Properly washing your pillows is essential for hygiene and maintaining their shape and comfort. The best method often depends on the type of pillow you have.
Check the Care Label First
Always begin by checking the care label on your pillow. This label provides specific instructions from the manufacturer regarding washing, drying, and any materials to avoid. Most pillows made from down, feathers, or synthetic fibers (like polyester or poly-fill) are machine washable. However, pillows made from memory foam or latex typically require spot cleaning or hand washing and should not be put in a washing machine.
Washing Machine Compatible Pillows
For pillows that are machine washable (down, feathers, synthetic):
- Inspect for Damage: Before washing, check for any rips or tears in the fabric. Repair them to prevent filling from escaping during the wash.
- Load the Machine: For best results and balance, wash two pillows at once. This helps distribute the weight evenly in the machine. Use a front-loading machine if possible, as top-loaders with agitators can be harsher.
- Add Detergent: Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Excessive detergent can be difficult to rinse out.
- Select Cycle: Wash using a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water. Warm water helps kill dust mites and allergens, but avoid hot water as it can damage some fillings.
- Rinse Thoroughly: It's crucial to ensure all soap is removed. Run an extra rinse cycle or two to make sure no residual detergent is left inside the pillow.
Hand Washing & Spot Cleaning
For pillows that cannot go in the machine (like foam/memory foam) or for targeted cleaning:
- Spot Cleaning: For small stains, mix a small amount of mild detergent with water to create suds. Apply the suds (not the liquid) to the stain using a cloth, gently dabbing. Rinse the area with a damp cloth, making sure not to saturate the pillow's core, especially with foam.
- Full Hand Wash (if permitted): Fill a large tub or basin with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the pillow. As noted in the reference, gently squeeze the pillow to work the detergent through, using only a small amount of detergent. This is vital because you don't want residual soap stuck in your pillow, as it is hard to rinse out completely. Squeeze the soapy water out and repeat the process with clean water until no suds remain.
Drying Your Pillows
Proper drying is just as important as washing to prevent mildew and ensure the pillow fully recovers its loft.
- Machine Drying (for machine washable types):
- Squeeze out excess water gently before transferring to the dryer.
- Use a low heat or air-only cycle. High heat can damage fillings or outer fabrics.
- To help fluff the pillows and prevent clumping, add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer.
- Dry for several cycles, checking frequently. Pillows take a long time to dry completely inside. Crucially, ensure they are bone dry throughout before using them again.
- Air Drying (for all types):
- Lay the pillow flat on a clean, dry surface, ideally in a well-ventilated area or outdoors away from direct sunlight (which can cause yellowing or damage certain materials).
- Flip and fluff the pillow periodically to promote even drying and prevent mildew.
- Air drying can take 24-48 hours or longer, depending on humidity and pillow thickness.
Quick Reference
Here's a simple guide based on pillow type:
| Pillow Type | Washing Method | Drying Method |
|---|---|---|
| Down / Feather | Machine Wash (Gentle) | Machine Dry (Low/Air) |
| Synthetic / Poly-fill | Machine Wash (Gentle) | Machine Dry (Low/Air) |
| Memory Foam / Latex | Spot Clean / Hand Wash | Air Dry Only |
| Important Reminder | Use small amount of detergent, rinse thoroughly. | Ensure pillow is completely dry. |
Washing your pillows regularly (ideally every 3-6 months) helps remove allergens, dust mites, sweat, and oils, contributing to a healthier sleep environment.
