How do you keep your meditation pillow in good condition?
Meditation pillows are a great addition to any relaxation routine. From providing extra support and comfort while meditating to making your practice area more inviting, meditation pillows can be an invaluable piece of furniture. Taking proper care of your meditation pillow is important as it helps it last longer and increases the quality of your practice. This article will provide tips on how you can best look after your meditation pillow.
Benefits of Proper Care for Your Meditation Pillow
Taking good care of your meditation pillow provides many benefits. The most obvious reason is ensuring the longevity of your pillow. Taking the proper steps to ensure your meditation pillow is clean, kept in a safe place, and that you treat it with a bit of extra care means you will be able to use it for more sessions. Improper care can mean decreased quality of your practice and even the need to buy a replacement sooner.
The best way to look after your meditation pillow is to follow Best Practices for Cleaning and Care. From pre-emptive cleaning to taking steps to repel dust, there are numerous tips and tricks available for every type of meditation pillow. Keeping your meditation pillow in good condition can also help provide an inviting atmosphere for your relaxation routine. Ensuring the fabric is free of dirt, dust, and debris can help keep your practice area feeling peaceful and calming.
Best Practices for Cleaning and Care
Cleaning and care for your meditation pillow largely depends on the type of material used. For example, if you have a meditation pillow made of cotton, washing it with a gentle detergent every once in a while is a safe option. On the other hand, if you have a meditation pillow made of silk, you must be careful not to spot-clean with any harsh chemicals. Most fabrics are dry-clean safe, but it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Dust build-up is another issue that must be addressed when taking care of a meditation pillow. Using a vacuum cleaner on low suction and a soft-bristled brush attachment can help remove dust buildup while still being gentle on the fabric. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on whether it’s safe to use the vacuum attachment on your particular meditation pillow.
Tips for Storing Your Meditation Pillow
The way you store your meditation pillow also affects its lifespan. If at all possible, it’s best to keep your meditation pillow out of direct sunlight as this can cause discoloration and fabric damage over time. Be sure to put your meditation pillow away from extreme temperatures that can cause warping and shrinking of the fabric, as well as from any sources of moisture that can cause mold or mildew.
Another option is to wrap your meditation pillow in a cloth bag or sheet when it’s not being used. This can help keep dust off of it and help preserve the fabric in case of any accidental spills. For those living in highly moist climates, it’s always advisable to ensure that the chamber in which the meditation pillow is stored is well ventilated, preferable with fans running occasionally.
What Materials Should You Look for When Buying a Meditation Pillow?
When it comes to finding the right meditation pillow for you, there are many different materials available. Look out for natural fabrics such as cotton, wool and linen as these are most breathable and don’t retain heat or dust particles easily. Synthetics such as polyester, nylon, rayon and acrylic are also common fabrics used for meditation pillows and are generally more affordable.
The ideal option is finding a blend that includes natural fibers like cotton as these are more durable and hypoallergenic. It’s also important to note that more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean more quality; it depends on the particular fabric you choose. Test out samples of different fabrics before purchasing if possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Your Meditation Pillow
One common mistake when looking after a meditation pillow is washing it too often with detergent. This can strip away protective coatings from the fabric and cause permanent damage or discoloration over time. It’s best to only do spot cleaning when necessary and refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for washing if needed.
Another mistake is storing your meditation pillow somewhere where there are extreme temperatures or humid environments. These will cause the material to shrink, warp or even attract mold or mildew over time which can lead to permanent damage. Opting for more breathable fabrics can help counteract this issue, as well as investing in a fan or dehumidifier.
How Often Should You Replace Your Meditation Pillow?
Replacing your meditation pillow should depend on how often you use it, how well you take care of it and its age. As mentioned previously, fabric damage or discoloration due to exposure to extreme temperatures or over-washing can diminish the lifetime of your meditation pillow. To stay on the safe side, it’s recommend to replace your pillow after two years even with proper care.
Essential Oils and Aromatherapy for Cleaning and Caring for Your Meditation Pillow
Essential oils have long been used in aromatherapy as natural remedies for relaxation, stress relief and even skin restoration. It’s believed that certain essential oils can help purify the air and calm the mind when diffused into the air or applied directly on the fabrics of a meditation pillow. Popular options include lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, frankincense and peppermint.
Be sure to refer to a trusted aromatherapist before using essential oils on any fabrics as there are certain side effects that can occur if not used correctly. Additionally, make sure there is no prolonged contact between the fabric of your meditation pillow and the essential oils as this may cause discoloration or staining.
Natural Alternatives to Synthetic Materials for a Meditation Pillow
If you’re looking for more natural materials for your meditation pillow, there are some great options available. Hemp pillows are created from organic hemp fibers that are naturally resistant to dust mites, fading and staining. Cotton meditation pillows provide great support with their natural fibers and offer personalization with optional fabrics or patterns on request.
Kapok pillows are an excellent natural alternative, created from the cotton-like fibers from Kapok trees found in tropical regions. Kapok fibers are antifungal, antibacterial and hypoallergenic, providing extra protection from dust mites and bacteria while remaining breathable. Other natural materials include jute and wool which are just as comfortable as more common materials but slightly more expensive.
Taking good care of your meditation pillow is key in helping it last longer and increase the quality of your practice. From washing and storage tips to picking the right materials, following these best practices can help prevent unwanted wear and tear on your favorite relaxation tool.
