The Ultimate Guide: How to Clean & Maintain Your Pregnancy Pillow
When I was pregnant, I spent so much time with my pregnancy pillow that it practically became my best friend. But then I realized I hadn’t cleaned it in weeks, and pregnancy can get messy—night sweats, snack crumbs, and spills happen all the time. That’s when I started learning the best ways to clean and maintain my pregnancy pillow so it stayed fresh and lasted through my entire pregnancy (and beyond).
In this guide, I’ll share exactly how I wash, care for, and extend the life of my pillow without damaging it.
Table of Contents
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Pregnancy Pillow
Pregnancy pillows trap sweat, body oils, and allergens like dust mites, which can irritate your skin and worsen allergies. Cleaning your pillow regularly keeps it hygienic, improves your sleep quality, and helps it maintain its shape and support.
I learned the hard way that leaving it unwashed for too long can make it smell and flatten faster.
Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions First
Every pregnancy pillow is different, so the first thing I always do is read the tag or care label. Some pillows have removable, machine-washable covers, while others require spot-cleaning or professional cleaning.
➡️ If your pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, consider buying a spare cover on Amazon so you can swap them out easily.
Step-by-Step: How I Clean My Pregnancy Pillow
1. Remove the Cover (If Possible)
Most pregnancy pillows come with a zippered cover. I wash the cover in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Then I hang it to dry or tumble dry on low heat.
2. Clean the Inner Pillow
If the pillow itself is washable, I place it in a large-capacity washer with cold water and mild detergent. If it’s too big, I’ll wash it in the bathtub by hand. I rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water without wringing it, which can damage the filling.
3. Drying the Pillow
Drying is just as important as washing. I tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls or clean tennis balls to keep it fluffy. If the pillow can’t go in the dryer, I lay it flat in a sunny spot until completely dry.
➡️ Get affordable dryer balls on Amazon here
Spot-Cleaning for Quick Fixes
Sometimes you don’t have time for a full wash. I use a mix of warm water and gentle detergent to dab away stains with a clean cloth. If there’s an odor, a light sprinkle of baking soda can freshen it up before vacuuming.
How Often Should You Clean Your Pregnancy Pillow?
I aim to wash the cover every one to two weeks and the pillow itself at least once a month, depending on how much I’m using it. If you eat in bed (guilty!) or sweat a lot at night, you might want to wash it more frequently.
Tips to Maintain Your Pregnancy Pillow’s Shape
- Fluff it daily by shaking it and redistributing the filling.
- Avoid sitting on it for long periods, which can flatten it.
- Store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Rotate it occasionally to prevent uneven wear.
When to Replace Your Pregnancy Pillow
Even with proper care, most pillows will eventually lose their firmness. If you notice it’s no longer supporting your belly or hips, it might be time for a new one.
➡️ Shop my top-rated pregnancy pillows on Amazon here
My Final Thoughts
Taking a little extra time to clean and maintain your pregnancy pillow makes a huge difference. Not only does it feel fresher and more comfortable, but it also lasts longer and keeps you healthier during pregnancy.
I used the same pillow through my entire pregnancy and even postpartum because I cared for it properly. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
When I first started cleaning my pregnancy pillow, I was worried I’d ruin it. Some of these pillows are big and bulky, and it can feel intimidating. But once I found the right system, it became so easy, and my pillow stayed fresh for months.
One thing I learned early on is that using the right detergent matters. Harsh detergents can irritate sensitive pregnancy skin and break down the pillow’s fabric faster. I switched to a mild, fragrance-free detergent and noticed my pillow stayed softer and smelled cleaner.
I also realized that overloading the washing machine is a huge mistake. If your pillow barely fits, it won’t wash or rinse properly. I once crammed mine in and ended up with clumps in the filling. Now, I wash it alone or by hand if needed.
Another great tip is to zip the cover before washing. I forgot once, and the cover twisted around itself, which made it harder to get back on the pillow. Taking the extra second to close the zipper saves time and frustration.
I also started using a pillow protector in addition to the cover. This small step made such a difference in how clean my pillow stayed. Protectors are easy to remove and wash, and they help prevent stains from reaching the inner pillow.
Drying was another area where I learned a lot. I used to dry my pillow on high heat to speed things up, but it caused the fabric to shrink and the filling to bunch up. Now, I always use low heat and toss in dryer balls to keep it fluffy.
Sometimes, even after a full wash, my pillow would smell a little stale. That’s when I discovered the magic of airing it out in the sun. Not only does the fresh air help, but sunlight naturally kills bacteria and freshens the pillow.
I also found that fluffing the pillow daily made a huge difference. Just giving it a good shake every morning kept the filling evenly distributed and prevented flat spots.
Another habit that helped was avoiding eating in bed. I know, it’s hard when you’re craving snacks at midnight, but crumbs and spills are the fastest way to make your pillow dirty and smelly.
I also started rotating my pillow every few days. This small step prevented one side from flattening faster than the other and helped it last much longer.
For those times when I didn’t have time for a full wash, I used a handheld steamer to freshen up my pillow. It was quick, killed bacteria, and gave me peace of mind.
Finally, I learned not to wait until my pillow looked visibly dirty. By cleaning the cover regularly and spot-cleaning when needed, I was able to maintain it so much better. A little maintenance goes a long way in making your pillow last.