Washing your sheets may already feel like a chore, so finding out your pillows should also be washed can seem unfair. Taking care of your bedding not only promotes a good night’s sleep but also eliminates dust, sweat, dead skin, and bacteria. While washing the sheets can be pretty straightforward, cleaning your pillows may not seem as clear-cut.
Luckily for you, washing them isn’t as complicated as it seems. In fact, most can be thrown into your washer. Find out why you should wash your pillows and how to do so by hand or in the washing machine.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
Pillows should be washed at least every three to six months to remove dust mites, dead skin cells, and grime. If you have allergies, sweat often, eat in bed, or have pets, consider washing them quarterly rather than semiannually. In addition, they should be replaced at least every two years, or sooner, depending on their condition, though certain types are designed to last longer.
There are several things you can do to keep your pillows fresh between washes. Use pillowcases to protect them from bacteria and dead skin. Air them out to reduce odors, and use a vacuum to suck up dust. Avoid eating in bed and keep your pets off your bed. Wash or replace them when you’re sick, and store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Care Label Essentials: What to Check Before Washing
Like your clothing, pillows come with care labels to advise on how to wash them. Always read these labels before cleaning for the best results. Though some labeled for dry cleaning can be washed at home, adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendation reduces the risk of ruining them.
Machine Washing Pillows: A Step-by-Step Guide
Most pillows, including those filled with cotton, feathers, or down, can be washed in a washing machine. However, always read the care label for specific washing and drying instructions. To machine wash them, follow the steps below.
- Remove pillowcases or protectors from the pillows.
- Pre-treat stains such as sweat, drool, or unknown yellowing. Mix equal parts cold water and white vinegar. Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the affected area and continue blotting until the stain disappears.
- Place two pillows into the washing machine for a balanced load. This not only prevents rocking but also allows them to rub against each other and agitate dirt more effectively.
- Add detergent and half a cup of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Freddie detergent sheets provide a powerful clean with less harsh chemicals than traditional laundry detergent.
- Select a gentle cycle and use cold water to prevent damage to your pillows. A delicate cycle reduces rough agitation that could tear the pillow, and cool water prevents the filling from warping.
- After washing, remove the pillows and gently squeeze them to remove excess water. Do not wring them out as that can alter their shape. Consider laying them flat on a clean towel and applying light pressure with your hands.
- Place the pillows in the dryer with wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help fluff them back into shape and help prevent clumping.
- Dry on a low-heat setting to protect the filling. Check the pillows occasionally during the drying process and remove them once they’re dry.
- Once dry, fluff them back into shape.
Hand-Washing Pillows: A Step-by-Step Guide
While machine-washing is convenient, some pillows, such as those with memory foam or latex, must be washed by hand. The agitation in a washing machine is too rough on these fillings and can break up the padding. Check the care label for cleaning guidelines, and use the following steps to hand-wash your pillows.
- Remove pillowcases or protectors from the pillows.
- Pre-treat stubborn stains with equal parts cold water and white vinegar. Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the affected area and continue blotting until the stain disappears.
- Fill a clean bathtub or basin with enough lukewarm water to cover the pillows.
- Add a small amount of detergent and half a cup of white vinegar to the water. Freddie detergent sheets are perforated so you can add just the right amount of cleaning power.
- Agitate the water to mix the cleaning solution and gently submerge the pillows.
- Gently squeeze and press the pillows, paying extra attention to any stained areas. Use a soft brush for added agitation.
- Drain the soapy water, then refill the basin with clean water.
- Rinse the pillows to remove detergent. Keep replacing the water until all the detergent is washed out.
- After thorough rinsing, gently squeeze the pillows to remove excess water. Avoid wringing them out to maintain their shape. Instead, lay them flat on a clean towel and apply light pressure to push the water out.
- Lay the pillows on a drying rack to air dry. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to prevent mildew. Rotate and fluff them occasionally to promote even drying and deter clumping.
If your pillows still have lingering smells after a wash, try placing them in direct sunlight with fresh air for a few hours. Flip them occasionally to expose all sides to the sun. If sunlight doesn’t remove the odors, try baking soda. Simply sprinkle some baking soda on them and let it sit for a few hours. Then, shake off the excess and vacuum the rest with an upholstery attachment.
How To Dry Pillows After Washing
Check the laundry care label to determine how to dry your pillows. Those that are machine washable can typically be thrown in the dryer. Before doing so, lay them on a clean towel and apply light pressure to squeeze out excess water. Add wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff them and prevent clumping. Use a low-heat setting, check them periodically, and remove them once they’re dry.
If your pillows must be washed by hand, they likely need to be air-dried, as the drying machine may agitate them excessively. To air dry, first lay them on a clean towel and gently apply pressure to remove excess water. Lay them on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area to prevent mildew. Rotate and fluff them occasionally for even drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should You Wash Your Pillows?
Even with pillowcases and protectors, pillows can gather plenty of grimey contaminants, such as sweat, oils, dust, dead skin, and bacteria. While fluffing and airing them out can freshen them up a bit, only washing them can remove grime, odors, and bacteria that sit where you rest your head.
Is It Okay To Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine?
Most pillows filled with cotton, feathers, or down can be washed in a washing machine. However, check the laundry care label before tossing it in the washer. If they can be machine-washed, use a gentle cycle with cool water and wash two at a time for a balanced load.
Final Thoughts
Washing your pillows not only makes them last longer, but can also help you sleep better. Ensure the place you rest your head every night is free of harmful bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells by washing your pillows at least twice a year.
Be extra kind to your skin with a gentle detergent. With a powerful stain-fighting formula, Freddie detergent sheets are free of bleach, phosphates, brighteners, parabens, dyes, and 1,4-dioxane, to ensure your pillows aren’t harmful to you or your family.
