You’re used to washing bedsheets (and hopefully pillowcases), but you may not know how to wash pillows or why you should bother at all. While you sleep, your pillow absorbs dead skin cells, body oils, and sweat, as well as allergens.
We know it’s gross, but don’t freak out.
Regularly washing your pillowcases helps combat this, but your pillow still needs to be cleaned often as well.
Regularly washing your pillow cover helps combat this, but your pillow still needs to be cleaned typically as well. Most pillows should be washed every six months, but others, like memory foam, need attention every two to three months.
Not sure how to wash pillows? Follow our simple guide for proper cleaning instructions.
Step 1: Air Out
You should regularly vacuum your pillows (as you would your mattress). Do this occasionally, but also do it pre-wash to get some of the more surface-level gunk out of your pillow.
Step 2: Wash Up
Once you’ve vacuumed your pillows, you might want to spot clean if there are visible marks.
This can be done with a regular dish towel and a mild soap solution. Gently scrub out the stains, taking extra care with foam pillows as you don’t want them to tear.
Is it Safe to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine?
Many pillows will survive in a washer, but they require slightly different care. Before throwing any dirty pillow in the wash, know what kind of fill it has and inspect the fabric for rips or tears. You won’t want the fill clogging up your washer.
Step 3: Dry Out
Feather and down pillows can both be dried in a dryer on a no-heat, air-dry setting or tumble-dry low setting. Use clean tennis balls or dryer balls to fluff the pillows and prevent clumping. Pillows that can’t be dried in a dryer, like memory foam, should be air-dried. If possible, let them hang on a clothesline outside (but only when it’s not humid).
Allow your pillows to dry completely before using them again. If you’re unsure if your pillow is thoroughly dry, follow the age-old saying, “it’s better to be safe than sorry,” and let it dry out longer. If you do end up using a wet or damp pillow, you risk mildew.
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