How to Clean and Care for Your Nursing Pillow Slipcover

Quick Answer

To clean your nursing pillow slipcover, remove it from the pillow and machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent, air dry or tumble dry on low, and treat stains promptly for best results.

Nursing pillows are a daily companion for feeding sessions, but they also collect spit-up, drool, and the occasional diaper leak. Keeping the slipcover clean isn't just about looks—it helps maintain a hygienic surface for your baby and keeps the pillow itself in good shape.

With the right care routine, you can extend the life of your slipcover and always have a fresh one ready. Here’s a straightforward guide to washing, drying, and maintaining your nursing pillow slipcover.

Why Proper Care Matters

A clean slipcover isn't just about aesthetics. Regular washing removes bacteria, milk residue, and allergens that can irritate your baby's sensitive skin. It also prevents odors from building up, so every feeding feels fresh.

Proper care also protects your investment. Slipcovers that are washed too harshly or dried on high heat can shrink, fade, or lose their shape. By following the right steps, you keep the cover looking and fitting like new.

• Always check the care label on your slipcover for specific instructions.
• Have a backup slipcover on hand so you're never without a clean one.

Step-by-Step Washing Instructions

Start by unzipping or unsnapping the slipcover and removing it from the pillow. Shake off any loose debris. Pre-treat visible stains with a gentle stain remover or a dab of liquid detergent, letting it sit for about 10 minutes.

Machine wash in cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle. Use a mild detergent that's free of bleach and fabric softeners, as these can break down fibers and irritate skin. If you prefer, you can hand wash in a basin with cold water and mild soap.

Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, and never wring the fabric—it can distort the shape. Instead, gently press out excess water.

• Zip the slipcover inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it during the wash.
• Wash similar colors together to prevent any color transfer.

Drying and Storage Tips

After washing, reshape the slipcover while it's still damp. Air drying is the gentlest option—lay it flat or hang it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. If you use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the cover while it's slightly damp to avoid shrinkage.

Once dry, smooth out any wrinkles and store it in a clean, dry place. If you have multiple slipcovers, rotate them to even out wear. Always ensure the cover is completely dry before putting it back on the pillow to prevent mildew.

• Avoid high heat in the dryer—it can damage elastic and cause shrinkage.
• Iron on a low setting if needed, but check the care label first.

Dealing with Stubborn Stains

For tough stains like formula or baby food, act quickly. Rinse the area with cold water, then apply a small amount of liquid detergent directly to the stain and gently rub with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for 15 minutes before washing.

For set-in stains, consider soaking the slipcover in cold water with a little detergent for 30 minutes before washing. Avoid hot water, which can set protein-based stains. If the stain persists, repeat the pre-treatment before the next wash.

• Test any stain remover on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn't discolor the fabric.
• Never use chlorine bleach on colored slipcovers.

Your Slipcover Care Routine

1. Step 1: Remove and Pre-Treat: Unzip the slipcover and remove it from the pillow. Shake off debris and pre-treat any stains with a gentle stain remover or liquid detergent. Checkpoint: Pre-treating stains before washing gives the best chance of full removal.
2. Step 2: Machine Wash Cold: Place the slipcover in a mesh laundry bag and machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners. Checkpoint: Cold water and gentle cycle protect the fabric and prevent shrinkage.
3. Step 3: Dry Low or Air Dry: Reshape the slipcover and air dry flat or hang. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove while slightly damp. Checkpoint: Never use high heat—it can damage elastic and cause shrinking.
4. Step 4: Rotate and Store: Once fully dry, store the slipcover in a clean, dry place. If you have multiple covers, rotate them to even out wear. Checkpoint: A backup slipcover means you always have a clean one ready.

Slipcover Options for Easy Care

• Basic Nursing Pillow Slipcover: Every My Brest Friend nursing pillow comes ready to go! However, it doesn’t have to stop there. Many nursing moms enjoy the option of extra slipcovers so when the inevitable spit-up or leaky diaper strikes, they can simply toss the slipcover into the washer without missing a beat. It’s an easy to use, easy to clean solution that every nursing mom can use! This budget-friendly slipcover is easy to swap and wash, so you can keep a clean one on hand while the other is in the laundry.
• New & Improved Twin & Plus Nursing Pillow Slipcover with Integrated Waterproof Liner: Every My Brest Friend nursing pillow comes ready to go! However, it doesn’t have to stop there. Many nursing moms enjoy the option of extra slipcovers so when the inevitable spit-up or leaky diaper strikes, they can simply toss the slipcover into the washer without missing a beat. It’s an easy to use, easy to clean solution that every nursing mom can use!Our new and improved twin pillow has recently been updated to... The integrated waterproof liner adds an extra layer of protection, making cleanup even easier and helping to keep the pillow core dry and fresh.

Caring for your nursing pillow slipcover doesn't have to be complicated. With a simple routine of pre-treating, washing in cold water, and drying gently, you can keep it fresh and functional for every feeding. Having an extra slipcover makes the process even easier, so you're never caught without a clean one.