How To Wash Microbead Pillow. 2 Best Methods

It would be best if you learned how to wash microbead pillow correctly by hand and by machine. This way, you can maintain the cleanliness of your pillows that use this type of filling. Remember that different pillow types demand specific care recommendations to keep them from getting damaged. 

Much like when washing your Pillow Pet, you must be gentle in handling your microbead pillow. Microbeads are only small styrofoam beads, which can get broken if you wash the pillow carelessly. Below is a guide on keeping your microbead pillow clean by washing using a machine or by hand. 

 

How To Wash A Microbead Pillow: 2 Methods To Choose From

 

By hand

 

Step #1. Wipe

The first step of washing a microbead pillow by hand is not immediately submerging it. Instead, you want to wipe the pillow’s exterior with a damp cloth soaked in a mixture of warm water and mild laundry detergent. Remember that you can’t use harsh detergents in cleaning microbead pillows regardless if you’re hand-washing or using a machine.

Wipe the exterior of the pillow entirely and concentrate on dirtier areas. Remember not to get the pillow too wet that you end up soaking it. You’re only aiming to clean and dampen the outside cover because the microbeads can get damaged from the soap. 

 

Step #2. Rinse

Rinsing a microbead pillow is somewhat similar to where you’ll use a clean cloth and wipe the pillow’s exterior. Use warm water to help get rid of the suds, but like the first step, aim not to soak the pillow. Wipe away the surface as needed until the pillow is free of soap. 

 

Step #3. Dry

Finally, lay the microbead pillow on a dry towel and place it somewhere ventilated to air dry. You want to ensure that the pillow is no longer damp before using it, so it can take up to 24 hours to dry it thoroughly. Turn the pillow every now and then to dry all the sides or hang it from a line or railing for more comfortable air drying.

 

By machine

 

Step #1. Preparation

Do not be intimidated by washing a microbead pillow in the machine. However, you must put it inside a pillowcase first because the cycle might be too damaging on the pillow. Use a pillowcase or laundry bag with the same color as the pillow, so you don’t risk staining the pillowcase.

Tie the pillowcase after you placed the microbead pillow inside. This should protect the pillow from ripping, and if it does, the bag will keep the microbeads inside and not get messy in the machine. 

 

Step #2. Washing

Before turning on the washer, you want to add other items with the same color as the pillow inside the machine. This is true to most pillow types because the cycle can stretch or tear the fabric if it’s too spacious inside the washer. You can add towels inside the load and then use the gentle cycle. 

Similar to hand-washing, you want to use a mild detergent and warm water in the machine. This way, you don’t risk the fabric colors to run, and the washer won’t risk damaging the pillow. Never use fabric softeners or bleach when washing a microbead pillow because they are too harsh for the microbeads. 

 

Step #3. Drying

Finally, you can place the microbead pillow inside a dryer. You have to use the lowest temperature and then take the pillow before it’s completely dry. High heat can damage the microbeads, so you want to shorten their exposure to the dryer. 

Take the pillow outside of the pillowcase once it’s about to dry and hang it somewhere ventilated to air dry. You can also lay it over a towel to finish drying, but don’t forget to flip it to get all sides.

 

What Is A Microbead Pillow?

A microbead pillow is a pillow that uses tiny beads of polystyrene. The resulting form is comfortable yet supportive, that some users even compare microbead pillows to memory foam pillows. They are also relatively more affordable and breathable than foam but do note that you might be sensitive to synthetic polymer materials. 

 

Who Should Use A Microbead Pillow?

Microbead pillows are perfect for those who require firm support, and if you want to reposition the pillow. While they feel soft, you’ll notice that the pillow will be supportive after pressure is applied. The small beads also conform to your head and neck to help keep your spine straight.

 

Conclusion

Microbead pillows are gaining popularity because of the comfort they offer. However, you must learn how to wash microbead pillow correctly, or the materials will get damaged and deform the pillow. You can opt to hand-wash or use a machine when cleaning a microbead pillow. 

For hand-washing, you’ll simply wipe the exterior of the pillow with a cloth soaked in soapy water. Never soak the pillow as the microbeads can get damaged, and then wipe the pillow once more to get rid of the suds. On the other hand, you can place the pillow in a pillowcase, tie it, and use the machine’s gentle cycle. 

You can dry the encased pillow at the dryer’s lowest heat setting or dry it while hanging. You can even place the pillow over a towel to let it dry. The bottom line is only to use the microbead pillow after it has dried completely.