Quick answer
To wash a pregnancy pillow without damaging it, always start by removing the outer cover and washing it separately in cold water on a gentle cycle. For the inner pillow, spot clean or machine wash on a delicate cycle with mild detergent, then tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls to prevent clumping.
Why proper washing matters for your pregnancy pillow
A pregnancy pillow is a big investment in your comfort during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Washing it the wrong way can flatten the fill, create lumpy spots, or damage the fabric. Most pregnancy pillows, like the Boppy Total Body Pregnancy Pillow with Organic Cotton Pillow Cover, are designed with removable covers that make cleaning easier, but the inner pillow still needs careful handling to keep its shape and support.
What you need before you start
Gather mild liquid detergent (avoid bleach or fabric softener), a front-loading or top-loading machine without an agitator, and a few clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls. Check the care tag on your pillow for any specific temperature or cycle restrictions.
Step-by-step washing guide
- Remove and wash the cover separately: Unzip or unbutton the cover and turn it inside out. Machine wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener, which can coat the fibers and reduce breathability. Checkpoint: If the cover has stains, pre-treat them with a small amount of detergent before washing.
- Spot clean the inner pillow first: For small stains or spills, dab a damp cloth with mild soap on the affected area and blot gently. Do not rub, as that can push the stain deeper into the fill. Checkpoint: Spot cleaning avoids a full wash cycle and extends the life of the pillow fill.
- Machine wash the inner pillow on delicate: If a full wash is needed, place the inner pillow in the machine on a cold, gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent. Use a front-loader or an agitator-free top-loader to prevent tearing. Common mistake: Using hot water or a heavy-duty cycle can cause the fill to clump or the seams to weaken.
- Dry on low heat with dryer balls: Tumble dry the inner pillow on the lowest heat setting. Add two to three clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to break up clumps and restore fluffiness. Stop the dryer every 20 minutes to fluff the pillow by hand. Checkpoint: Never hang a wet pregnancy pillow to dry — gravity will pull the fill down and create uneven lumps.
- Reassemble and air out: Once the inner pillow is completely dry (this can take two to three cycles), put the clean cover back on. Let the pillow sit flat for an hour to fully regain its shape before using it. Final tip: If the pillow still feels lumpy, give it a few gentle shakes and another 10 minutes in the dryer with dryer balls.
Products that make washing easier
- Total Body Pregnancy Pillow with Organic Cotton Pillow Cover: All the plush comfort you can get with an 100% organic cotton removable pillow cover. A removable organic cotton cover can be unzipped and washed separately, reducing wear on the inner pillow and making routine cleaning much simpler.
- Pregnancy Body Pillow: The Pregnancy Body Pillow gives prenatal and postpartum support everywhere you need it. Knowing your pillow has a full-body design means you need to take extra care when washing to preserve the even distribution of fill across the bump, hips, and back areas.
