Let’s be honest: your nursing pillow catches everything. Between spit-up, leaks, and diaper blowouts, that fabric goes through a war zone daily. You need that support to last for years (or at least until weaning), but keeping it hygienic without destroying the shape is a challenge.
After testing various cleaning methods on different pillow types, we found the best ways to tackle the mess. Here are our pro tips for cleaning your nursing pillow, including specific steps for the most popular brands.
Key Takeaways
- Check the label first: Always read the manufacturer’s care instructions before washing, as foam and fiberfill require different methods.
- Use protection: Rotate between two covers or drape a receiving blanket over the pillow to catch spills before they soak in.
- Wash carefully: Use a gentle, scent-free detergent and avoid submerging foam cores in water.
- Dry it right: Tumble dry fiberfill pillows with tennis balls to prevent clumps; air dry foam pillows flat to maintain shape.
Nursing Pillow Cleaning Tips
Whether you have a machine-washable nursing pillow or one that requires hand-washing, keeping it sanitary is non-negotiable. Here are the best ways to maintain your pillow and extend its lifespan.
1. Preventative Maintenance
The best way to clean a mess is to stop it from happening in the first place.
- Double up: Purchase at least two covers so you always have a backup. Newborn laundry piles up fast, and you don’t want to be stuck without a clean cover at 3 a.m.
- Create a barrier: Drape a receiving blanket over your pillow during feeds. It is much easier to toss a blanket in the wash than to strip and clean the entire pillow.
- Schedule cleanings: Wash or spot-clean your nursing pillow every couple of months, even if it doesn’t look dirty, to prevent bacterial buildup.
2. Washing Machine Tips
If your pillow is machine-friendly, follow these rules to keep it fluffy and fresh.
- Read the tag: Always check fabric care instructions first.
- Go gentle: Use a mild, scent-free detergent that is safe for your baby’s sensitive skin.
- Spin it twice: Run a second spin cycle to extract as much water as possible before moving to the dryer.
- Fluff it up: Place two tennis balls inside a clean sock and toss them in the dryer with your pillow. This prevents clumping and helps the pillow dry evenly.
- Neutralize smells: If the pillow smells like sour milk or vomit, add half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle.
- Kill mildew: To remove musty or moldy scents, add one cup of white vinegar to the main wash.
3. Spot Cleaning Tips
For foam pillows that cannot be submerged, or for quick cleanups, spot cleaning is your best friend. Use a quality antimicrobial spray or make your own safe solution.
DIY Antibacterial Spray Ingredients:
- A 20-ounce spray bottle.
- Hot water (2 cups).
- Washing soda (1/4 cup).
- Baby-safe essential oil (optional).
Take Note
Directions:
- Fill the spray bottle with hot water.
- Add the washing soda and five drops of essential oil (if using).
- Shake well to dissolve the soda.
- Spray directly onto stains or smelly areas.
Alternatively, fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of water and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV). You can also use distilled white vinegar. This mixture is a powerhouse for killing bacteria and fungus without harsh chemicals.
How To Clean A Nursing Pillow
Different fillings require different care. Below, we break down the cleaning steps for three market leaders: the Boppy, the My Brest Friend, and the Ergobaby.
1. Cleaning A Boppy Pillow
The Boppy is a parent favorite because the standard version is completely machine washable, making it a convenient choice for messy eaters.
- Remove the cover: Unzip the slipcover and take it off the pillow.
- Protect the zipper: Zip the cover closed before washing to prevent it from snagging other items.
- Prep the pillow: Press out excess air before placing the pillow in the washer.
- Wash cycle: Wash the pillow and slipcover on a delicate cycle with cold water. If using a top loader with an agitator, add a second pillow to balance the load.
- Dry effectively: Wrap a tennis ball in a sock and throw it in the dryer. Tumble dry the Boppy pillow and slipcover on a gentle, low-heat cycle.
- Finishing touches: Ensure the pillow is completely dry to prevent mildew. Put the cover back on and cool iron if needed. Do NOT dry clean (2).
2. Cleaning A My Brest Friend Pillow
This pillow offers superior back support, but because it uses a structured foam core, you cannot throw the cushion in the washing machine.
The Slipcover
These steps work for the Original, Deluxe, Twin, and Travel covers.
- Strip the pillow: Unzip and remove the cover.
- Secure the zipper: Zip it closed to protect the teeth and fabric.
- Wash: Machine wash in warm water on a delicate cycle. Avoid hot water and bleach.
- Dry: Hang the slipcover to air dry to prevent shrinking.
Note: If you have the “Professional” model, wipe the cover with an antimicrobial spray. Do NOT machine wash the Professional cover.
The Inside Cushion
Follow this for the foam insert found in most models.
- Spot clean only: Use a damp cloth with mild soap or antimicrobial spray to wipe down soiled areas.
- Air dry: Place the cushion in a well-ventilated area.
- Reassemble: Wait until the cushion is 100% dry before putting the cover back on.
Warning: Never submerge foam nursing pillows in water or put them in the dryer (3).
3. Cleaning The Ergobaby Natural Curve
The Ergobaby features a firm foam contour for positioning, meaning you must treat the foam with care while the cover handles the heavy lifting.
- Separate parts: Remove the cover.
- Zip it up: Close the zipper before washing.
- Wash the cover: Machine wash with cold water on a gentle cycle.
- Dry the cover: Tumble dry on low heat.
- Clean the foam: Spot-clean the cushion by wiping dirty areas with a clean rag and warm water.
- Dry the foam: Lay the cushion flat in a breezy spot.
- Reassemble: Put the cover back on once everything is bone dry.
Do NOT iron, dry clean, or use bleach on the Ergobaby Natural Curve.
Cleaning Nursing Pillow FAQs
Can You Machine Wash A Nursing Pillow?
It depends on the filling. Most fiberfill pillows (like the standard Boppy) are machine washable on a gentle cycle. However, pillows with foam cores or buckled straps (like My Brest Friend) typically require spot cleaning for the insert, though the slipcovers are usually machine washable. Always check the care label first.
How Do You Deep Clean A Nursing Pillow?
To deep clean, remove the slipcover and wash it separately. If the pillow is machine washable, wash it on a gentle cycle with warm water and an extra spin cycle. For foam pillows, spot clean heavily with a vinegar and water solution, then let it air dry in the sun to kill bacteria naturally.
How Often Should You Wash Your Nursing Pillow?
Wash the slipcover whenever it gets soiled or at least once a week. We recommend washing the actual pillow insert every one to two months for maintenance. However, if bodily fluids soak through the cover and onto the pillow itself, wash or spot-clean the insert immediately to prevent mold growth.
How Do You Fix A Lumpy Nursing Pillow After Washing?
If your fiberfill pillow comes out of the wash looking lumpy, toss it into the dryer with two tennis balls inside clean socks. The tennis balls will beat against the pillow as it tumbles, breaking up the clumps of stuffing and fluffing it back to its original shape.
