Quick Answer

To clean your pregnancy pillow, remove the cover and wash it separately if possible. Spot clean the inner pillow with mild detergent and water, then air dry thoroughly. Always check the care label first, as some pillows are machine washable while others require hand washing.

A pregnancy pillow can be a lifesaver for your sleep, but it also collects sweat, drool, and dust over time. Regular cleaning keeps it hygienic and extends its life, so you can stay comfortable all night long.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to wash and care for your pregnancy pillow, including how to handle different materials and common mistakes to avoid.

Before You Start: Check the Care Label

The first step in cleaning your pregnancy pillow is to check the care label. This tag tells you whether the pillow and its cover are machine washable, hand wash only, or dry clean only. Ignoring this can lead to shrinkage, clumping, or damage to the filling.

Most pregnancy pillows come with a removable, washable cover, which makes cleaning easier. The inner pillow may have different instructions, so read both labels carefully. If the label is missing, err on the side of caution and hand wash or spot clean.

  • Always remove the cover before washing the inner pillow.
  • If the care label is unclear, test a small hidden area first.

How to Machine Wash a Pregnancy Pillow

If your pregnancy pillow is machine washable, use a front-loading machine without a center agitator to avoid damaging the filling. Place the pillow in a large mesh laundry bag or pillowcase for extra protection. Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can break down fibers and irritate sensitive skin.

After washing, run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is removed. Then, gently squeeze out excess water without twisting. Never wring the pillow, as this can distort its shape and clump the filling.

  • Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent.
  • Skip fabric softeners and bleach.

Drying Your Pregnancy Pillow

Air drying is the safest method for most pregnancy pillows. Lay the pillow flat on a clean, dry surface or hang it over a clothesline. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the fabric. If you use a dryer, set it to low heat and add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the filling. Check the pillow frequently and remove it while it's still slightly damp to prevent overheating.

Make sure the pillow is completely dry before using it again. Moisture trapped inside can lead to mold or mildew, which is especially dangerous during pregnancy. If the filling feels clumpy, fluff it by hand or give it a few minutes in the dryer with no heat.

  • Air dry flat to preserve shape.
  • Use dryer balls to maintain fluffiness.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

  1. Read the care label: Check the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying recommendations. This prevents damage and ensures you use the right method. Checkpoint: If the label says 'spot clean only,' skip the full wash.
  2. Remove the cover: Unzip or remove the outer cover and wash it separately according to its label. This is often the easiest way to keep your pillow fresh. Checkpoint: Wash the cover on a gentle cycle and air dry.
  3. Spot clean the inner pillow: For stains or odors, mix a small amount of mild detergent with water and gently dab the affected area with a clean cloth. Rinse with a damp cloth and allow to air dry. Checkpoint: Avoid soaking the filling, which can lead to mold.
  4. Machine wash if allowed: If the pillow is machine washable, use a front-loader with a gentle cycle and cold water. Place the pillow in a large mesh bag for protection. Checkpoint: Never use bleach or fabric softener.
  5. Dry thoroughly: Air dry flat or use a low-heat dryer with dryer balls to maintain fluffiness. Ensure the pillow is completely dry before use. Checkpoint: Squeeze out excess water gently, never wring.
  6. Fluff and reshape: Once dry, fluff the pillow by hand or give it a few minutes in the dryer with no heat to restore its shape and loft. Checkpoint: If clumps remain, repeat the fluffing process.

Products to Support Your Sleep Routine

  • Essential Waterproof Crib Pad: Made with the same materials as our Essential Crib Mattress, this pad features a single layer of eyelet breathe-thru spacer material to promote airflow and help keep baby comfortable all night long. It offers an added layer of breathable comfort with a waterproof liner. While this pad is designed for cribs, its breathable, waterproof design shows how thoughtful layering can protect sleep surfaces. If you're prepping your nursery, this pad adds easy-to-clean protection for your baby's mattress.
  • Essential Waterproof Crib Mattress: Our ultra-breathable, washable & waterproof crib mattress is 4 inches thick and features a soft, eyelet removable cover with a waterproof lining on one side. A washable, waterproof mattress makes cleanup simple when accidents happen. The removable cover can be tossed in the wash, just like a pregnancy pillow cover, keeping the sleep surface fresh and hygienic.

Regular cleaning keeps your pregnancy pillow fresh and supportive, so you can rest comfortably. Always follow the care label, and when in doubt, spot clean. With these steps, your pillow will stay in great shape throughout your pregnancy and beyond.