It’s easy to know how to wash bamboo pillow cases because it only takes two steps. Don’t lose confidence in keeping your pillowcase clean just because it uses different materials. Besides, bamboo pillowcases will benefit from washing too.
This guide will teach you the dos and don’ts of washing bamboo pillowcases. Afterward, you can also familiarize yourself with cleaning bamboo pillow memory foam, which is the typical stuffing for bamboo pillows. After finishing this article, you should be ready to maintain your bamboo pillows properly!
How To Wash A Bamboo Pillowcase
Step #1. Prepare
Depending on the bamboo pillowcase you have, the material it uses can be bamboo textile alone or a combination of different fibers. Regardless, you should check your pillow cover for the tag to see your manufacturer’s washing recommendations. This way, you don’t risk damaging the fibers and deforming the material.
The most common way to wash a bamboo pillowcase is with a washing machine’s help, but you can always do it by hand. However, you still want to wash the bamboo pillowcase in the washing machine only if it has a gentle cycle, and some recommend putting the cover in a laundry bag beforehand. It’s also best that you’re only washing the bamboo covers alone as some materials like zippers and buttons can scratch and pill the fabric.
Step #2. Wash
Finally, you should be ready to wash your pillowcase in the washing machine. Use a mild detergent and warm water to do so, and never use harsh cleaners like bleach and fabric softener. You also want to avoid any water temperature that is too hot or too cold.
How to dry a bamboo pillowcase?
Select the delicate cycle, and then place your bamboo pillowcase in the dryer to tumble dry. Again, check the material tag if the manufacturer recommends using the dryer, otherwise put the cover outside and let it air-dry. You can hang it on your clothesline and let the sun do the work, or anywhere ventilated with good air circulation.
How To Wash Bamboo Pillow Memory Foam
Since you just learned how to wash bamboo pillow cases properly, it would be ideal that you also know how to wash the pillow itself. The most common bamboo pillow insert is memory foam and washing it needs extra care. Furthermore, you should wash it by hand to prevent its deterioration.
Step #1. Wash
Soak the pillow in a tub of warm water around 90 to 110°F with a bit of mild detergent. You can gently brush the surface and squeeze the pillow itself to let the solution sink in and clean the inside. Some even recommend pre-treating the stains, if there are any, before washing the pillow itself, so check your tag if you can clean the stains first.
Step #2. Rinse
Let the pillow soak for 10 minutes while giving it a few massages before rinsing. Replace the tub with clean water and soak the pillow several times until no soapy residues remain. However, never wring your memory foam because this can damage the material.
Step #3. Dry
Finally, let the pillow air-dry with the indirect sun because harsh heat can ruin the foam. Remember to ensure that all sides are dried thoroughly, so flip your pillow now and then. You can also place it on a surface with holes underneath to aerate the pillow’s underside.
What Is Bamboo Fabric?
From the name itself, it’s a textile produced from the bamboo plant. And while the definition itself can make you immediately think that this material is sustainable and environmentally friendly, you want to ensure that the production process is indeed ethical. Therefore, check your brand if they produced their bamboo fabric using a natural enzyme.
This method uses an enzyme on crushed bamboo wood fibers that will then be washed and turned into yarn to produce bamboo linen. This fabric is durable but admittedly pricier than other types that are cheaper yet made using chemicals. These production processes are also what differentiates the types of bamboo fabrics.
Types of bamboo fabric
True bamboo fabric
The previously discussed mechanically-produced bamboo fabric is considered the true bamboo fabric. If you’re looking to fully experience the benefits of bamboo, opt for this material because it’s durable, soft, and genuinely environment-friendly. However, the production process is long, so this fabric type is more expensive.
Bamboo viscose
A commonly marketed bamboo fabric in the market is the bamboo viscose. The reason is that it’s cheaper, but might conflict with you because it isn’t mechanically produced. Furthermore, the production of viscose rayon from bamboo can be wasteful.
Lyocell bamboo fabric
If you want an alternative, you can select the lyocell-type bamboo fabric. Manufacturers use the closed-loop production method for this textile, so you don’t alter the bamboo cellulose that much. As a result, the bamboo’s beneficial characteristics are still present compared to making a bamboo viscose fabric.
Conclusion
Bamboo pillows are excellent sustainable options for those who prefer natural materials. However, you need to know how to wash bamboo pillow cases correctly to take care of the bamboo fabric and help it last longer. The good news is you can always check the tag for the instructions or let your machine do the work.
Select the gentle cycle and use some mild detergent with warm water. Once done, place it in the low heat or tumble dry setting of the dryer before use. You can also wash your cover by hand and let it air-dry.