That's what makes it exceptionally supportive and naturally breathable, but it also means the pillow itself cannot be machine-washed. The way to keep it clean is to protect it properly from the start. This article explains how the three-layer system works and how to care for each piece.

Each layer has a specific job. Used together, they protect the pillow's fill, keep the sleep surface clean and dry, and make laundry straightforward.

Layering order: Put the waterproof protector on the pillow first, then the pillowcase over the protector. The protector encloses the pillow; the pillowcase goes on top.

Toddlers drool, sweat, and occasionally have nighttime spills — all on a pillow whose fill cannot go in the washing machine. Without a waterproof barrier, moisture reaches the latex and wool fill directly, where it cannot be easily removed. Over time, trapped moisture creates conditions for odor development and the breakdown of natural materials.

The Organic Toddler Waterproof Pillow Protector uses a thin plant-based waterproof membrane between two layers of GOTS-certified organic cotton — the same construction as our waterproof mattress protectors. It keeps the pillow fill completely dry while maintaining the certified organic sleep surface. It is independently GOTS certified, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Class I certified, and designed to fit the Avocado Toddler Pillow precisely.

Keep two protectors in rotation — one on the pillow, one in the wash — so the pillow is never unprotected when accidents happen.

The pillow's latex-and-wool fill is not machine-washable. The fill will be damaged by submersion, agitation, and heat.

For the pillow cover (outer ticking): Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Work gently and allow to air dry fully before replacing the protector. Do not scrub.

For odors or freshening: Remove the protector and pillowcase and allow the pillow to air in a well-ventilated space for a few hours. Natural latex and wool have their own scent that dissipates with airing. Do not place in direct sunlight for extended periods, which can degrade latex over time.

For spills that reach the pillow fill: Blot (do not rub) immediately with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible. Allow to air dry completely — this may take several hours — before replacing the protector. A fan helps accelerate drying. If the waterproof protector is in place, spills should not reach the pillow at all.

Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle. Do not use hot water or high heat, which can degrade the waterproof membrane. Lay flat or hang to dry — do not put in the dryer. Make sure the protector is completely dry before putting it back on the pillow; a damp protector can trap moisture against the pillow cover.

Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, which coat fibers and reduce the breathability and waterproofing performance of organic cotton over time.

The Mini Pillowcase is GOTS-certified organic cotton and can be washed regularly. Machine wash cold, tumble dry low or line dry. Wash before first use and weekly during regular use — the pillowcase is the layer in direct contact with your toddler's face and skin throughout the night.

Each piece in the system — the pillow, the protector, and the pillowcase — independently holds GOTS finished-product certification and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Class I certification. Class I is the most stringent OEKO-TEX® tier, specifically designed for products used by babies and toddlers. The system as a whole is certified from the fiber touching your toddler's skin all the way through to the fill inside the pillow — no component in the stack compromises the organic standard of the one beneath it.

See: Why One Certification Is Never Enough

No. The latex and wool fill will be damaged by machine washing, agitation, and heat. Spot clean the cover with a damp cloth as needed, and keep the pillow protected with the waterproof protector at all times to minimize the need for direct cleaning.

Yes — they do different jobs. The protector keeps fluids away from the latex and wool fill entirely. The pillowcase provides a soft, washable, certified organic surface against your toddler's skin. Together, they protect the pillow fill while keeping the sleep surface clean and frequently washable.

The waterproof protector goes on the pillow first, then the pillowcase goes over the protector. Protector → enclosed in pillowcase.

Wash the pillowcase weekly during regular use — it's in direct skin contact every night. Wash the waterproof protector whenever it's visibly soiled or after any spill. Having two protectors in rotation means you always have a clean, dry one available while the other is being washed and dried.

Natural latex has a mild scent that is most noticeable when new and after compression. Remove the protector and pillowcase, then allow the pillow to air out in a well-ventilated space for a few hours. This is not off-gassing in the synthetic VOC sense — it is the natural scent of organic latex, which dissipates readily with airing. If a persistent odor develops after a spill, ensure the pillow dries completely before enclosing it in the protector again.