How to Wash Pillows the Right Way

To wash your pillows the right way, check the care label for specific instructions based on the pillow’s filling, machine wash if possible with a gentle cycle and low heat dry, or hand wash and air dry for delicate materials like foam or latex.

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There are few things more glorious in life than sinking your head into a plush pillow at the end of the night.

There are also few things as insomnia-inducing as noting that your pillow seems a bit…off. It feels slightly damp, it smells somewhat gross, and no amount of fluffing can revive it.

Forgetting to regularly wash your bed sheets and pillowcases could be the culprit. Or it might be high time to invest in a whole new set of pillows.

But there’s one task that may have slipped your mind: The importance of cleaning not just your pillowcases but your pillows themselves. Polyester, buckwheat, feather, cotton, and more: All need a little TLC to give you your best night’s sleep.

At a loss for where to start? Let Casper show you how to wash pillows so that you can nestle down with ease.

Is My Pillow Machine Washable? What to Look For

Consumer Reports insists that you should give your mattress and pillows a good, deep cleaning at least twice a year.¹

Why?

First, humans spend a significant portion of their life in bed—or, according to some estimates, around a third of their existence.² It’s only natural to want that space sanitized, if not sparkly clean.

Further, plenty can soak through your pillowcase and onto your pillow, such as:

• Drool
• Dirt
• Hair
• Dead skin cells
• Sweat
• Oils
• Dust mites
• Face cream

Over time, this may accumulate and lead to a host of health issues, such as allergic reactions, rhinitis, itchy eyes, and asthma.³

Naturally, the most expedient way to wash your pillow is to toss it in the washing machine and carry on with your day. Not all types of pillows may survive the rigors of a washing machine, however. With this in mind:

• Check your pillow’s care label – Bedding manufacturers are legally required to attach a label on the pillows they sell.⁴ In most cases, this will also include a tag with care instructions for washing and drying.⁵ Happen to have torn off the label when you purchased your pillow? Search for its care instructions online.

• Consider your pillow’s filling – Most pillows can be cleaned in a washing machine unless otherwise specified by its label. This includes feathers, down, cotton, polyester, and fiberfill. Nonetheless, some may need a different level of care. For example, some foam pillows should be sponged off a couple of times of year with warm, soapy water. Meanwhile, feather pillows might benefit most from a professional cleaning, during which feathers are removed and sterilized with UV light. Learn more about memory foam vs down pillows in our blog.

How to Machine Wash a Pillow

If you got the green light to machine wash your pillow, plunge into this step-by-step process:

1. Take off your pillowcase and/or pillow protector.

2. Spot-treat stains that may have occurred by applying a dab of natural detergent to the problem areas.

3. Put two pillows in the washing machine to keep your washing machine from getting thrown off-balance.

4. Add the appropriate amount of laundry detergent, plus a ½ cup of white vinegar (which acts as an anti-bacterial).⁶

5. Select a gentle or delicate washing cycle to be on the safe side. For polyester and hollow fibre pillows, though, opt for the “Wool” setting. If you don’t have a “Wool” setting, wash on delicate. Use cold water, which may help keep your pillow from clumping up (and joining your heap of donation items).

6. Once your pillows have gone through their cycle, remove the clean pillows and squeeze out excess water with a gentle hand. A quick note here: natural-filled pillows will need to go through Spin to get out as much moisture as possible.

7. Place your pillows in the dryer along with a tennis ball or two: Martha Stewart herself asserts that doing so may help pillows hold onto their shape (while also fluffing them up). There’s one exception to this: If you’ve chosen to machine-wash your feather pillow, hang it outside (if weather permits) and shake occasionally. You’ll want to ensure these pillows are completely dry before bringing them back to bed; if not, the feathers may start to give off that hyper-distinct but hard-to-describe smell.

8. Set your dryer to low heat. This may protect your pillow’s filling.

9. Periodically check on your pillow throughout their drying cycle, and remove them once they’re thoroughly dry.

10. Fluff and fluff: It’ll help revitalize their original shape.

How to Hand Wash a Pillow

The benefits of memory foam, foam, and latex pillows are legion:

• Foam and memory foam pillows may provide superior spinal alignment by supporting the natural curve of your cervical spine.⁷ They can also support your chin (and urge it into proper posture) if you happen to sleep in the fetal position. One to invite into your bedroom: the Casper classic low loft memory foam pillow.

• Latex pillows also contour to your head and, depending on the brand and design, provide pressure and pain relief.⁸ Plus, they’re allergen-free and constructed with ultra-durable material.

As awesome as these pillows might be, their padding can’t withstand the power of a washing machine. At Casper, we never recommend machine washing hybrid or foam pillows or fully submerging them in water—the foam cannot get rid of all the liquid it absorbs, and your pillow will likely grow some nasty mold. You can and should, however, wash the cover of your foam or hybrid pillow regularly. For best results:

1. Unzip your pillow and remove the cover. Again, the foam pillow itself is not washable.
2. Machine wash the cover using a cold, delicate cycle.
3. Lay the cover flat to dry; avoid using a dryer.

