How to Wash a Dakimakura Cover (and Keep the Print Bright)

Before you wash

• Take out the inner pillow. Most inserts are not made for the washing machine, so check the insert's own label.
• Look for stains and treat them first (see spot cleaning below).
• Turn the cover inside out so the printed side is protected from rubbing.
• Close the zipper fully so the teeth cannot snag the fabric.
• Optional: put the cover in a large mesh laundry bag for extra protection.

Machine washing, step by step

• Water temperature: cold, 30 °C / 86 °F at most.
• Cycle: gentle or delicates, with a low spin speed.
• Detergent: a small amount of mild detergent. No bleach and no bleach-based stain removers.
• Load: wash it alone or with soft items in similar colors. Keep it away from jeans, towels and anything with zips, hooks or hook-and-loop fasteners.
• Fabric softener: we suggest skipping it. It is not needed and can leave a residue on smooth fabrics.

Hand washing

Hand washing is the gentlest option and takes about as long as a machine cycle.

• Fill a basin or bathtub with cool water and a little mild detergent.
• Soak the inside-out cover for 15–30 minutes, then gently swish and squeeze it. Do not scrub the printed area.
• Rinse in clean, cool water until no suds remain.
• Press the water out, or roll the cover in a towel. Do not wring or twist it.

Drying

• Air dry: hang the cover over a drying rack or line, or lay it flat.
• Dry it in the shade rather than in strong direct sunlight.
• Do not tumble dry on high heat. Heat is hard on printed fabric.
• Make sure the cover is completely dry before you put the insert back, to avoid musty smells.

Ironing and wrinkles

Most wrinkles relax once the cover is back on a full insert, especially with stretchy 2-Way Tricot. If you do iron, use low heat, iron from the inside only and never directly on the printed side. A thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric adds protection.

Spot cleaning between washes

• Blot fresh spills with a damp cloth. Blot, do not rub.
• For marks, use a drop of mild detergent in cool water. Test it on a seam allowance or another hidden spot first.
• Blot with clean water to rinse, then let the area air dry.
• Avoid solvent-based stain removers and bleach pens on the print.

Caring for the inner pillow

Inserts vary a lot, so follow the insert's own care label. In general: air it out regularly, spot clean marks, and fluff it so the filling stays even. If you want to wash the cover often, a second cover lets you swap while one dries.

How often should you wash it?

There is no fixed rule. If you sleep with it every night, washing it about as often as your bedding is a sensible habit. If it is mostly on display, wash it when it looks or smells like it needs it. Fewer, gentler washes are kinder to any printed fabric.

Storing your cover

• Store it clean and completely dry.
• Fold it loosely or roll it, printed side in, and keep it in a breathable cotton bag rather than sealed plastic.
• Keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid fading over time.

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