How to Clean Pillows: A Complete Guide to Fresh Bedding

When maintaining a clean and healthy bedroom, you likely prioritize washing your sheets and comforter. But what about your pillows? Pillows can accumulate dead skin cells, dust mites, and allergens, making regular cleaning just as crucial for these bedding essentials. While washing pillows might seem daunting, it’s simpler than you think.

This guide will provide you with expert-backed tips on how to effectively clean your pillows, both by hand and in the washing machine, ensuring they remain fresh, supportive, and hygienic.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pillows?

According to Brian Sansoni from the American Cleaning Institute, pillows should be washed every three to six months at a minimum. However, the cleaning frequency can depend on the pillow type. For instance, latex and memory foam pillows are not typically machine washable and may require hand cleaning as needed. Regularly cleaning your pillows not only removes allergens and dust mites but also helps to prolong their lifespan and maintain their support.

Machine Washing Pillows: Step-by-Step Instructions

Many types of pillows, including those filled with cotton, down, feathers, and fiberfill, can be safely cleaned in a washing machine. Always begin by checking the care label for specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. Alicia Sokolowski, President and co-CEO of AspenClean, emphasizes the importance of following these guidelines for the best results.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Mild laundry detergent
• White vinegar
• Dryer balls or tennis balls

Washing Instructions:

1. Remove Pillowcases and Protectors: Start by taking off pillowcases and any pillow protectors.
2. Pre-treat Stains: For any visible stains, apply a small amount of mild detergent directly onto the affected area as a pre-treatment.
3. Load Pillows Evenly: Place two pillows into the washing machine to ensure balanced distribution during the wash cycle.
4. Add Detergent and Vinegar: Pour mild laundry detergent into the detergent dispenser, along with ½ cup of white vinegar. Vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and helps to eliminate odors.
5. Select Gentle Cycle and Cold Water: Choose a gentle or delicate wash cycle. Using cold water is recommended to prevent clumping of the pillow filling.
6. Remove Excess Water: Once the wash cycle is complete, take the pillows out of the washing machine and gently squeeze out any excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can damage the filling.
7. Tumble Dry with Dryer Balls: Place the pillows in the dryer along with a couple of dryer balls or clean tennis balls. These help to fluff the pillows and prevent them from becoming flat.
8. Dry on Low Heat: Use a low heat setting to protect the pillow filling from heat damage. High heat can cause shrinkage or melting, especially for synthetic fills.
9. Check for Dryness Periodically: During the drying process, regularly check the pillows to ensure they are drying evenly and completely. Remove them once they are fully dry to prevent mildew.
10. Fluff to Restore Shape: After drying, fluff the pillows by hand to restore their original shape and loft.

Hand Washing Pillows: A Gentle Approach

For pillows that are not machine washable, such as memory foam and latex pillows, hand washing is the recommended cleaning method. Machine agitation can be too harsh and can break down these materials. Alicia Sokolowski suggests using a bathtub or large basin for hand washing these delicate pillow types.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Large basin or bathtub
• Mild laundry detergent
• White vinegar
• Soft cleaning brush
• Dryer balls or tennis balls

Hand Washing Instructions:

1. Remove Pillowcases and Protectors: Begin by removing pillowcases and any pillow protectors from the pillows.
2. Fill Basin with Lukewarm Water: Fill a clean bathtub or large basin with enough lukewarm water to fully submerge the pillows.
3. Add Detergent and Vinegar: Add a small amount of mild detergent to the water, followed by ½ cup of white vinegar.
4. Submerge and Agitate Pillows: Place the pillows into the soapy water and gently squeeze and press them to ensure they are fully saturated. Pay extra attention to any stained areas, using a soft brush for targeted cleaning if needed.
5. Drain Soapy Water: Drain the dirty, soapy water from the basin.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: Refill the basin with clean water and rinse the pillows thoroughly until all traces of detergent are removed. Repeat rinsing if necessary until the water runs clear.
7. Press Out Excess Water: After rinsing, gently press out as much excess water as possible. Again, avoid wringing or twisting the pillows.
8. Air Dry on Towels: Lay clean towels on a flat surface, such as a countertop or drying rack. Place the pillows on the towels to air dry, reshaping them to maintain their form.
9. Rotate for Even Drying: During the air-drying process, rotate and flip the pillows occasionally to ensure even drying on all sides.
10. Ensure Complete Dryness: Allow pillows to dry completely before use to prevent mold and mildew growth. This may take longer than machine drying.

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Alt text: Freshly washed pillows and comforters are neatly arranged on a bed, showcasing a clean and inviting bedroom environment, emphasizing pillow cleaning and bedding hygiene.

Removing Odors from Pillows

If your pillows retain odors after washing, sunlight can be a natural deodorizer. Alicia Sokolowski recommends placing pillows in direct sunlight and fresh air for a few hours, flipping them to expose all sides. If sunlight isn’t sufficient, baking soda can also effectively absorb odors. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the pillows, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it off using a brush attachment.

When to Replace Your Pillows

Kathy Cohoon, Director of Franchise Operations at Two Maids, advises replacing pillows every 1.5 to 2 years, as they can harbor bacteria and are used daily. The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America supports this recommendation, noting that regular replacement is important for hygiene and allergy management. While some pillow types may last longer, regular replacement ensures optimal support and cleanliness.

Tips to Maintain Pillow Freshness

To keep your pillows fresh between washes, follow these simple maintenance tips:

1. Use Pillowcases: Always use pillowcases to protect pillows from body oils, skin cells, and debris.
2. Air Out Regularly: Periodically air out your pillows to refresh them and eliminate trapped odors.
3. Avoid Eating in Bed: Refrain from eating in bed to prevent food stains and crumbs from attracting pests. Keep pets off the bed and pillows for similar reasons, advises Sokolowski.
4. Wash Pillowcases When Sick: Wash or replace pillowcases more frequently when you are ill to prevent reinfection.
5. Store Properly: When not in use, store pillows in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup and mildew.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you wash polyester pillows?

  Yes, polyester pillows are generally machine washable. Always check the care label first to confirm manufacturer instructions.

• How can I remove odors from pillows without washing?

  To remove odors without washing, sprinkle pillows with baking soda, let it sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum off the baking soda.

• How many pillows can I wash at once?

  It is generally recommended to wash two pillows at a time to maintain balance in your washing machine during the cycle.