mesh laundry bag before cleaning it.
Can you put a backrest pillow in the washing machine?
Whether or not you can put a backrest pillow in the washing machine depends on the material of the pillow and the care instructions on the label. Some backrest pillows are machine washable, while others need to be hand-washed or dry-cleaned.
How to wash a backrest pillow with arms?
To wash a backrest pillow with arms, check the care label for specific instructions. If it’s machine-washable, use a gentle cycle and mild detergent. If not, spot-clean the cover with a damp cloth and allow it to air dry.
Can I use bleach to clean my backrest pillow?
No, you should not use bleach to clean your backrest pillow. Bleach can damage the fabric of your pillow and cause it to fade.
How can I prevent my backrest pillows from getting dirty?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your backrest pillows from getting dirty:
1. Vacuum your backrest pillows regularly to remove dust and dirt.
2. Spot-clean any spills or stains immediately.
3. Use a pillow protector on your backrest pillows.
4. Wash your backrest pillows regularly.
What should I do if my backrest pillow is very dirty?
If your backrest pillow is very dirty, you may consider pre-treating it with a stain remover before washing it. You can also try soaking your pillow in a mixture of cold water and mild detergent for 30 minutes before washing it.
To clean and dry a pillow, start by removing the pillowcase and any removable covers. Check the care label for specific instructions. For most pillows, you can machine wash them on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. After washing, squeeze out excess water and let them air dry completely before putting them back on your bed.
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I stick to using mild detergent and steer clear of bleach or harsh chemicals.
I always check the care label to ensure I follow the right washing instructions. Thanks for sharing valuable information.
I’ve learned that immediate cleaning is key for spills and stains.
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This is a question,not comment. To keep cover clean, is it safe to unzip & remove cover & wash in machine with cold water & air dry? I’m concerned that even with this careful procedure that case will shrink & I will be unable to use. Could you please post feedback…if you have also used same procedure? Any tips?
Thank you so much.
Thank you for your question! It’s great to see that you’re taking care of your backrest pillow. Yes, it is generally safe to unzip and remove the cover for washing in the machine with cold water. To minimize the risk of shrinking