How To Wash Your Pillows: Removing Stains, Machine Washing & More

Everyone knows you should change your pillows every 2-3 years, but how do you keep them fresh and clean in the meantime?

Pillows are essential for a good night's sleep, but they can accumulate sweat, oils, dead skin cells, and dust mites, leading to stains, odours, and even allergies. To help, we’ve put together this guide covering everything you need to know about how to wash pillows, ensuring they stay fresh, clean, and comfortable for years to come. We’ll cover:

Why washing your pillows is important

When was the last time you washed your pillows? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to give them a thorough clean.

Washing your pillows regularly is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it is a matter of hygiene. We use our pillows a lot, which means they can harbour bacteria, dust mites, and allergens. This can affect your health, especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma. Additionally, over time, sweat and oils can make your pillows look and even smell unpleasant. Regular washing helps keep them fresh.

It's recommended you wash your pillows every 3–6 months. Pillowcases, on the other hand, come into direct contact with your skin and hair every night and so require regular washing for a clean and healthy sleeping environment. For optimal hygiene, wash your pillowcases once a week.

General guidelines for washing pillows

Before getting into the specifics of washing different types of pillows, there are some general guidelines that apply to all. Always check the care label on your pillows for specific washing information. Some pillows can’t be washed so do make sure you follow the instructions. Use a mild detergent, as a gentle, low-suds soap is best to avoid residue build-up. Ensure all detergent is rinsed out to prevent any irritation by running an extra rinse cycle if necessary. Finally, make sure pillows are completely dry before using them again to avoid mould and mildew from developing.

How to wash different types of pillows

Feather Pillows

Most feather pillows can be machine-washed, but they require gentle handling. To wash feather pillows, use a gentle cycle with warm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent and run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is removed. Dry the pillows on low heat with tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the feathers.

Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows are more delicate and require hand washing. To wash memory foam pillows, fill a basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the pillow and gently squeeze to clean it. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, press out excess water with a towel, and air dry completely. Memory foam pillows should not be machine-washed. If the pillow has a removable, washable cover, then wash this regularly too.

Wool Pillows

Hand washing is the safest method for cleaning wool pillows to avoid the risk of shrinking. Wool fibres can be damaged by excess moisture, so avoid using too much water when spot cleaning or washing. Once the pillow is completely dry, fluff it by hand to restore its loft and shape. Regularly air out your wool pillow to keep it fresh.

Latex Pillows

Latex pillows are known for their durability, support, and hypoallergenic properties. However, washing them requires special care to maintain their quality and longevity. Hand washing is best, and avoid using hot water and scrubbing, twisting, or wringing these pillows to avoid degrading the latex.

Synthetic Pillows

Synthetic pillows are the easiest to clean and can generally be machine-washed. To wash synthetic pillows, use a gentle cycle with warm water and add a mild detergent. Tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls to ensure they stay fluffy.

Special cleaning tips

Removing yellow stains

Yellow stains on pillows are common and usually caused by sweat and body oils. To remove yellow stains from pillows, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing the pillow (or pillow cover) as usual.

If you tend to sleep hot, you might benefit from a cooling pillow. These can help regulate your temperature at night and reduce sweating, keeping stains to a minimum.

Choosing the right pillows

If you like to wash your pillows often or if you simply want to know that your pillows will survive in the wash, look for machine-washable pillows. These are easy to clean while providing all the support, breathability, and comfort you’d expect from your favourite pillow.

If you wash your pillows regularly because you like the fresh scent, you may be interested in scented pillows. Similarly, if you wash your pillows frequently due to allergies or asthma, you may need an anti-allergy pillow or a hypoallergenic pillow to keep symptoms at bay.

Pillow maintenance tips

To keep your pillows in top condition, fluff them daily to maintain their shape and comfort. You can do this by simply picking them up and patting them into shape. This can also help remove dust and hairs from your pillow.

Regularly air out your pillows by hanging them on a washing line, as fresh air can help remove mild odours and moisture. Consider using pillow protectors to help keep pillows clean and reduce the need for frequent washing. These go on between your pillow and pillowcase as an additional protective barrier, and they can be washed separately.

Maintaining clean and fresh pillows is essential for a healthy and comfortable sleep environment. By following these guidelines and tips, you can ensure that your pillows remain hygienic and supportive, contributing to a better night's sleep. Remember to browse all pillows to find your perfect match. Do you snore, or do you suffer from back or neck pain? You can also browse by sleep issue to find the perfect pillow for you.