Pillows are super important for a good night’s sleep, but they can get dirty over time. Dust, sweat, and even drool can build up, making your pillows less cozy and maybe even smelly. Therefore, learning how to wash pillows is a great way to keep them fresh, clean, and comfy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy steps to clean your pillows, whether they’re made of feathers, foam, or something else. Plus, we’ll share tips to make sure your pillows last longer.
By the way, washing pillows isn’t hard, and you don’t need fancy tools. With just a few things from your kitchen or laundry room, you can make your pillows feel brand new. So, let’s get started!
Contents
Why You Should Wash Your Pillows
First, let’s talk about why washing pillows matters. Every night, your pillow collects sweat, skin cells, and dust mites. Yuck, right? Over time, this can make your pillow less comfy and even cause allergies. For example, dust mites can make you sneeze or feel itchy. Washing your pillows gets rid of these gross things and keeps them smelling nice.
Also, clean pillows help you sleep better. When your pillow is fresh, it feels softer and more inviting. Plus, washing them can make them last longer, so you don’t have to buy new ones as often. In short, knowing how to wash pillows saves money and keeps you healthy.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
Now, you might wonder, “How often do I need to wash my pillows?” Generally, you should wash them every 4 to 6 months. However, if you sweat a lot or have pets that sleep on your bed, you might need to wash them more often, like every 3 months. Also, if you notice yellow stains or a weird smell, it’s definitely time to clean them.
On the other hand, pillowcases protect your pillows, so washing those every week can help keep your pillows cleaner for longer. Still, even with pillowcases, pillows need a good wash a few times a year.
Types of Pillows and How to Wash Them
Before you start washing, you need to know what kind of pillow you have. Different pillows need different care. For instance, feather pillows aren’t washed the same way as memory foam pillows. Below, we’ll cover the main types and how to wash each one.
How to Wash Feather or Down Pillows
Feather and down pillows are soft and fluffy, but they can trap dust and dirt. Luckily, most of these pillows are machine-washable. Here’s how to wash feather pillows:
- Check the Label: First, look at the care label on your pillow. It’ll tell you if it’s safe to put in the washing machine.
- Remove the Pillowcase: Take off any pillowcase or cover before washing.
- Use a Gentle Detergent: Put a small amount of mild laundry detergent in the washing machine. Too much soap can make the feathers clump.
- Wash on a Gentle Cycle: Set your machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water. Also, wash two pillows at once to keep the machine balanced.
- Rinse Twice: Run an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the soap is gone.
- Dry Carefully: Put the pillows in the dryer on a low-heat or air-dry setting. Add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help the feathers stay fluffy.
Tip: If your feather pillow has a strong smell, add a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It helps get rid of odors.
How to Wash Synthetic or Polyester Pillows
Synthetic pillows, like those filled with polyester, are super common and easy to clean. Here’s how to wash synthetic pillows:
- Check the Label: Again, always check the care label first.
- Machine Wash: Place one or two pillows in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle with warm water and a mild detergent.
- Rinse Well: Make sure all the soap is rinsed out to avoid stiffness.
- Dry on Low Heat: Pop the pillows in the dryer with a low-heat setting. Add dryer balls to keep them fluffy.
- Fluff After Drying: Once dry, give the pillows a good shake to fluff them up.
How to Wash Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows are tricky because they can’t go in the washing machine. Water can ruin the foam’s shape. Instead, here’s how to wash memory foam pillows:
- Vacuum First: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to suck up dust and dirt from the surface.
- Spot Clean Stains: Mix a little mild detergent with water. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture and gently dab any stains.
- Rinse with a Damp Cloth: Wipe the pillow with a cloth dipped in plain water to remove soap.
- Air Dry: Let the pillow dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. This can take a day or two.
**Note**: Never soak a memory foam pillow or put it in the dryer. It could lose its shape or even fall apart.
How to Wash Latex Pillows
Latex pillows are similar to memory foam and need gentle care. Here’s how to wash latex pillows:
- Spot Clean Only: Use a mild detergent and water to dab stains, just like with memory foam.
- Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to clean the surface.
- Air Dry: Place the pillow in a shady, airy spot to dry completely.
How to Wash Pillows by Hand
Sometimes, you might not want to use a washing machine, or your pillow’s label says “hand wash only.” In that case, here’s how to wash pillows by hand:
- Fill a Tub: Fill a clean bathtub or large basin with lukewarm water.
- Add Detergent: Mix in a small amount of mild detergent until it’s sudsy.
- Soak the Pillow: Submerge the pillow and gently squeeze it to let the water and soap get inside.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water. Squeeze the pillow to rinse out all the soap.
- Dry Properly: Press out extra water (don’t twist or wring!) and dry in a dryer on low heat or air dry in a sunny spot.
By the way, hand washing is great for delicate pillows or if you want to be extra careful.
Tips for Keeping Pillows Clean Longer
Once you’ve learned how to wash pillows, you’ll want to keep them clean for as long as possible. Here are some easy tips:
Use a Pillow Protector: A zip-up pillow protector adds an extra layer between your pillow and dirt. You can wash it often, like your pillowcase.
Wash Pillowcases Weekly: This keeps sweat and oils from soaking into the pillow.
Fluff Daily: Give your pillows a quick fluff every day to keep them airy and prevent clumping.
Air Them Out: Every month or so, put your pillows outside in the fresh air for a few hours. This helps get rid of odors.
Avoid Eating in Bed: Crumbs and spills can make your pillows dirty faster.
For more tips on keeping your bedding clean, check out this [guide from The Sleep Foundation](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedding-information/how-to-clean-pillows).
Common Mistakes When Washing Pillows
Even though washing pillows is simple, there are some mistakes to avoid. For example:
Using Too Much Detergent: This can leave soap stuck in the pillow, making it stiff or smelly.
Washing Memory Foam in a Machine: This can ruin the pillow’s shape.
Not Drying Completely: Wet pillows can grow mold or mildew, so always make sure they’re fully dry.
Skipping the Care Label: Always check the label to avoid damaging your pillow.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll keep your pillows in great shape.
FAQs About How to Wash Pillows
1. Can I wash all pillows in the washing machine?
No, not all pillows can go in the washing machine. Feather and synthetic pillows are usually fine, but memory foam and latex pillows need to be spot-cleaned or hand-washed. Always check the care label first.
2. How do I know when my pillow needs washing?
If your pillow has yellow stains, smells bad, or feels lumpy, it’s time to wash it. Also, wash pillows every 4 to 6 months to keep them fresh.
3. Can I dry my pillows in the sun?
Yes, air-drying pillows in the sun is great for feather or synthetic pillows. However, avoid direct sunlight for memory foam or latex pillows, as it can damage them.
4. How long does it take to wash and dry pillows?
Washing takes about an hour in a machine or by hand. Drying can take 1–2 hours in a dryer or up to a day if air-drying.
5. Can I use bleach to wash pillows?
Avoid bleach, as it can damage the pillow’s filling or fabric. Instead, use a mild detergent and maybe some vinegar for odors.
6. How do I get rid of yellow stains on pillows?
Mix a little baking soda and water to make a paste. Dab it on the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
For more answers about pillow care, visit [Good Housekeeping’s pillow cleaning guide](https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a40370/how-to-clean-pillows/).
Conclusion
Knowing how to wash pillows is an easy way to keep your bed clean, fresh, and comfy. Whether you have feather, synthetic, memory foam, or latex pillows, there’s a simple method to clean them. By washing your pillows every few months, using pillow protectors, and fluffing them daily, you can make them last longer and feel great. Plus, avoiding common mistakes like using too much soap or skipping the care label will keep your pillows in top shape.
So, grab your detergent, check those care labels, and give your pillows some love. You’ll sleep better knowing your pillows are clean and cozy! If you want more cleaning tips, check out [Real Simple’s bedding care guide](https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-to-wash-pillows).
