If your bed pillows have become yellowed or have developed odors, you can often freshen them up at home—but the best method depends on the pillow filling.
Before you wash
- Check the care label first.
- Most polyester and down/feather pillows are machine washable.
- Many memory foam or latex pillows should not be machine washed, as they can be damaged. Spot-clean these instead.
For machine-washable pillows
- Wash two pillows at a time to help balance the washing machine.
- Use warm water and a small amount of liquid laundry detergent (powder can leave residue).
- If your care label allows it, you can add:
- ½ cup baking soda to help reduce odors.
- ½ cup white vinegar during the rinse cycle to help remove detergent residue and freshen the fabric.
- Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap.
Dry thoroughly
- Tumble dry on low heat.
- Add a couple of clean dryer balls or tennis balls (inside clean socks) to help keep the filling fluffy.
- Make sure the pillow is completely dry before using it to prevent mildew.
For memory foam or latex pillows
- Vacuum the surface.
- Spot-clean with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water.
- Blot with a clean towel.
- Air-dry completely away from direct sunlight or high heat.
To keep pillows fresher longer
- Use pillow protectors under your pillowcases.
- Wash pillowcases weekly.
- Wash pillows every 3–6 months if the care label permits.
- Replace pillows every 1–2 years, or sooner if they no longer provide support or don’t come clean.
A note about viral “whitening” recipes
Some online tips recommend large amounts of bleach or harsh chemical mixtures. These can damage pillow fabrics and fillings, and mixing bleach with other cleaning products (especially ammonia or acidic cleaners like vinegar) can produce dangerous gases. Stick to the care label and use bleach only if the manufacturer specifically allows it.
With the right washing method, many pillows can come out noticeably cleaner and fresher, although older yellow stains may not disappear completely because they can result from body oils and oxidation over time.
