How To Wash A Bolster In A Washing Machine: A Quick Guide

Most of us have a laundry routine, but some items tend to slip through the cracks. When was the last time you washed your bolster?

With regular use, dirt, oils, and sweat can quickly build up. Wondering how to clean your bolster in the washing machine without ruining its shape or quality? You’re not alone.

This guide will walk you through how to properly wash your bolster, whether it’s filled with polyester or has foam inserts that need extra care. Follow these simple steps to keep your bolster fresh, fluffy, and in top condition.

Can I Wash My Pillows In The Washing Machine?

Yes, you can machine wash most pillows and bolsters, but it's important to consider their material. Always begin by reading the care label, which informs you whether machine washing is appropriate. Most bolsters, particularly those with polyester or microfibre bolster filling, are washable. 

Still, products such as memory foam pillows or latex pillows must never be put in a washing machine because they can lose their shape and degrade over time.

If your bolster is washable in a machine, use a front-load washer if possible. It's kinder and won't twist or stretch your pillow out of shape.

Image From Freepik

Step-By-Step: How To Wash A Bolster In A Washing Machine

The following are the steps to wash a bolster in a washing machine.

1. Take Off The Cover

Before you even begin, remove any bolster pillowcase. These coverings capture most of the sweat, oils, and dust and should be washed separately. If you're unsure how to wash a bolster cover, treat it like your everyday bed linen. 

Wash it 1–2 weeks apart in cold or warm water with a gentle laundry detergent, and do not use tough cycles that can harm soft fabrics. To prevent shrinkage or warping of the fabric, air dry on a flat surface.

2. Pre-Treat Visible Stains

Most individuals wonder how to remove stains from pillows, particularly those persistent yellow spots that form over time.

Why do pillows turn yellow in the first place? The reason is typically body oils, sweat, and residue from skincare products, particularly if the bolster is used without a pillowcase.

One good technique is to put a paste made of baking soda and white vinegar directly on the stained area. Allow it to sit for roughly 30 minutes before washing. This lifts discolouration and dissolves buildup without using strong chemicals.

Featuring Weavve’s Signature TENCEL™ Bolster Case

3. Balance Your Load In The Washer

Position the bolster flat in the drum to avoid seam and filling stress. To aid in balance and cleaning effectiveness, wash two pillows simultaneously or add a few towels to distribute the load evenly. This is particularly useful in top-load washers.

Add a little more mild laundry detergent, maybe just a quarter of what's recommended, and use warm water to keep the inner fill and the fabric safe. Don't overload the washing machine or use hot water, since that will eventually ruin the material.

4. Choose The Correct Wash Settings

Utilise the delicate or bedding cycle—whatever is softer. A reduced spin assists in maintaining the bolster shape, particularly for varieties with stiffened contours or cooling bolster pillows.

Most people don't know how often they should wash their bolster, but a general rule of thumb is every 3-6 months if they use it regularly. If you tend to sweat a lot during the night or suffer from allergies, washing it more frequently around once a month can ensure it stays fresh and clean.

Featuring Weavve’s Cotton Bolster Case

How To Dry A Bolster Pillow Properly?

Cleaning your bolster is just half the work—drying it correctly is equally essential. If there's any moisture trapped within, it can readily result in musty smells, mildew, or even bacterial growth in the long run.

The ideal thing to do is to air dry the pillow in a well-ventilated area or, which also serves to remove any lingering odours. 

Others wonder, can feather pillows be dry cleaned? In certain instances, particularly with luxury materials, dry cleaning is possible. But for most polyester or synthetic bolsters, a home wash-and-dry works just as well. When in doubt, it's always best to refer to the care label for special cleaning directions.

Tips To Keep Your Bolster Fresh For Longer

Knowing how to clean a bolster isn’t just about tossing it in the washer every few months. It’s also about building small, regular habits that keep it in good shape between washes.

If you’ve ever asked yourself how to care for and maintain a bolster, it really comes down to simple daily and weekly routines that make a big difference over time.

Here’s how to make your bolster last:

• Use a fresh bolster pillowcase and wash it once a week to guard the inner pillow.
• Fluff out the bolster regularly, every other day or so, to evenly distribute the fill.
• Spot clean small stains or dirt as they show up, primarily on high-contact spots.
• Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the bolster every month, leave it for one hour, and vacuum it out. It eliminates odours without washing.
  
  

Image By Drobotdean From Freepik

Lots of people also ask, should you wash new pillows before using them? Yes, it's a good idea. New pillows may contain dust, chemicals, or allergens picked up during manufacturing and packaging, so washing them gently or at least airing them out before first use ensures they're clean and safe to sleep on.

And what if I don't have a washing machine to wash them? Don't worry, you're not out of luck. 

How to wash your pillows without a washing machine is easy: hand-washing or spot cleaning. Use a soft sponge, mild soap, and warm water to clean the targeted area. Dry it thoroughly, and air-dry afterward.

Key Takeaways

Learning how to wash a bolster in a washing machine the right way can significantly improve your bedding hygiene. By following the proper steps—removing the case, treating stains, choosing the correct settings, and ensuring full drying, you’ll protect both your pillow and your health.