Washing your Pillow Pet is a straightforward process but requires some careful attention to maintain its softness and overall condition. To wash your Pillow Pet, gently spot clean with a damp cloth for small areas, or to clean the whole Pillow Pet, place it inside a white pillowcase or laundry bag, and wash it in your machine on a gentle cycle using cold water. Avoid using bleach, and it’s best to air dry your Pillow Pet to prevent any heat damage from a dryer.
Understanding the Material and Pre-Washing Instructions
Before diving into the washing process, it’s important to understand the specific material of your Pillow Pet. Most are made from soft chenille fabric, which requires gentle handling. Check the care label on your Pillow Pet for any specific instructions from the manufacturer. It’s typically recommended that electronic or musical Pillow Pets should not be submerged in water but rather should be spot cleaned.
Spot Cleaning Your Pillow Pet
For minor stains or dirt, spot cleaning is often enough to ensure your Pillow Pet stays fresh. Start by mixing a small amount of gentle, non-bleach detergent with water. Dampen a cloth or a soft brush with the mixture and gently rub the stain in a circular motion. After treating the spot, wipe the area with a clean cloth dipped in water to rinse out any remaining detergent. Allow the Pillow Pet to air dry completely.
Machine Washing Your Pillow Pet
If your Pillow Pet requires a deeper clean, machine washing is a suitable option. First, place your Pillow Pet inside a white pillowcase to prevent the color from bleeding. Alternatively, you can use a mesh laundry bag. Ensure that you secure the pillowcase or laundry bag closed to keep your Pillow Pet protected throughout the wash cycle.
Our Top 5 Pillow Picks
Updated September 2026MFWW Cervical Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Best for neck pain. A dual-height ergonomic contour cradles your head and supports the neck, for back and side sleepers.
- Contour memory foam
- Dual-height design
- Cool breathable cover
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Standard, 2-Pack
Best value pair. Shredded foam you can adjust to your loft, with a cool-gel feel and no solid-block heat. Two pillows in one box.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Standard 2-pack
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best for the whole household. The same adjustable cooling foam in queen size, four to a set, so every bed in the house gets an upgrade.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Queen set of 4
Utopia Bedding Hotel Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best hotel-style set. Plush, cooling pillows made to suit side, back and stomach sleepers alike. A safe pick for guest rooms.
- Queen set of 4
- Cooling
- All sleep positions
- Hotel style
Zalmureta Goose Feather & Down Pillows, Queen, Set of 2
Best luxury pick. A three-chamber goose feather and down fill wrapped in a 100% cotton shell, for that five-star-hotel feel at home.
- Goose feather & down
- 3-chamber design
- 100% cotton shell
- Queen 2-pack
Choosing the Right Detergent and Setting
When selecting a detergent, opt for a mild or gentle formula without bleach. Too harsh a detergent can damage the fabric or cause the colors to fade. Set your washing machine to the gentle or delicate cycle and use cold water to prevent shrinkage or changes in texture. Hot water can harm the soft fibers and lead to matting.
Actual Washing Steps
1. Place your Pillow Pet in the washing machine, tucking it inside a pillowcase or laundry bag.
2. Add the appropriate amount of gentle detergent.
3. Start the machine on the gentle cycle with cold water.
4. Allow the machine to complete the washing, but avoid using the spin cycle if possible to prevent deformation.
Drying Your Pillow Pet
Once the wash cycle is complete, remove your Pillow Pet from the machine and the protective pillowcase or laundry bag. Avoid wringing it out as this can distort the shape.
To dry, lay your Pillow Pet flat on a clean, dry towel away from direct sunlight or heat. Gently reshape the Pillow Pet if necessary. It’s recommended to let it air dry completely, which might take several hours to a full day, depending on the humidity and air circulation. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and consider adding a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff up the fibers while drying.
Tips for Maintaining Your Pillow Pet
Regular maintenance can keep your Pillow Pet looking and smelling fresh, extending its life and making complete washes less frequent.
Battling Dust and Allergens
Regularly shaking out your Pillow Pet outdoors can help remove dust and potential allergens. Additionally, you can use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to gently suction any loose debris.
Storing Your Pillow Pet
When not in use, store your Pillow Pet in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture and lead to mildew – instead, use a fabric bag or let it breathe freely on a shelf.
Dealing with Odors
If your Pillow Pet begins to develop an odor, sprinkle it with baking soda and leave it for a few hours before shaking or vacuuming it off. This natural deodorizer can help keep your plush friend smelling clean.
Quick Clean-Up
For immediate clean-up, baby wipes or pet wipes can be effective for removing surface soils and are gentle enough to use on the delicate fibers of your Pillow Pet.
Finishing Thoughts
Caring for your Pillow Pet with regular maintenance and gentle washing can greatly extend the life and appeal of your cuddly companion. Remember to adhere to the care instructions, handle it gently, and when in doubt, opt for spot cleaning over complete washing. With the right care, your Pillow Pet will continue to provide comfort and joy for years to come. Whether you are simply freshening up its appearance or reviving it from an accidental spill, knowing how to clean your Pillow Pet properly is a great way to ensure it stays in cuddly condition.
