Picture this: you’ve had a long day at work, and the only thing you want to do now is come home and take a nice bath. When you get home, you fill the tub, light a candle, play soothing music, and hop in. This is relaxation at its finest.
However, the one interruption you’re facing is an unstabilized head. You have to sink lower to compensate, but that could mess with the ambiance you’ve worked hard to set. So how can you improve bath time? You can invest in a bath pillow.
A bath pillow for bathtub use is a great way to limit interruptions during that sacred moment. But if you want it to last long, you’ll need to enact a certain level of care. To help out, we’ve outlined a few tips below.
1. Rinse and Dry After Each Use
Although bathtub pillows are water resistant, they aren’t waterproof. So after you’re done having a bath, you shouldn’t leave them in a damp environment. Extended exposure to wet areas leads to mildew growth, which wouldn’t be pleasant to deal with.
After each bath, it’s essential to rinse your pillow to remove the suds. Then you’ll have to ensure that it dries thoroughly before the subsequent use. Typically leaving something in a direct heat source will help the drying process. Unfortunately, that won’t work for bathtub pillows.
Any direct heat can break the material down, leading to an uncomfortable pillow. So you shouldn’t put these pillows in the dryer. It would be easier to find one that has materials naturally resistant to heat. If you cannot, dry it thoroughly with a towel or hang it out to air dry.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals When Cleaning
Cleaning bathtub pillows is the best way to extend their lifespan. But you’ll need to ensure you go about it the right way. You never want to use harsh chemicals—like bleach—to clean the pillow because it will damage the material, and you’ll need to buy a replacement.
Instead, use these steps to clean your pillow easily without damaging it:
- Fill your tub with lukewarm water and add a cap of mild detergent
- Let it sit for about an hour
- Clean with a toothbrush or soft bristle brush
- Rinse with cold water and dry thoroughly
You can also use this alternative method to clean your pillow:
- Add a small amount of diluted vinegar and baking soda to your pillow; mix to form a paste
- Then scrub vigorously with a toothbrush to remove any mildew
- Rinse and air dry
If these methods don’t work, you can always throw your pillow in the washing machine, which will surely give it a good clean.
3. Stay Away From Humid Areas
Storing your bathtub pillow correctly is another critical component for an extended lifespan. After rinsing and drying it, you may be tempted to leave it in the bathroom since you’ll be using it again soon. However, this is a big no-no.
When you take a hot shower, it often leaves a lot of humidity in the bathroom. That means it’ll be more challenging for your pillow to dry correctly. Furthermore, it leaves the door open for mildew to seep into the fabric and cause your pillow to smell. Instead, try hanging it in a cool dark place away from humid areas in your home.
4. Vacuum the Fabric Regularly
No matter how often you clean, dirt and dust can accumulate on anything, including your bathtub pillow. Since it’s constantly wet, it’s easier for these particles to build up, especially when it’s left to air dry.
So before each use, vacuum the pillow to remove any excess dirt or debris. It’ll keep the fabric cleaner and limit the possibility of dirt stains in your bathtub.
These Tips Will Keep Your Bathtub Pillow in Excellent Condition
The best way to enhance bath time is with a bathtub pillow. The soft exterior will stabilize your head and remove interruptions of the past. But if you want to continue enjoying the benefits of having one, you’ll need to take care of it properly.
Always rinse and dry your pillow correctly after each use to prevent mildew growth. It would help if you also cleaned it every couple of weeks to ensure it doesn’t harbor harmful bacteria. And don’t forget to vacuum it to remove dirt from the fabric. With these tips, you’ll extend your pillow’s lifespan and have enjoyable baths for a long time.
