Your pregnancy pillow becomes an essential companion during those challenging months of carrying your baby. Night after night, it absorbs body oils, sweat, and the occasional spill, making regular cleaning crucial for both hygiene and the longevity of your investment. Understanding how to properly care for your specific pillow type ensures it remains a clean, supportive haven throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
Understanding Your Pillow's Components
Before diving into cleaning methods, it's essential to understand what your pregnancy pillow is made of. Most pregnancy pillows consist of two main components: the outer cover and the inner filling. These components often require different cleaning approaches, and treating them incorrectly can damage the pillow or reduce its effectiveness.
The outer cover is typically made from cotton, polyester, bamboo viscose, or a blend of materials. Most quality pregnancy pillows feature removable, machine-washable covers specifically designed for easy maintenance. The inner pillow, containing the actual filling, requires more careful handling and less frequent cleaning.
Before You Begin
Always check the care label on your specific pillow before cleaning. Manufacturer instructions take precedence over general guidelines, as they account for the specific materials and construction of your pillow.
Cleaning Removable Covers
Removable covers should be washed regularly—ideally every one to two weeks during active use. This frequency helps prevent the buildup of body oils and allergens while keeping your sleeping surface fresh and comfortable.
Step-by-Step Cover Washing
- Remove the cover completely from the pillow insert, checking for any stuck zippers or fasteners
- Pre-treat any visible stains with a gentle stain remover or a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water
- Turn the cover inside out to protect any printed or textured surfaces
- Wash in cold or warm water (not hot, which can shrink certain fabrics) on a gentle cycle
- Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent to avoid irritating sensitive pregnancy skin
- Avoid fabric softeners, which can reduce the breathability of the fabric and leave residue
- Tumble dry on low heat or line dry to prevent shrinkage
For covers made from bamboo viscose or other delicate materials, consider placing them in a mesh laundry bag before washing. This extra protection helps prevent stretching, pilling, or damage from agitation.
Cleaning the Inner Pillow
The inner pillow requires less frequent but more careful cleaning. Depending on usage, aim to deep clean the inner pillow every two to three months, or immediately if there's been a significant spill or accident.
Polyester-Filled Pillows
Most pregnancy pillows contain polyester fibrefill, which is relatively easy to clean. However, the size of pregnancy pillows can make machine washing challenging.
If your pillow fits in your washing machine (front-loaders typically accommodate larger items), wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Use a second rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed, as residue can affect the filling's loft and cause skin irritation.
For drying, use a low heat setting and add clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer. These help break up clumps in the filling and restore the pillow's shape. Check periodically and redistribute the filling by hand if needed. Complete drying can take several hours for large pregnancy pillows.
Size Matters
Large U-shaped pillows may be too big for standard home washing machines. Consider using a commercial laundrette with oversized machines, or opt for spot cleaning combined with regular airing. Never force an oversized pillow into a machine that's too small, as this can damage both the pillow and the appliance.
Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam and gel-infused memory foam cannot be machine washed or submerged in water. Water damages the foam's cellular structure, leading to breakdown and loss of support.
For memory foam pregnancy pillows, cleaning should focus on spot treatment and deodorising:
- Vacuum the pillow surface regularly using an upholstery attachment to remove dust and debris
- For stains, mix a small amount of mild detergent with water and apply sparingly with a clean cloth
- Blot—never rub—the stained area, working from the outside in to prevent spreading
- Allow the foam to air dry completely before replacing the cover (this may take 24 hours or more)
- Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the surface, leave for several hours, then vacuum to neutralise odours
Dealing with Common Stains
Pregnancy can bring unexpected spills and stains. Here's how to address common issues:
Sweat stains: Create a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply to the stain, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum or brush away. For persistent stains, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap can be effective on white or light-coloured fabrics.
Food and drink spills: Blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Apply a small amount of enzyme-based stain remover and let sit according to package directions before washing.
Body oils: These can cause yellowing over time. Regular washing of covers helps prevent buildup. For existing discolouration, soaking in a mixture of oxygen bleach and warm water before washing can help restore brightness.
Maintaining Pillow Shape and Support
Beyond cleaning, regular maintenance helps your pregnancy pillow provide consistent support throughout its lifespan.
Fluff your pillow daily by shaking and kneading it to redistribute the filling. This prevents flat spots from forming where you rest your head or body most frequently. For pillows with adjustable filling, periodically redistribute the material to ensure even support.
Air your pillow weekly by hanging it in a well-ventilated area or placing it in direct sunlight for a few hours. Sunlight has natural antibacterial properties and helps eliminate odours and moisture. However, avoid prolonged sun exposure for coloured covers, as this can cause fading.
When to Replace Your Pillow
Even with proper care, pregnancy pillows eventually lose their supportive qualities. Signs it's time for a replacement include persistent flattening that doesn't recover with fluffing, lumpy or uneven filling, lingering odours despite cleaning, or visible wear and tear on the cover or seams.
Special Considerations for Allergy Sufferers
If you suffer from allergies, extra cleaning precautions can help minimise reactions:
- Wash covers weekly rather than fortnightly
- Use hot water (if the care label permits) to kill dust mites
- Consider adding a pillow protector beneath the removable cover for an extra barrier
- Vacuum the pillow surface monthly to remove accumulated allergens
- Choose hypoallergenic detergents free from dyes and perfumes
Storage Tips
If you're storing your pregnancy pillow between pregnancies or when not in use, proper storage prevents damage and keeps it ready for future use.
Clean the pillow thoroughly before storage. Store in a breathable cotton bag or wrapped in a clean sheet—never in plastic, which can trap moisture and encourage mould growth. Choose a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Periodically air the pillow during long-term storage to prevent musty odours from developing.
With consistent care and maintenance, your pregnancy pillow can provide reliable comfort throughout your pregnancy and continue serving you during nursing, recovery, and beyond. The investment of time in proper cleaning pays dividends in hygiene, comfort, and the longevity of your pillow.