So you finally decided to invest in the best sleep of your life and bought a beautiful new buckwheat pillow, congratulations! However, while a buckwheat pillow may feel more luxurious and comfortable than a regular pillow, it still needs to be cleaned just as frequently. Experts recommend washing the pillowcase every three weeks, and cleaning the actual pillow every three months. Although learning how to clean a buckwheat pillow may feel intimidating, it is a very simple process that will benefit both your bank account and health in the long run by preserving the quality of your new pillow.

Protecting Your Pillow From the Inside Out

 The most important step in keeping your buckwheat pillow clean is preventative care! By using a protective pillowcase on the outside of your buckwheat pillow, you can be sure to protect the inside from human byproducts such as hair, nails, skin, and dandruff while preventing excess buildup from makeup, haircare, and skincare products. In addition, an extra exterior pillowcase makes emergency cleanups easy, since you can just slip it off the buckwheat interior and in most cases simply toss it into the washing machine. Even if your pillow comes with a case, it’s always a good idea to purchase a spare in case of accidents. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the tags for the best quality of care, as some materials such as silk and satin have very specific washing requirements.

How To Clean The Interior Pillowcase

Even with proper exterior care, the actual interior of the pillow still needs to be cleaned about every three months in order to ensure it is in the best condition and extend the lifetime of the pillow. Before washing, open the buckwheat casing and empty out all the hulls into a large, secure container. We recommend using a plastic bowl or other hard container instead of a paper or plastic bag, as you want to ensure there will be no accidental spillage. To ensure that there are no remaining hulls, turn the interior case inside out and shake vigorously, as buckwheat hulls can permanently damage your washing machine. From there, you can simply toss your empty cotton casing into a laundry machine, making sure to wash on a low temperature and delicate setting to prevent shrinkage. Once cleaned, allow the interior pillowcase to completely air dry before returning the buckwheat hulls to prevent mold or bacteria growth.

How to Clean Buckwheat Hulls

  Since buckwheat is a natural, sustainable pillow solution, they do not frequently need to be “cleaned” and never need to be manually washed. However, accidents do happen, and it is important to know how to act quickly since dampness can attract allergens such as mold and bacteria. If your buckwheat hulls become damp or smelly, remove them immediately and then simply place them in a large bowl in direct sunlight indoors to naturally air out odors and lift any remaining moisture. If you notice that the hulls are particularly broken up, it might be worthwhile to replace them with fresh buckwheat hulls to promote a full night of restful sleep.

The Bottom Line

Although it might appear confusing at first, properly cleaning your buckwheat pillow is not a difficult task with a little extra patience and practice. Make sure to repeat this process at least once every three months to ensure that your pillow remains in pristine condition, and both your wallet and body will thank you.