Most people wash their pillowcases every time they wash their bedding. But when was the last time you washed the pillows themselves? Well, experts think you should be washing them more, which is why they’ve shared their best tips and tricks on how to wash pillows.
When you spend your time and money searching for the best pillows on the market, it would be a shame to see them deteriorate sooner than you thought. But washing your pillows is a huge part of sleep hygiene, similar to cleaning a mattress and washing your duvet. If you leave them for months on end, you’ll soon be greeted with a build-up of skin cells, dust mites, and probably a few yellow stains, too.
So, take this as your sign to add washing your pillows to your cleaning calendar and give them (and your sleep) the refresh they may need.
How to wash pillows
'Pillows should be washed every three months as, similar to bedding, they contain a build-up of sweat and dead skin', says Lucy Ackroyd, Head of Design at Christy. But if you’re not sure how to get started, we’ve got everything you need to know about washing pillows.
How to wash pillows in the washing machine
'Most good quality pillows will be able to endure several washes without going lumpy, but be sure to check the care label', says Lucy from Christy. 'Synthetic and feather pillows should be washed at slightly different temperatures.'
If your pillow's care label indicates that it's washing machine friendly, Lucy recommends adding around 200ml of distilled vinegar in alongside your regular detergent. 'This will help to disinfect your pillows', she explains.
'Add your favourite essential oils to prevent your pillows from holding on to the smell of the vinegar. Lemon is great for whitening, whereas lavender is the perfect soothing scent to help you relax at night.'
It's best to stick to cold wash cycles as high temperatures risk damaging the pillows. Once the washing machine cycle is finished, check the care label again to see if it can go in the tumble dryer. If it can, keep this on a low heat setting too.
How to hand wash pillows
If you have a memory foam pillow, it's better to hand wash these, as the foam may be broken down in the washing machine. You may also prefer to hand wash pillows if your washing machine drum isn't big enough to wash more than one pillow at once or if you're concerned about how much it costs to run a washing machine. Always hand wash if the pillow's care label doesn't recommend machine washing.
'Submerge the pillow in warm water, add a capful of detergent and wash the pillow by evenly distributing the detergent while massaging all the dirt out', says Lucy. 'When finished, make sure you rinse out all the dirt properly. Since memory foam pillows can’t withstand heat from the dryer, leave the pillows out on a towel to dry.'
We recommend hand washing pillows in the bathtub, so that they can be fully submerged and you have enough space to spot clean any parts showing stains or signs of dirt.
How to wash pillows outside
Another way to learn how to wash pillows is to let them disinfect naturally in the sunlight, rather than wetting them. You may prefer this method if you don't want to risk shrinking or ruining your pillows in the washing machine and tumble dryer, or if you're a bit pressed for time; waiting for the pillows to dry after hand washing them can take a while, and no one wants to go to sleep on a soggy pillow.
'Take off the pillow case and lie it on a flat surface', says Carl Walsh, Sleep Specialist and Owner, Bed Guru. 'Sprinkle baking soda over your pillow before leaving it in direct sunlight for around 2-3 hours. Then vacuum off the baking soda thoroughly. It should be left smelling good as new.'
The baking soda will naturally break down any bacteria nestling in your pillow, so is ideal for giving it a deep clean. You can also simply leave the pillow in the sunshine as it is, which will help to give it a refresh.
FAQs
How do you wash pillows without ruining them?
'The best way to keep pillows clean, fresh, bacteria and toxin-free and to ensure they last, is to air them in the sunshine on the washing line at least 4 times a year, preferably at the start of each season', says Rhiannon Johns, Interior Designer and Head of Brand, Piglet in Bed. 'The sunshine sterilises the wool and the cotton and the warmth of the sun will encourage any moisture trapped within the wool to be wicked away.'
Letting the pillows deodorise in the sun will mean they keep their firmness and shape, as the fibres of the wool expand back out naturally. This is the best method for pillows made from delicate material, like feathers and memory foam. Alternatively, you could go for a gentle hand wash on these kinds of pillows, if you feel they're in need of a more thorough clean.
If your pillow's care label does give you the go ahead to put it in the washing machine and tumble dryer, stick to the low-temperature settings. Avoid putting them in the washing machine frequently; every 4-6 months is best.
'Despite regular cleaning, bacteria will build up regardless, so it’s important to replace your pillow every three years', says Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, Sleep Specialist and Sleep Counsellor, TEMPUR®. 'Not only will this mean you get to enjoy a clean and fresh pillow, but you’ll likely find it much more comfortable as well.'
Is it OK to wash pillows in the washing machine?
Yes! But you must ensure that you check the labels of the pillows you’re trying to wash before you do so. Although most pillows can absolutely be washed in the washing machine, some require colder temperatures and a more delicate wash cycle.
While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to check the label and see if you can pop it in the tumble dryer, too.
How do you get the yellow out of pillows?
Yellow stains on pillows are extremely common and normally the result of body oils and sweat. But it’s very easy to get rid of yellow stains in pillows, and to do this, you’ll need a pre-wash stain remover, mild liquid laundry detergent, a toothbrush, baking soda, and dryer balls. Here’s a step-by-step guide, too:
1. Start by spot-cleaning the stain with pre-wash stain remover.
2. Brush with the toothbrush.
3. Soak the pillow in cold water for 30 mins.
4. Apply baking soda or mild laundry detergent to the stain.
5. Soak the pillow for another 30 minutes.
6. Wash the pillow as per the care guidelines.
7. Dry it in a well-ventilated area or in a tumble dryer with dryer balls.
Now you know how to wash your pillows, it’s time to put this plan into action!
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