If you’re looking to clean bed pillows and freshen them up, here’s a practical method that works for many washable pillows.
Before you start
Check the care label. Some pillows—such as certain memory foam pillows—should not be machine washed.
For machine-washable pillows
- Remove pillowcases and protectors.
- Place two pillows in the washing machine (if possible) to help balance the load.
- Use warm water and a small amount of mild laundry detergent.
- Run a gentle cycle and, if available, an extra rinse cycle to remove detergent residue.
- Dry thoroughly on low heat. Adding a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls can help restore fluffiness.
- Make sure the pillows are completely dry before using them to prevent mold or mildew.
For yellow stains and odors
- Pretreat stained areas with a laundry stain remover according to the product instructions.
- For lingering odors, air the pillows outdoors in sunlight after washing and drying.
Important note
Claims that a simple homemade treatment will leave pillows “white and smelling sweet” every time can be misleading. Yellowing is often caused by sweat, body oils, and age, and some stains may not come out completely, especially on older pillows.
When to replace pillows
If a pillow remains lumpy, flat, has persistent odors, or is several years old, replacement may be a better option than repeated cleaning.
A good habit is to use washable pillow protectors and wash bedding regularly to keep pillows cleaner for longer.
