The Ultimate Guide to Hand-Washing and Air-Drying Your Weighted Body Pillow
The Shloof weighted body pillow is known for its therapeutic benefits, providing comfort and relief to many individuals. Whether you use it for relaxation, sleep enhancement, or anxiety relief, proper care is essential to maintain its effectiveness and longevity. Hand-washing and air-drying is our suggested method for cleaning our pillows, as it ensures gentle treatment of the delicate materials inside. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to effectively hand-wash and air-dry your Shloof weighted body pillow.
Why Hand-Washing?
Our weighted body pillows contain small plastic pellets, distributed evenly throughout the fabric. Machine washing can be too rough on these sensitive components, potentially causing damage or uneven distribution. Hand-washing allows you to control the cleaning process more carefully, preserving the integrity and effectiveness of your pillow.
What You'll Need:
1. Mild Detergent: Choose a gentle detergent that is suitable for delicate fabrics. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals that could damage the pillow's cover or filling.
2. Large Basin or Bathtub: You'll need a clean basin or bathtub that is large enough to comfortably accommodate the pillow.
3. Soft Brush or Cloth: For spot-cleaning stubborn stains without damaging the fabric.
4. Clean Towels: To absorb excess water during drying.
Hand-Washing Your Weighted Body Pillow:
1. Remove Cover
- Your pillow has a removable cover, unzip it and remove it before washing. This allows you to clean the cover separately and protect the pillow's inner materials.
2. Prepare the Washing Solution:
- Fill a basin or bathtub with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the fabric and affect the pillow's fillings.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent to the water and swirl gently to ensure it dissolves completely.
3. Submerge and Soak:
- Place the weighted body pillow into the water and gently press it down to submerge it completely. Allow it to soak for about 15-20 minutes to loosen dirt, oils, and odors.
4. Gentle Cleaning:
- Use your hands to gently massage the pillow. Focus on any particularly soiled areas, using a soft brush or cloth if necessary. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or twisting, as this can damage the pillow's internal structure.
5. Rinse Thoroughly:
- Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, lukewarm water. Rinse the pillow thoroughly by gently pressing and squeezing it to remove any remaining detergent.
Drying Your Weighted Body Pillow:
1. Remove Excess Water:
- Gently press the weighted body pillow to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can damage the internal structure and distribution of the weighted filling.
2. Select a Drying Location:
- Choose a well-ventilated area where you can lay out the pillow flat. This could be outdoors on a clean surface or indoors where there is ample space.
3. Lay Flat to Dry:
- Spread the weighted body pillow evenly on the drying surface. Smooth out any wrinkles and ensure it lies flat to facilitate even drying.
4. Fluff Periodically:
- Throughout the drying process, periodically fluff the weighted body pillow by gently shaking or patting it. This helps to maintain the distribution of the weighted filling and prevents clumping.
5. Rotate or Turn Over:
- To ensure thorough drying, rotate the weighted body pillow or flip it over periodically. This helps to expose all sides evenly to airflow.
6. Avoid Direct Sunlight:
- While sunlight can aid in drying, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may fade the fabric and affect the weighted filling. If drying outdoors, choose a shaded area or bring the pillow indoors after initial drying.
7. Check for Complete Dryness:
- Allow sufficient time for the pillow to dry completely. This may take several hours to a day or more depending on the ambient humidity.
8. Finish with Gentle Fluffing:
- Once dry, give the weighted pillow a final gentle fluff by hand to restore its loft and softness.
By following these steps, you can effectively hand-wash and air-dry your weighted body pillow to maintain its quality and ensure it continues to provide comfort and relaxation for a long time. Proper care after washing is essential to preserve its durability and effectiveness.