Pillows are crucial for a good night's sleep, but do you know the right way to clean and care for them?

Poor cleaning methods can lead to damage, lumps, or unpleasant odors.

Expert cleaners share essential tips for keeping your pillows in top condition, ensuring they last long.

Frequency of Washing Pillows

Regular cleaning is vital to maintain freshness and enhance comfort.

Your washing frequency depends on the pillow type and personal factors like allergies and sleeping positions.

Experts suggest the following:

  • Pillows should be washed every three to six months. Those with allergies may want to wash them every two months. Feather pillows require less frequent washing, about once or twice a year.
  • Pillowcases need washing every one to two weeks.
  • Pillow protectors should be laundered every two to four weeks.
  • Throw pillows should be cleaned at least quarterly, or more often if used frequently.

Washing Your Pillows

White master bedroom with double bed covered in pillows, blankets and throws, and bedside table with lamp and open door to the landing in a redecorated period house.

Expert techniques keep pillows hygienic and fluffy.

Understanding how to wash pillows is key for hygiene, but it can be tricky.

Check the care label before washing. Most fiberfill, cotton, or feather pillows are machine-washable, while latex or memory foam pillows typically are not.

Follow these steps for machine washing:

  1. Remove all cases and protectors; they can be washed simultaneously.
  2. Add detergent, like ARM & HAMMER™ Deep Clean, and select a gentle, warm cycle. If possible, run an additional rinse cycle.
  3. Once the spin cycle completes, check the pillows. If they feel heavy, spin again until damp but not dripping.

To keep your washer balanced, wash two pillows at a time.

Cleaning Memory Foam Pillows

You shouldn't machine wash memory foam pillows, but you can hand-wash them if allowed.

  1. Remove covers and wash them separately.
  2. Vacuum and spot clean the pillow using a damp cloth with warm, soapy water.
  3. If needed, fill a sink or tub with warm, soapy water. Immerse the pillow and gently squeeze to clean.
  4. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.

To refresh between washes, sprinkle baking soda on the pillow and leave it in sunlight for a few hours before vacuuming it off.

Washing Feather Pillows

Can you wash feather pillows? Yes, typically you can, following care instructions.

Here's how:

  • Remove covers and protectors.
  • Use a gentle cycle and a small amount of neutral detergent. Avoid fabric softeners.
  • Ensure they dry completely before use or storage.

Alternatively, you can hand-wash, but avoid soaking the feathers. Lightly sponge wash with a mild detergent, then rinse with clean water.

Washing Body Pillows

Body pillows offer comfort but require regular cleaning.

Here's how to wash them:

  1. Check the care label and wash covers separately. Inspect for damage before laundering.
  2. If machine washable, use a delicate cycle with mild detergent and add towels for balance.
  3. If not machine washable, hand wash in a tub with lukewarm water, agitating gently and soaking for 15-30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
  4. Freshen up in between washes with spot cleaning using a detergent solution.

Drying Your Pillows

A cozy wood-panelled bedroom with a bed covered in blankets, and a black sheepskin rug on the floor

Most pillows can be air-dried or dried on low heat.

Most pillows can either air-dry or be placed in the dryer on low heat. Always check the care label.

For down or feather pillows, use the no-heat setting to prevent singeing and odors. Memory foam pillows should never go in the dryer.

Memory foam pillows should be dried flat on a towel or a drying rack, allowing for slow drying. Test for dampness before replacing covers.

Pillow Maintenance Tips

A blue bedroom with blue walls, rattan bed, blue blankets, a blue screen and two blue rugs.

Address stains and flat pillows efficiently.

Preventing Yellow Pillowcases

Yellow stains on pillowcases are common due to sweat and oils. To keep them looking fresh:

  • Wash frequently.
  • Identify staining causes: Use a waterproof pillow protector to prevent stains from drool and sweat.
  • Examine your routine: Ensure hair is dry and free of products before bed.
  • Use an enzyme cleaner: These break down stains without damaging fabrics.
  • Replace when necessary: Consider replacing pillowcases every three years.

Fluffing Your Pillows

Fluffing is essential for comfort and longevity. Here are effective methods:

  • Hand fluff: Grab both ends and compress and release for about 30 seconds.
  • Dryer method: Use a tennis or dryer ball on low heat to help break up lumps.
  • Hang outside: Letting pillows air out in the sun can also help restore their shape.

Storing Pillows

A bedroom with patterned wallpaper, a yellow patterned bedside table with a grey ceramic lamp with white lampshade, and large bed with duck egg blue headboard with bedpost, white bedding, a chartreuse throw, and yellow and blue cushions

Proper storage preserves pillow shape and freshness.

According to experts, the way you store pillows matters significantly.

Avoid cramming them into a closet, as this can lead to shape loss and dust accumulation.

Consider these storage solutions:

  • Use jumbo zippered bags for bulky pillows, making them easy to store.
  • Stack fabric storage bins on shelves for protection and accessibility.
  • Utilize underbed storage for space-saving and dust-free options.

Adding a cotton pad with essential oil can keep stored pillows smelling fresh.

Repurposing Old Pillows

A white attic bedroom with a large double bed with pink and white patterned bedding, cushions and headboard, a striped ottoman, brown bedside table with gold lamp and white blind on a sloped window above the bed.

Think sustainably — old pillows can find new life.

Worn-out pillows don't have to be discarded. Here are some creative repurposing ideas:

  • Create new cushions: Use pillow filling to craft new couch or floor cushions.
  • Make a pet bed: Old pillows can add comfort to pet sleeping areas.
  • Use as draft stoppers: Fold and secure pillows to block gaps under doors.
  • Garden kneeling pad: Cover old pillows for comfort while gardening.
  • Insulate plants: Use pillows for frost protection during cold snaps.
  • Cut for cleaning rags: Use fabric from old pillows for soft cleaning cloths.
  • Recycle or donate: Find shelters or recycling services for old pillows.

Shopping Recommendations

Sweater drying rackFour-layer stack

This sturdy drying rack allows for efficient, flat drying of multiple pillows.

Five beige wool dryer balls, with a beige cloth bag next to them with a dark blue illustration of a sheepSave energy costs

Wool dryer balls help reduce drying time and static cling.

Bamboo pillow protector18 colors

These bamboo pillow protectors offer excellent protection with a zippered closure.

Large storage bagsPack of six

These large storage bags keep pillows safe from dust and pests.

Underbed storage bagsFoldable

These underbed storage bags help maximize your space while keeping pillows clean.

Heavy-duty storage bagsAvailable in six colors

These heavy-duty bags offer ample storage for easy transport and organization.

Once you've mastered pillow care, learn how to wash, dry, and care for blankets and throws.