You can, however, hand wash down pillows to keep them fresh and clean while preserving their delicate materials.

Here’s how to hand wash down pillows:

1. Dedicate a large sink or a bathtub for your chore.

2. Once again, remove your pillowcases and/or pillow protectors.

3. Fill your space (bathtub or basin) with lukewarm water. There should be enough water to submerge your down pillows entirely, but not so much that you end up taking a bath too.

4. Add a small amount of laundry detergent and ½ cup of white vinegar; mix well in the water.

5. Place your pillows in the basin or bathtub.

6. Massage the pillows as they’re dunked underwater, paying special attention to any areas that appear stained. To go a bit deeper, use a soft brush in problem places.

7. Drain the soapy water; refill with clean water.

8. Rinse your down pillows completely until all of the suds have been removed.

9. Press out excess moisture, but refrain from twisting or wringing—again, you’ll want to protect your pillows’ filling.

10. Set down a few clean, dry towels on a flat surface (like your bathroom countertop) and put your pillows on top to air dry. Just be sure they’re “set” in the right position: they may be prone to disfiguration.

11. Rotate occasionally to guarantee they dry evenly.

Treat Odor with Baking Soda

You might have hand or machine washed your pillows meticulously and still there’s a certain…aroma. This could be due to any number of things, from sweat to spilled coffee.

Fortunately, baking soda may do the trick: the household staple brims with natural chemicals that neutralize unsavory smells.⁹

Simply sprinkle baking soda on your pillows post-wash and let it sit for a few hours. Shake off any excess baking soda and/or use a handheld vacuum to get rid of the rest.

Alternatively, give your pillows a break outside: the combination of fresh air and sunshine may organically clear any less-than-appealing scents.

How Often Should You Wash Your Pillows?

Ideally, and as mentioned, you should “spring clean” your pillows a minimum of twice a year. This will keep your bed fresh and your skin and body free of irritants (and ick). And when you don’t have time to do so? Consider the maintenance tips below.

How to Keep Your Pillows Clean: Maintenance Tips

True: Deep cleaning your pillows requires a bit more elbow grease than washing your sheets and pillowcases. At the same time, chances are, you’d like to preserve their comfort and freshness between washes. To do so:

• Give your pillows a daily shake and fluff: this will help stave off dust and sustain their shapes.

• Invest in pillow protectors. This will shield your pillows from dead skin cells, dirt, sweat, oil, and more.
• Keep odors at bay by airing out your pillows occasionally.
• Clean (or replace) your pillowcases when you’re dealing with a cold or the flu.

And if you can bear it? Try to keep your pets off your pillow.

When Should You Replace Your Pillows?

In a perfect world, you should invest in a new set of bed pillows every one to two years.

However, you may want to replace them more frequently if:

• It’s impossible to remove stains and smells, even after following the recommendations outlined here.
• You’ve noticed new allergy symptoms.
• You’re experiencing acne breakouts on your cheeks.
• Your pillow appears flat, lumpy, or generally shapeless.

The best reason of all? Your pillow no longer provides you the comfort and squishiness you need for a stellar night’s sleep. Learn more about how often to replace pillows in our blog.

Explore Casper Pillows Today

Your bed is likely your sanctuary: the place you retreat to to charge up your batteries for the delights and demands of daily life. Learning how to wash pillows the right way keeps your haven as it should be: Clean, fresh, and ready to promote the rejuvenating rest you need.

Consider Casper your golden ticket to a superb night’s sleep. Casper offers an array of uber-comfy bed pillows to keep you smiling while you snooze, with feather, foam, and cooling options.

Whether you’re in the market for a new mattress or a swell pair of sheets, Casper has got you covered.

Sources:

1. Consumer Reports. How to wash your pillow (yes, you should be washing your pillow). https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/pillows/how-to-wash-a-pillow-a1157640885
2. Shoreline Media. On average, we spend a third of our lives sleeping–how to get your BEST night’s sleep. https://www.shorelinemedia.net/business_hub/on-average-we-spend-a-third-of-our-lives-sleeping—how-to-get/article_b0878d00-6e9a-11ee-9e74-4fbf08a66e0f.html
3. Good Housekeeping. This is how often you should wash your pillows. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and home/declutter-your-home/a553495/how-often-should-you-wash-your-pillows/#r3z-addoor
4. Bureau of Household Goods and Services. Official law label requirements. https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/forms_pubs/labeling_req_faq.pdf
5. Martha Stewart. How to wash pillows the right way. https://www.marthastewart.com/2221370/how-wash-pillows
6. Housetipster. How to wash feather and down pillows. https://housetipster.com/housetips/1106/clean-soft-how-to-wash-feather-and-down-pillows
7. WebMD. Memory foam pillows: what you need to know. https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/memory-foam-pillows-what-to-know
8. The Spinery. Are latex pillows really good? Complete guide & benefits. https://thespinery.com/blog/latex-pillow-guide
9. Martha Stewart. How to use baking soda to absorb odors. https://www.marthastewart.com/7841356/baking-soda-absorb-odor-facts