How To Clean Cotton Pillows At Home

Pillows are used almost every single day but are rarely washed. If your pillows are starting to look yellow and you can see patches of dirt, oil, or sweat, it's time to wash them. They can accumulate dust mites which can cause allergic reactions and affect your sleep quality. But how do you wash pillows or when? And what about drying them? This blog will tell you how to wash a pillow without causing permanent damage to it.

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When Should You Wash Pillows?

Laundering your pillows (depending on the instructions) once every 4 months is a good idea. Because your pillows are home to dust, sweat, and drool, you should wash them even if they look clean.

Cleaning your pillows on time will help remove anything that can aggravate an allergic reaction. If you are prone to allergies, you can consider cleaning them once every two months.

How to Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine?

Most pillows are machine washable and can be washed just like your regular laundry. Remember to read your pillow care label before proceeding and look for the symbol on the tag above to know if it recommends a machine wash.

Here are the steps to washing bed pillows in a washing machine:

Add warm water and go for the gentle cycle
Add a bit of mild detergent
Now, add some cold water and select the rinse and spin cycle
Tumble your pillows dry on low heat

It is always better to choose a front or top-loading washing machine without an agitator. The agitator in most top-loading machines can damage your pillows. If your washing machine has one, place the pillows vertically to prevent any damage.

Laundry machine with basket of pillows and other bedding clothes for washing with detergent illustration

How to Wash Pillows Based on Their Stuffing

Although cotton is the most common filling, memory foam doesn't fall far behind. Both of them, however, come with totally different care and wash instructions. Let us look at how you should wash each pillow type.

How to Wash Feather Pillows

You can put most of your feather pillows in a washing machine. However, do not forget to read the label before you do. For those that cannot be put in a machine, you need to look for how to dry-wash pillows.

When you put a feather pillow in a washing machine, remember to:

Always use a soft/ mild detergent
Use cool water, warm water might cause irreparable damage to your feather pillow
Tumble dry your pillows on medium heat

How to Wash Memory Foam Pillows

You cannot put your memory foam pillow in a washing machine. It will get damaged. So, it is better to hand wash these pillows. Let us look at how to wash pillows by hand.

Use a vacuum cleaner to dust off your pillows. You can then proceed to spot clean them with a clean, damp cloth. Make sure to use a mild detergent to clean it. As the last step, place your pillow flat to dry it.

How to Wash Polyester Pillows

Polyester pillows are known for their durability and will retain their shape. They are machine washable and can also be hand washed if needed. Before proceeding to clean your polyester pillows remember to:

Use warm water
Be liberal with the detergent. Go for 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent
Tumble dry them

How to Wash Gel Pillows

You have to handle your gel pillows with care. It is always better to hand wash them instead of using a machine.

You can wash your gel pillows with baking soda. Baking soda is an excellent option to remove dampness and odor from your pillow.

You must be wondering how to wash pillows with baking soda?

Dilute baking soda in water and leave it for some time. Shake it until bubbles form. Rub these bubbles with a brush on your pillow and watch all the stains vanish. Air-dry the pillow once you are done washing.

Tips To Cleaning Your Pillows

Always read the fabric care label on your pillows. It is the best guide to washing your pillows
Take the pillow out of removable covers
Clean your pillows every 4 months. If you are prone to allergies, you can consider cleaning them more frequently
If your pillows smell, use vinegar or baking soda to clean them
Fluff your pillows regularly. It will keep them in shape
Even when you don't wash your pillows, hang them in a clothesline for a few hours on a sunny day to get rid of dust mites
Make sure your pillow is completely dry before bring it back inside
Not all pillows are fit for the washing machine. You have to learn how to wash pillows by hand too.

It is also important to keep your mattress clean. Follow our guide on how to clean a mattress to know more.

When Should You Replace Your Pillows?

Even if you clean your pillows regularly, you have to replace them periodically. Washing your pillows might prolong their life but they won't last a lifetime. The National Sleep Foundation recommends changing them every one or two years. Although certain types of pillows can last longer. A good time to replace them is when they stop providing enough support and comfort to your head and spine.

If you think it's time to replace your pillow, check out our pillow buying guide that can help you choose the best pillow for you.

Final Word

A dirty pillow might lead to irritation and allergies. Learning how to wash pillows can lead to a more hygienic lifestyle and can also help with allergies. Do not forget to wash your throw pillows or your cushion from the living room as well. Moreover, the life of your pillows will also increase. We hope this guide helps you pull out squeaky clean pillows and helps you sleep better.

FAQs

How to clean pillows that can't be washed?

Decorative pillows, throw pillows or some pillow covers made of silk or net may not be machine washable or washable at all. In such cases, you need to dry-clean them. That will remove the dirt and dust particles without harming the fabric or the design of the pillow.

What type of washing machine is suitable to wash pillows?

It is better to choose a front-loading washing machine. When you use a top-loading machine, the pillows will not soak properly. Moreover, you should try to avoid machines with agitators to prevent any damage to your pillows.

How to wash decorative pillows?

Decorative pillows made of delicate fabric like silk or lace may need to be dry-cleaned unless the label suggests otherwise.

How to wash pillows without any clumping?

Always wash your pillows in warm water on a delicate cycle. It is better to add two pillows at a time to prevent lumps from forming. If you don't want to use a detergent, you can look at upholstery shampoo as an option.