Here's How to Keep Your Pillows Fresh and Clean
Clean sheets? Check! Clean comforter? Check! Clean pillows? (That one might give you pause.) Though they might not look dirty to you, pillows, like mattresses, can collect body oils, saliva, face cream, and dust mites over time and need a regular wash. So you best throw them in the washing machine and dryer too (yes, many pillows can go right in, but we'll also share a few tips for cleaning non-machine-washable pillows by hand).
The first key to keep in mind, says Mike Roberts, CEO of WaveMAX Laundry, is that you need to read the pillow's label. "Generally, polyester-fill, down, or feather can be washed in a machine, but memory foam or latex cannot be washed," he says. Now, as far as how often you wash pillows, that's a matter of personal preference, but Roberts recommends you do so at least twice a year.
Whether you are spring cleaning or just doing everyday household upkeep, cleaning with eco-friendly cleaning products or otherwise, read on for our tips on just how simple it is to launder your pillow and get it just as fresh as your clean sheets (ahhh, clean sheets!). Cleaning pillows should help them last longer too!
How to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine
Make sure your machine is large enough.
If your washing machine is large enough, you can wash small pillows in it. But if you have queen- or king-sized pillows, head to the laundromat to use its extra-large front-loaders. “It’s not the water that cleans, it’s the tumbling movement of the items inside the washer,” says Roberts. “If your pillows are stuffed in your machine, they get wet but not tumbled.”
Use the gentle cycle.
Too much agitation may break apart the fill.
Use cold or warm water.
Avoid hot water, which can break down the filament in your pillows.
Don't use too much detergent—and skip the softener.
Reduce the amount of laundry detergent you usually use; say, ¼ capful if you use one full cap during regular loads (too much is harder to rinse out). Don’t use fabric softener, which can collect on pillows and cause a sheen that attracts more dirt and oils.
Rinse well.
If possible, choose a second or deep rinse option to completely flush out any residues.
RELATED: How to Clean a Washing Machine the Right Way
Now time to dry.
Place the pillows in the dryer on low heat. Add a couple of dryer balls or clean tennis balls to prevent the filling from clumping. Down may take longer to dry, which is normal, says Roberts. A dryer sheet is fine to use to reduce static. And triple-check to ensure pillows are totally dry (so they don’t get mildew!) before making the bed.
More Pillow Tips
Clean pillows by hand if you can't use a washing machine.
If your pillow's label can't be found, you can always wash it the old-fashioned way too. Wait for a sunny day, and take the pillows outside to beat them with a clean broom handle (or rug paddle if you have one like your great-grandmother's!). Then let them air out outdoors for a few hours. For foam pillows, you can pull out your vacuum and use the upholstery attachment brush instead.
Use pillow protectors.
Cover pillows with pillow protectors before you put on pillowcases. Then wash these every week when you wash your sheets.
Fluff daily.
In between washes, fluff up your pillows when you make the bed each day. This helps keep them plumped and redistributes the filling to restore their shape, says Roberts.
Keep extra pillows on hand.
If you find a pillow you love, buy a few extra, suggests Roberts. That way, when your favorite doesn’t support your head and neck like it used to, you can replace it with the same type. Plus, it's always nice to have extra pillows handy for overnight guests.
Know when to say goodbye to your pillow.
If your pillow is lumpy and flat, it's probably time to part ways. Ditto if the pillowcase itself is stained and yellowed. Old pillows also can accumulate allergens such as dust mites and pet dander, so go ahead and treat yourself to a new pillow every year or so (or as needed).
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