Cleaning Meditation Cushions: It's Easier Than You Think

Most meditation cushions have a removable cover, so the cushion usually does not get too dirty. When the need arises to wash your cushion, you can try to spot clean it yourself or leave it to the professionals and have it dry cleaned.

The cushions filled with buckwheat hulls can be a little tricky. Empty the hulls into a large paper grocery sack. Don't use a plastic bag, as the hulls will be full of static electricity. Dampen an old dishrag with water, and squirt on a few drops of Joy detergent. Spot clean as necessary.

Read the washing instructions on your cushion. If it is machine washable, fill the washer half way full with water. Submerge the pillow to get the air out of it. Wash for ten minutes on a delicate cycle only. Lift the lid after about four minutes, and press the air out of the pillow once more. This step won't be necessary if you have a front loading washer as the tumble action automatically expels air from the pillow. To dry, hang on the clothesline. When the cushion is thoroughly dry, don't forget to plump it back up so it retains its shape.

If you are cleaning a zabuton, it's easier to just put it in the sun to freshen or have it dry cleaned. Since the cotton batting is not supposed to be removed from its liner, you don't want to get it wet.

If your cushion is made of upholstery, it will always have to be dry cleaned. If you want to use brocade, make sure it is heavy duty brocade. Thinner rayon brocades do not stand up to repeated cleanings.

Earth Runings features zafus and zabutons made from 100% durable hemp. Dry cleaning is recommended.

Try these stain remover tips on your cushion covers:

For beverages, soak cover in cool water. Apply stain remover and re-wash. Use bleach if safe for fabric.

This is a neat trick to do with a ballpoint pen stain. Hold the stain against the towel and spray with hairspray. Like magic, the stain should now be on the towel.

For the meditator who prefers the outdoors, grass stains can be a problem. Soak your cover in a product containing enzymes. If stain won't come out, you can try chlorine bleach, if it is safe for the fabric.

To remove perspiration stains, rub cover with a bar of soap. If you notice that the color of the fabric has changed, apply ammonia to a fresh stain and rinse. If hot water is safe for fabric, wash on the hottest setting.

Cover a fresh, red wine stain with salt. Rinse in cool water. If stain has set, use club soda.

Sources:

www.comfortchannel.com/prod.itml/icOid/1221
www.earthrunnings.com/history.html