Dakimakura Care Guide

How to keep your dakimakura covers and inners clean, fresh, and long-lasting

Cover Care

  • Wash covers every 1-2 weeks (or after each rotation)
    • Also wash your other bedding items like sheets!
  • You can wash multiple dakimakura covers at the same time, you can put each one in a separate mesh laundry bag.
  • Turn inside-out before washing to protect the print
  • Use cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent
  • Place in a mesh laundry bag for machine washing
  • Never use detergents with bleaching agents
  • Air dry flat and out of direct sunlight; alternatively, a short machine dry cycle (10-20 minutes) on low heat can also work
  • For stains, spot clean gently with a damp cloth. You can use a mild detergent if needed.
  • For heavy stains, you can try to apply some peroxide on the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Repeated use of peroxide may cause the print to fade, so use sparingly.

Quick Wash Steps

  1. Remove cover from inner
  2. Turn inside-out and zip up
  3. Place in laundry bag
  4. Wash on gentle cycle, cold water
  5. Air dry completely before use or storage

Hand Washing Note

Hand washing is not recommended unless necessary. If you must hand wash, use the same cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent as for machine washing. Avoid abrasive surfaces and keep away from sharp objects. Gently agitate, do not wring or scrub. Hang dry fully in a clean area to prevent mold or mildew.

Inner Pillow Care

  • Fluff your inner regularly to maintain shape
  • Store flat when not in use
  • Most inners cannot be machine washed; spot clean only
  • If the inner has a removable cover, you can take out the filling and wash the cover separately
  • Declump stuffing by hand if needed

Fluffing Tip

Fluff your inner by patting and gently shaking it. Let it air out in sunlight (not direct, harsh sun) for a few hours to keep it fresh.

Storing & Folding Covers

  • Ensure covers are completely dry before storing. Wet or damp covers can develop mold or mildew.
  • Fold covers neatly to avoid creases (see below)
  • If you live in a humid environment, consider storing dakimakura covers in ziplock or archival bags with a silica gel packet to absorb moisture.
  • Keep out of direct sunlight and away from moisture

Simple Fold

  1. Lay the cover flat, face down
  2. Fold in thirds lengthwise
  3. Fold in thirds widthwise to form a rectangle
  4. Place in a bag for storage

For more folding methods, see the full dakimakura guide.

Hygiene Tips

  • Shower before bed to keep covers clean
  • Keep nails trimmed and avoid sharp objects near covers
  • Do not eat or drink in bed with your dakimakura
  • Rotate covers to reduce wear and overwashing

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