Avoid This Common Cleaning Method When It Comes To Your Snoogle Pillow

Snoogle pillows are becoming synonymous with comfort during pregnancy. They work to reduce pain while sleeping, especially on your back, neck, and belly, promoting comfort as your belly grows. But they're not just for pregnancy — they're excellent for medical conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, making body pillows a great investment for tons of people. It's recommended that you wash your pillow at least twice a year, but where does the Snoogle factor into these guidelines? According to Leachco's website — Snoogle's manufacturer — you don't want to machine wash your pillow. But this doesn't mean you can't clean it at all; you just have to be mindful of the methods you use. However, if you're concerned about damaging your pillow and want to follow the manufacturer's directions to the letter, it's recommended that you simply fluff your pillow to remove clumps of filling and wash only its protective cover.

The main problem with cleaning body pillows is overloading the washing machine. Snoogle body pillows are close to 59 inches long, which can present an issue in the washer. Although the manufacturer advises against machine washing the pillow itself, you might be able to clean it by hand. And since some users report that their Snoogle has a chemical scent, a thorough washing might be in your best interest, especially if you're expecting and are extremely sensitive to different smells. If it's just a matter of fluffing your Snoogle so it retains its shape, there are several things to try first. 

To properly fluff your Snoogle pillow, you can slap, squeeze, or even shake it. You can also push it together like an accordion, grabbing each end. If you don't want to poke and prod your pillow, you can always throw it in the dryer with wool dryer balls. If you don't have dryer balls, you can purchase them on Amazon for $7. If the issue with your Snoogle is the smell, you can try washing it by hand. The Snoogle has polyester filling, a material you can launder in the tub or washing machine. 

If you choose to wash your pillows in the tub, use cold water and mild detergent. Let it soak in your tub for a few minutes, absorbing the soapy water. Gently massage your pillow, working to clean it thoroughly. Once done, drain your tub and refill it with clean water, massaging your pillow once again to remove all the soapy water. Don't wring your pillow — press out excess water and let it air dry. If you have a fan, place your Snoogle in front of one. Otherwise, you can expect your pillow to take about 24 hours to dry when in a well-ventilated area. 

Although it goes against manufacturer directions, you can launder a body pillow in the washing machine. Wash it alone with gentle detergent and cold or warm water. Next, let it tumble dry on low, using wool dryer balls to help it retain its shape. 

If you're not looking to wash your Snoogle but still want to properly care for and clean your bed pillow, you have the option of cleaning only the soiled areas. This is great if you're looking to remove yellow stains from your pillow insert. Leachco explains that you should spot-clean your pillow insert if you accidentally spill on it, washing its removable cover instead of cleaning the entire product. Leachco also has directions for cleaning your Snoogle cover, explaining that you can launder it with warm water using the gentle cycle, followed by the lowest heat setting on tumble dry. If you're worried about shrinking your Snoogle cover, you can let it air dry. Keep in mind that the Snoogle comes with a variety of cover options, so the fabric may vary. As such, so will the care options when laundering. 

For example, if your Snoogle has a polyester cover, it can shrink when washed and dried repeatedly. However, polyester holds up better than cotton, for example. But when washing polyester, it's best to use cold water and a low dryer setting. Just pay close attention to the manufacturer's care instructions before cleaning your Snoogle. If you accidentally ruin your Snoogle cover while washing it, the good news is your entire pillow isn't ruined — Leachco sells replacement covers for $36 as of this writing. This is also ideal if you simply want to switch up the appearance of your body pillow.