Cleaning your Boppy pillow is an essential step for ensuring a safe and healthy atmosphere in your home. A Boppy pillow provides extra support when you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or snuggling with your baby — all activities that can quickly become messy!
With the right cleaning techniques, you can maintain this comforting item for many years to come. Below we’ll go through the different ways how to clean a boppy pillow so you and your little one can enjoy its comfort without worry.
Why is It Important to Clean a Boppy Pillow?
1 . To Maintain Hygiene
Cleaning your Boppy Pillow regularly is crucial to maintain proper hygiene. The pillow comes in direct contact with your baby’s delicate skin, and it is important to ensure that it is free from any dirt, dust or bacteria.
2 . To Prevent Odors
Babies are known for making messes, and their spit-ups, drool, and diaper leaks can leave your Boppy Pillow with unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning can help prevent these smells from lingering on the pillow.
3 . To Keep the Pillow Fluffy
Over time, your Boppy Pillow may become flat and lose its shape due to continuous use. Proper cleaning methods can help maintain the fluffiness of the pillow, ensuring that it provides adequate support and comfort for your baby.
4 . To Extend the Life of the Pillow
A Boppy Pillow is a significant investment for new parents, and you would want it to last as long as possible. Proper cleaning can help extend the life of your pillow, saving you money in the long run. Also, it can be reused for future children or even passed on to other parents.
How to Clean a Boppy Pillow in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Remove the Cover
The first step in cleaning your Boppy Pillow is to remove the cover. Most Boppy Pillows come with removable and machine-washable covers, making the cleaning process easier. Also, removing the cover allows you to clean the pillow itself without damaging the cover.
Step 2: Check the Care Instructions
Before cleaning your Boppy Pillow, it is essential to check the care instructions. Some Boppy Pillows might have specific instructions for washing or drying, so make sure to read them carefully. Following these instructions will ensure that your pillow stays in good condition.
Step 3: Spot Clean Any Stains
If there are any visible stains on your Boppy Pillow, it is best to spot-clean them before washing the entire pillow. Use a mild detergent and water to gently scrub the stain, then rinse with cold water and let it air dry. This step will prevent the stain from setting in during the washing process.
Step 4: Wash the Pillow
Once you have spot-cleaned any stains, it is time to wash the entire pillow. Place the Boppy Pillow in a large washing machine on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. It is recommended to use cold water to prevent shrinking or damage to the pillow’s foam filling.
Step 5: Dry and Reassemble
After washing, remove the pillow from the washing machine and let it air dry completely. Avoid using a dryer as the heat can damage the foam filling and cause it to lose its shape. Once dry, reassemble the pillow by putting the cover back on and fluffing up the foam filling.
Tips for Keeping Your Boppy Pillow Clean
1 . Do Not Overstuff the Boppy Pillow
The first and most important tip for keeping your Boppy Pillow clean is to avoid overstuffing it. This can lead to tears in the fabric or seams, making it difficult to clean and potentially causing damage that cannot be fixed.
2 . Spot Clean as Needed
It’s important to spot-clean any messes on your Boppy Pillow as soon as possible. This will prevent stains and odors from setting in and becoming more difficult to remove. Also, spot cleaning allows you to target specific areas rather than having to clean the entire pillow.
3 . Use a Mild Detergent
When it’s time for a deeper clean, use a mild detergent that is safe for both baby and the Boppy Pillow. Harsh chemicals can irritate your baby’s delicate skin and may also damage the fabric of the pillow. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out the detergent to prevent any residue from remaining on the pillow.
4 . Air-Dry
After washing your Boppy Pillow, it’s important to let it air dry completely before using it again. Avoid putting it in the dryer as this can cause shrinkage or damage to the foam filling. If possible, place the pillow in direct sunlight to ensure it dries thoroughly.
5 . Use a Protective Cover
To make cleaning your Boppy Pillow easier, consider using a protective cover. This can be removed and washed more frequently than the entire pillow, preventing stains and odor buildup. It’s also a good idea to have multiple covers on hand for easy rotation.
Avoid Common Cleaning Mistakes
Cleaning a Boppy pillow may seem like a simple task, but there are some mistakes that people commonly make that can damage the pillow or affect its functionality. Here are some tips to avoid these common cleaning mistakes:
1 . Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals or Bleach
It is important to remember that Boppy pillows come in direct contact with your baby’s skin and mouth, so it is crucial to avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach when cleaning the pillow. These chemicals can be harmful and irritating to your baby’s delicate skin. Instead, use gentle and non-toxic cleaning solutions.
2 . Do Not Soak the Whole Pillow in Water
Boppy pillows are not meant to be submerged in water as this can cause damage to the internal filling and affect the pillow’s shape. If you need to clean the entire pillow, spot cleaning is the best option.
3 . Do Not Overload the Washing Machine
If you choose to machine wash your Boppy pillow, make sure not to overload the machine as this can cause uneven distribution of weight and damage the pillow. It is recommended to only wash one pillow at a time.
4 . Do Not Put the Pillow in the Dryer
It is not recommended to put your Boppy pillow in the dryer as this can also cause damage to the internal filling and affect its shape. Instead, air-dry the pillow by laying it flat on a towel or hanging it outside in a shaded area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should I Take When Cleaning My Boppy Pillow?
When cleaning your Boppy Pillow, there are a few precautions you should take to ensure that it remains in good condition. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always follow the instructions on the care label attached to your Boppy Pillow. This will provide specific guidelines for cleaning and maintenance.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach when cleaning your Boppy Pillow. These can damage the fabric and potentially harm your baby.
- Do not put your Boppy Pillow in the washing machine or dryer unless the care label specifically states that it is safe to do so.
- If you need to spot-clean your Boppy Pillow, use a mild detergent and warm water. Let it air dry completely before use.
- When storing your Boppy Pillow, make sure it is completely dry to avoid mold and mildew growth.
Can I Machine Wash My Boppy Pillow?
It depends on the care label attached to your specific Boppy Pillow. Some models are safe to machine wash, while others are not. If your care label says it is safe to machine wash, use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Do not use bleach powder or fabric softener. It is recommended to place the Boppy Pillow inside a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect it during the washing process.
How Often Should I Clean My Boppy Pillow?
It is important to regularly clean your Boppy Pillow, especially if it is used daily. It is recommended to clean it every 2-3 weeks, or more frequently if needed. If your Boppy Pillow gets soiled or stained, it should be cleaned immediately.
Conclusion
To recap, learning how to clean a boppy pillow can be simpler than you think. Make sure to read and follow the care instructions on how to clean a boppy pillow outlined in the product label to ensure optimum cleaning without damaging your Boppy Pillow.
Utilize products in your home, such as warm water and dish soap, to spot treat stains or hand wash them for full effect. And if it isn’t overly stained, merely airing out and fluffing will do the job.
Don’t feel discouraged; caring for these treasured pillows doesn’t have to be hard work! With a few extra seconds of effort on your part, you can give new life to your beloved Boppy Pillow and make sure that those precious memories last with its quality materials. So grab that eye-catching pillow from the couch and get to cleaning – it won’t take much!
