How to Wash Pillows: A Complete Guide

Getting a good night's sleep depends on many factors, and having a clean, fresh pillow is certainly one of the biggest ones. While most of us regularly wash our pillowcases, the pillows themselves are often neglected. Yet, over time our pillows accumulate dead skin cells, sweat, oils, and dust mites, making cleaning them more important than ever.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to wash different types of pillows, so that they remain fresh and supportive for a good night's sleep.

Why Should You Wash Your Pillows?

To keep your pillows fresh, clean, and free of dust mites and other allergens, they should be washed four times a year. If you use pillow protectors, which we highly recommended you do, you can extend this to once every six months. Regularly washing your pillow helps remove the natural buildup of hair, oils, and skin that all pillows accumulate over time.

Pay close attention to the condition of your pillow. If you notice any odours or yellowing of the fabric, it's probably time for it to get washed. While pillowcases should be washed weekly, the pillows themselves require less frequent cleaning but shouldn't be overlooked entirely.

How to Wash Feather Pillows

Feather pillows can be washed at home, and the process can actually help breathe some new life into older pillows. Washing a feather pillow helps to restore the filling to close to its original fluffiness.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Remove all pillowcases and protectors from the pillow itself.
2. Read the manufacturer's care label for specific washing and drying instructions.
3. Pre-treat any tough stains according to the directions on the care label.
4. To keep your washing machine balanced it's best to wash two pillows at a time.
5. Use only 1-2 teaspoonfuls of a low-sudsing laundry detergent.
6. Use the gentle or delicate cycle on the washing machine with warm or cool water.
7. To remove as much water and soap as possible, use an extra rinse and spin cycle.

To dry a feather pillow:

1. Set your dryer to low heat
2. Add a bath towel to the dryer. We do not recommend using tennis balls with a feather pillow as it can damage the feathers.
3. Run a complete drying cycle
4. As soon as the first cycle ends tart a second drying cycle.
5. The pillows must be completely dry before you use it to prevent mold and mildew.

Feather pillows will not be completely dry after just one cycle. You must start the second cycle immediately to prevent mold and mildew from developing in the damp pillow.

How to Wash Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows cannot be machine washed because the foam would become damaged due to being saturated with water. How you wash a memory foam pillow depends on how dirty it is.

Spot Cleaning Method

For stains or small areas that require cleaning on a memory foam pillow:

1. Mix a mild detergent with warm water until it bubbles.
2. Use a sponge to gently rub the solution on the stain.
3. Allow the pillow to completely air dry.
4. Repeat if necessary, until the stain is gone.

Deep Cleaning Method:

For a more thorough cleaning:

1. Remove any pillowcases and covers from the pillow.
2. Fill a large sink or bath with cold water and a small amount of gentle laundry detergent.
3. Submerge the pillow and gently squeeze the foam. Never wring memory foam, as it will damage the foam.
4. Once the stains are gone from the pillow, drain the dirty water and refill with clean water.
5. Gently squeeze the pillow until the water runs clear.
6. Drain the water from the sink or tub, then gently squeeze out as much water as possible
7. Place the pillow on a dry towel and slowly roll it across the towel to remove any excess moisture.
8. Lay the pillow flat on another dry towel and allow to air dry for at least 24 hours, preferably in sunlight.

Memory foam pillows should never go in a dryer. The combination of the heat and tumbling motion can tear up the padding, making it less comfortable and shortening its lifespan.

How to Wash Polyester and Synthetic Pillows

Synthetic pillows, including microfibre, hollowfibre, and polyester, are often the easiest to clean as they can be machine washed and tumble dried.

Machine Washing Instructions:

1. Remove the pillowcases and protectors from your pillows.
2. Place two pillows in the washing machine at a time. Washing two at a time keeps the machine balanced.
3. Add a small amount of mild detergent. It's recommended to use about half the normal amount.
4. Set the machine to a gentle cycle with warm water.
5. Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap residue from the pillows.

Drying Synthetic Pillows:

1. Use low heat to tumble dry the pillows.
2. To keep your pillows fluffy and to prevent the fibres from clumping, use tennis or dryer balls.
3. Check the pillows periodically and fluff by hand to further break up any clumps.
4. Ensure pillows are completely dry before using them to prevent mold and mildew

If your synthetic pillows can't be tumble dried, air dry them in a well-ventilated room or outside in the sun. Just make sure they're completely dry before putting them back on your bed.

General Tips for Washing All Pillows

No matter what type of pillow you are using, here are some general tips you can follow to ensure the best results.

• Always read the manufacturer's care label before washing your pillow.
• If using a washing machine, wash two pillows at a time to balance the load.
• Use minimal detergent to avoid soap residue buildup that can cause clumping.
• Pillows must be completely dry before using them again.
• Fluff your pillows daily to help keep their shape and remove any settled dust.
• Use pillow protectors on your pillows to extend time between washes.
• Replace your pillows when they no longer spring back into shape when folded.

When to Replace Your Pillows

Even with regular cleaning, your pillows won't last forever. The easiest way to determine if it's time to replace your pillows is to fold it in half and then let go. If the pillow doesn't spring back into shape, it's time to go buy a new one.

Most experts recommend replacing your pillows every 1-2 years. However, how often really depends on the quality and type of pillow. Using pillow protectors can help extend the life of your pillow by preventing the build-up of body oil, dead skin cells and dust mites.

Final Thoughts

As different pillows require different cleaning methods, always read the manufacturer's care label before doing anything. Whether you're washing feather, memory foam, or synthetic pillows, you must be gentle, use minimal detergent, and ensure they're completely dry before returning them to your bed. Your clean pillows will thank you with many more nights of quality sleep.