If you’re a frequent flyer or traveler, then you would know the ordeal of traveling, especially during long hauls. Thus, having a ‘travel companion’ will make you feel more comfortable. Thankfully, travel pillows are the perfect accessory you can carry when traveling on a plane, train, bus, or even inside a car. However, your travel pillow might get dirty and smelly over time from too much use. Thus, it is necessary to clean it from time to time. Some might ask, “can you wash a travel pillow?”. Check out all the things you need to know and some tips in washing your travel pillows.
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Why You Need A Pillow When Traveling?
Here are some reasons why you need to bring a travel pillow when traveling:
For Comfort
Even though you can find and book luxury hotels or accommodations that will provide you a very comfortable and luxurious stay, you may find the pillows offered not to your liking as they are usually made of foam and feather. These can leave you with a painful and stiff neck the next day. Placing your own neck pillow on top of the pillows provided by the hotel will make a big difference and will give you comfort.
For Resting/Sleeping While Flying Or On The Road
Some airlines usually provide spongy pillows that might be too small for long flights to make you feel comfortable. For long drives on the road, travel pillows will also let you rest comfortably in the back seat.
Pillow Materials
Before cleaning your travel pillow, figure out first the materials used and what your travel pillow is made of. Like the ones made of microbeads or memory foam, most of these pillows can actually be hand-washed with just water and detergent. But if your pillow comes with a cover, you just have to remove the cover and wash it separately from your pillow. You can also use baking soda, sprinkle it on your pillow, and set it in the sun to freshen it up.
Keeping Your Travel Pillow Clean
Although your travel pillow is yours, it could still get dirty and grimy because it is used often outside your home. The question is, can you wash a travel pillow? It is recommended that you wash your travel pillow after every trip. Every pillow is different as to how it is made and what type of stuffing it has inside; that’s why some people wonder, “can you wash a travel pillow?”. Some pillows can be tossed directly in the washer, while other pillows should be washed by hand. It is also essential that you check the label of your travel pillow if it is compatible with the washing machine. If it is, here are some tips on what to do:
- Wet a rag or towel in a bowl with some warm water. Add some detergent at the end of the towel.
- Dab the soapy end of the towel to your pillow. Reapply with soap and water to your towel if needed.
- Wet another towel to rinse off the detergent.
- Let your pillow dry completely.
Carrying your own travel pillow no matter where your destination is, may it be a beach trip, a mountain adventure, or a chill day at a hotel, will ensure that you will have a clean and comfy way of travel. The bottom line is that carrying your own pillow helps you get enough rest on your trip to feel refreshed when you arrive and ready to do whatever you want in your destination.
How To Deep Clean Your Travel Pillow
- Get a container that’s big enough to fit your travel pillow and fill it halfway with lukewarm water.
- Add one tablespoon or 15 mL of mild detergent and mix it gently into the water. Make sure to have enough water so you can fully submerge your travel pillow.
- Submerge your pillow underwater and use your hands and gently squeeze it five to 10 times. Don’t pull or rub your travel pillow. If there’s are spots or stains on your pillow, focus on that part as you squeeze.
- Rinse your travel pillow in cool water. Drain your container that’s full of soapy water. Carry your travel pillow over a new tub with clean water or over the sink. Keep rinsing until no more soap residue’s coming out. Leaving soap residue in your pillow can actually do more harm than good in the long run.
- Let your travel pillow dry under the sun. Place it in a cool and dry spot where the sun can reach. Leave it out to dry until you can’t feel any moisture when you squeeze. Do not put it in the dryer unless it is compatible with the machine.
How To Remove Odors And Stains
- If your travel pillow is starting to smell, leave your pillow out in fresh air and under the sun for two to three days to remove the smell. Place it in a clean and dry spot so it won’t get dirty and wet. Mild odors like that from sweat will go away once aired out.
- However, if it is stinky, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the entire pillow and let it sit outside for two to three days until the baking soda absorbs all the odor. Brush it off until all baking soda is gone before using it again. Baking soda can absorb all the odor. However, it won’t remove the stains or dirt from your pillow.
- If your pillow has small stains only and does not need a full washing, you can use a washcloth. Dip it in warm water with one drop of mild detergent. Gently rub it to the area until the stain is removed. Rinse the area with cool water to get rid of the detergent.
Conclusion
When traveling, be it by land, water, or air, having a travel companion will indeed help make you feel comfortable, especially when traveling for long hours. And travel pillows make a perfect companion. Thus, it is necessary that you carry with you a clean and fresh travel pillow every time. If you ask, can you wash a travel pillow? Our answer is yes, you can. And cleaning them is so easy that you won’t have to buy a new one every time you fly.