Ultimate Guide: How To Wash Pillows The Right Way

by John Griffith Jan 18, 2023 @ 11:40

Pillows are an essential part of a comfortable bed. However, when it comes to cleaning bedding, we often forget about them. While you may be meticulous when it comes to cleaning your sheets, cases, and blankets, can the same be said about the pillow itself. Just washing the pillowcase is not the same as giving the pillow a good clean. And it’s actually quite significant to stay on top of washing your pillows. Why? Well, because they can house a pretty yucky mix of dead skin cells, stains, bugs, dust mites, and their droppings. That’s why it’s important that they receive just as much attention as the rest of your bedding. And to ensure that your pillows are nice, fresh, and clean, we’ve prepared a simple guide on how to wash your pillows properly.

Pillows are an essential part of a comfortable bed

Just washing the pillowcase is not the same as giving the pillow a good clean

In this article

How To Wash Pillows
How To Dry Pillows
How To Spot-Treat Pillows
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
How Do You know When To Replace a Pillow?
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How To Wash Pillows

While we regularly like to enjoy the comfort of nice, crispy clean sheets, we rarely think about what we are putting them on. Your pillows and the mattress are usually left unwashed for really long periods of time. And even when they do get a cleaning, it’s typically not as deep as it should be. But you would be surprised how easy cleaning both actually is. And in comparison to bedding, you don’t even need to do it that often. So, let’s see how to give your pillows the wash they deserve. Important: Always read the label before cleaning any pillow to see what you can and cannot do.

Your pillows and the mattress are usually left unwashed for really long periods of time

Always read the label before cleaning any pillow to see what you can and cannot do

#Down and Feather

You are in luck! Most down and feather pillows can actually be put in the washing machine. However, it’s recommended you run them on a cool water cycle, as heat may cause damage and to use a mild detergent. That’s pretty much it. When it comes to drying you can choose between letting them air dry or placing them with caution in the dryer.

Most down and feather pillows can actually be put in the washing machine

@Good Housekeeping

#Memory Foam and Latex

Well, in comparison to down and feather, memory foam and latex are a no-go for the washing machine. This is because washer agitation may break up the foam and cause damage to the latex. For these types of pillows it’s recommended you first vacuum off any excess dust, then spot clean with a damp cloth and some mild detergent. Then make sure to lay them flat and let them air dry.

Memory foam and latex are a no-go for the washing machine

@Good Housekeeping

#Polyester

Polyester is also pretty easy to clean when it comes to pillows. Most polyester pillows can be placed in the washing machine, however it is recommended you put them on a gentle cycle with a warm wash and place a few pillows at a time, so you can balance out the load. Oh, and make sure to not use much detergent, around a tablespoon of liquid soap.

Polyester is also pretty easy to clean when it comes to pillows

@Ikea

#Buckwheat

Buckwheat pillows have been gaining popularity recently and if you have found yourself with one and are wondering how to clean it, don’t worry. All you need to do is empty the buckwheat onto a cookie sheet or a shallow bowl. Then set it out in the sun. This will help to eliminate odors. When it comes to the shell casing, just wash it with some cold water and mild detergent.

Buckwheat hull pillows have been gaining popularity recently

How To Dry Pillows

Well there are two main ways you can dry a pillow. The first being air-drying. This is the safest way to dry a pillow, however it does take some time. The second way is in the dryer. However, here you have to be careful. Always check the label first, as foam pillows do pose the risk of catching fire when exposed to heat. Feather pillows also may not be able to go in the dryer. If it says it can be placed in the dryer, here is what you should do.

Well there are two main ways you can dry a pillow

@The Spruce

High heat can damage a pillow, but it is also a sure way to kill any dust mites, bed bugs, and other pathogens. That’s why specialist recommend letting the dryer run hot for around 20 minutes and then put it on low for the rest of the drying. It’s also a good idea to run a couple of cycles on low to ensure it’s dry all the way through. You should also remove the pillows and fluff them out periodically in order to promote drying and prevent clumping. Or you can through in some dryer balls or tennis balls against clumping.

High heat can damage a pillow

@The Spruce

How To Spot-Treat Pillows

Just like when it comes to washing your pillows, spot-treating also depends on what type of pillow you are dealing with. When it comes to foam pillows, you can use a cloth dipped in some mild soap solution to treat the spot. For most other pillow types an enzyme-containing stain remover should do the trick. You can spray directly on the stain, pinch the fabric of either sides of the stain and rub the fabric together. This will push the spot treatment into the stain. Leave it to soak for a bit and then wet a clean rag to blot and rinse the area.

Spot-treating also depends on what type of pillow you are dealing with

How Often Should You Wash Pillows?

In comparison to bedding, you don’t really need to be washing your pillows every week. In general there are three options. If only you sleep on the pillow, then two times a year is more than enough when it comes to washing it. However, if you like to eat in bed, use it against the wash, have pets, or sweat a lot, then it’s recommended to wash your pillows quarterly. Finally, if you have any special pillows, such as body or throw pillows, then they should be cleaned around every three to six months. However, this depends on where they are, and how often they are used.

You don’t really need to be washing your pillows every week

If only you sleep on the pillow, then two times a year is more than enough

How Do You know When To Replace a Pillow?

Even if you are super diligent about cleaning your pillows, you will still need to buy new ones eventually and that’s okay. In general, experts recommend replacing your pillows every one to two years to ensure the pillow you are using is supportive, clean, and allergen-free. But another way you can find out if it’s time to toss your pillows if by folding them in half. If the pillow doesn’t spring back into shape, then it’s time for a shopping trip. Another tell-tale sign you need new pillows is if they smell even after you have washed them.

Experts recommend replacing your pillows every one to two years

This was how to wash pillows the right way. We hope you found this article useful. Now you know only how often you should clean them, but also how to do it properly.

This was how to wash pillows the right way

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.