Pillows are essential for a good night’s sleep, but over time, they can accumulate oils, sweat, allergens, and dirt. Regular washing is essential not only for hygiene but also to extend the lifespan of your pillows. Different pillow fillings, such as down, memory foam, and polyester, require specific cleaning methods to maintain their shape and comfort. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to properly wash pillows and care for pillows of all types, ensuring they stay fresh and functional.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
Ideally, pillows should be washed once or twice a year to maintain hygiene. However, if you have allergies, suffer from night sweats, or notice any visible stains, you may want to wash your pillows more frequently. Pillow protectors can help keep your pillows cleaner for longer, reducing the frequency of washes.
How to Wash Down and Down-Alternative Pillows
Down and down-alternative pillows offer a luxurious, soft feel but require gentle handling to avoid damaging the delicate filling.
- Check the Care Label Always check the care label before washing down pillows. Most down-alternative pillows are machine washable, but down pillows may have specific care instructions.
- Pre-Treat Stains If there are stains, use a mild stain remover or liquid detergent to spot clean. Apply the product directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it with a clean cloth.
- Machine Wash on Gentle Cycle Place your pillows in the washing machine, ideally with a few towels to help balance the load. Set the washer to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or warm water. Avoid using too much detergent to prevent soap residue buildup on the down feathers.
- Extra Rinse To ensure that all detergent is removed, run a second rinse cycle. This is especially important for down pillows, as detergent residue can damage the feathers.
- Drying Dry down pillows on low heat. Avoid high heat, as it can damage the down filling. Toss in a couple of tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the pillows and prevent clumping. Check periodically and fluff the pillows by hand to redistribute the filling evenly. Be patient, as it may take several cycles to fully dry the pillows.
How to Wash Memory Foam or Foam Pillows
Foam pillows, especially those made of memory foam, require extra care when washing to prevent damage to the foam and maintain its shape.
- Remove Pillow Covers Most foam pillows have removable covers that can be washed separately. If your pillow has a non-removable cover, spot-clean it using a mild detergent and warm water.
- Spot Clean or Hand Wash Foam pillows should not be submerged in water or washed in the machine. Instead, use a soft cloth to blot the surface with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water. Gently press the pillow to remove excess moisture.
- Drying Air dry the pillow by placing it in a well-ventilated area. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can distort the foam. It may take up to 24 hours for the pillow to fully dry.
Can You Bring a Pillow on a Plane? Essential Tips for Comfort and Packing
How to Wash Polyester Pillows
Polyester pillows are durable and can usually be washed in the washing machine. Here’s how to clean them without damaging the filling.
- Check for Tears Inspect the pillow for any tears, especially along the seams. Small tears can allow the filling to escape during the wash. If you find any, stitch them up before washing.
- Pre-Treat Stains Before washing, treat any stains by applying a stain remover directly to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it with a clean cloth.
- Machine Wash on Gentle Cycle Place the pillows in the washing machine along with a couple of towels to help balance the load. Use cold or warm water and a mild detergent. Set the machine to a gentle or delicate cycle to avoid damaging the polyester fill.
- Extra Rinse Cycle To ensure all detergent is removed, run an extra rinse cycle. This will prevent any soap residue from causing build-up
- Drying Polyester pillows can be dried in the dryer. Use low or moderate heat and add a couple of dryer balls or tennis balls to fluff the pillows and prevent clumping. Check and fluff the pillows every 20 minutes until completely dry.
How to Freshen Pillows
If your pillows have developed an odor, there are simple ways to freshen them up.
- Sunlight Placing your pillows in direct sunlight for a few hours can help eliminate odors and refresh them naturally. Flip them periodically to expose all sides.
- Baking Soda Sprinkle baking soda over your pillows and let it sit for a few hours. Then, shake off the excess and vacuum up any remaining powder. This will help neutralize odors.
How to Maintain Pillows Between Washes
Proper pillow maintenance can extend the time between washes and keep your pillows in top shape.
- Use Pillow Protectors: Protect your pillows from oils, dirt, and allergens by using pillow protectors in addition to pillowcases.
- Fluff Regularly: Fluff your pillows daily to maintain their shape and prevent flattening. For foam pillows, knead them to redistribute the fill.
- Air Out Periodically: Every few weeks, air out your pillows to keep them fresh and eliminate any trapped moisture.
- Avoid Eating in Bed: Limit exposure to food and liquids on your pillows to avoid stains and spills.
- Store Properly: When not in use, store pillows in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
Conclusion
Washing and caring for pillows properly is essential for maintaining a clean and comfortable sleep environment. Whether you have down, memory foam, or polyester pillows, following the correct cleaning method will not only extend their life but also ensure that you enjoy a fresh and restful sleep. Regular maintenance, such as fluffing and using pillow protectors, can also help keep your pillows in great shape between washes.
