How to wash a pillow

The way a pillow is cleaned depends on the materials of the product. Most pillows can be washed in the washing machine in warm water on a gentle mode. Pay attention to the instructions for your product. Some need to be dry-cleaned. 

Latex pillows and memory foam pillows are hypoallergenic, resistant to bacteria and dust mites. These products should be cleaned only once or twice a year.

How to spot clean a pillow

If you want to remove a stain from a pillow, you do not need to wash it completely. Spot clean it instead. Before cleaning any type of stain, place the pillow on a flat surface. Remove dust from your item with a vacuum cleaner beforehand. Fill a container with barely warm water and add a little mild detergent to it. For example, Good Housekeeping Seal Star Tide, The Laundress New York – Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, or Delicate Wash Laundry LIFVEAN. Clean soiled areas with a sponge dampened with a mild soap solution. Then wipe the cleaned area with a damp cloth. Be careful with a wet foam cushion: aggressive action may damage the product.

If you have just spilled liquid on a pillow, blot it with a clean white cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible. Then clean the area from edge to center with a mild detergent. It is better to remove fresh stains than stale ones.

To get rid of a stubborn stain on a pillow, dilute a soap solution and apply the foam to the soiled area. After ten minutes, remove soap residue with a damp, clean cloth. 

To remove sweat stains, apply a solution of peroxide and water to the desired area and leave it for half an hour. If possible, wash the pillow in the washing machine or wipe it several times with a damp cloth. Instead of peroxide, you can also use aspirin, baking salt, or baking soda. All of the above components should be mixed with water in equal proportions. A solution of water and vinegar with a 3% concentration will help eliminate the unpleasant smell of sweat.

How to get blood out of a pillow

For easy removal of blood stains, tackle the stain quickly. Hydrogen peroxide is effective in removing them. Place the pillow on a flat surface. Pour the solution directly onto the stain. The liquid will hiss and bubble for several minutes. Wipe the treated area with a damp cloth. Repeat the procedure until the stain is completely gone. If possible, wash the item in cold water. Wipe foam and latex pillows with a sponge imbued in cold water.

If you were unable to clean the stains from the pillow using special mild detergents, contact a dry cleaner.

How to wash a memory foam pillow

Memory foam pillows should not be washed in the washing machine. Sharp turnovers can ruin the filling. Read the instructions for your product. The removable cover and pillowcase can usually be washed in warm water with a mild detergent in the washing machine. Vacuum the pillow on both sides with the upholstery nozzle, wipe the soiled areas with a sponge and a mild soap solution. Gently wipe away any detergent residue with a damp cloth. Be careful: the wet foam tears easily.

How to clean a shredded memory foam pillow

Shredded foam pillows can usually be washed in the washing machine (check the instructions). Squeeze it out before putting it in the dryer. This will shorten the drying time. The pillow may remain damp after the first cycle. You may need to repeat the process to dry it completely. If the instructions state that only hand wash is allowed, use the memory foam pillow cleaning method.

How to wash a latex foam pillow

The latex pillow should only be washed by hand. Fill a bathtub with warm water, add some mild detergent for delicate garments. You will need one teaspoon of detergent per five liters of water.

How to wash a down pillow

Down and feather pillows can be washed in the washing machine. Most are of a standard size and will easily fit in the drum. Remove the covers and pillowcases. Inspect the items for rips and repair them. Fix them with a needle before washing to keep the filler out of the washing machine drum. It is best to wash down and feather pillows in pairs. This will help balance the washing machine. Place them vertically in the washing machine and set it on a delicate mode at a low temperature. The best option would be a front load. Use a small amount of low-foaming powder. That way, the filler won’t stick to the machine. Use an extra rinse and spin cycle to get rid of soap residue and excess moisture.

How to wash a pillow with microbeads

As a rule, pillows with microbeads can be washed in the washing machine. Before cleaning, put the pillow in a large pillowcase and tie it up. Otherwise, the microbeads may scatter all over the washing machine.

How to clean a Tempur-Pedic pillow

Study the instructions for the product. Most Tempur-Pedic pillows have covers that can be washed in the washing machine. Choose a gentle mode and a low temperature, and add a mild detergent. The pillow itself cannot be washed in the washing machine because it is made of foam. When wet cleaning, use a small amount of cool water to avoid damaging the product. You can also add a little mild detergent. Do not rub the pillow to avoid deformation.

How to wash a bamboo pillow

The bamboo pillow may have a specific smell after purchase. Do not wash it on the first day. Within a few hours, the smell of bamboo will wear off. Even a delicate washing mode in the washing machine can deform it, so clean it by hand. Fill a sink or bathtub with slightly warm water, put the item in it, and wait for it to get completely soaked. Squeeze the cushion, rub a little detergent in, rinse, and squeeze.

How to wash a body pillow

Most body pillows are machine-washable. Read the instructions before washing. Some items of this type should only be washed in cold water. You can use the gentle mode of the dryer for quick drying. If your home appliance is small, you can use an industrial-sized washing machine from a laundromat.

How to wash a polyester pillow

Polyester pillows can be washed in the washing machine in warm water with a small amount of mild detergent. Choose a gentle washing mode. For a balanced technique, load the items in pairs.

How to wash a pillow in the washing machine

As we have already mentioned, latex, memory foam, and Tempur-Pedic pillows cannot be washed in the washing machine. The aggressive action of the rotation will destroy the material of the product. 

Washing in the washing machine is suitable for down and fiber-filled pillows. Load them in the drum in pairs for balance. Front- or top-loading machines without an agitator are best. If your only option is a top-loading agitator machine, place the pads vertically in the tank to reduce the chance of agitator damage.

How to dry pillows

The best way to dry your pillow is naturally: outdoors or in a well-ventilated room. You can speed up this process by using a cool air fan. Lay a clean white towel and place the pillow on it. From time to time, turn the product over to let it dry. You can also use special hangers for it. Make sure your pillow is completely dry before using it. A little moisture can cause mold to appear. When drying naturally, it takes at least 24 hours to dry completely.

How to dry a memory foam pillow

Dry the pillow naturally. Do not wring out the filler. Allow the water to drain. You can use the cool air of a hairdryer or fan to dry certain areas. Do not dry the product on heaters or near an open flame. High temperatures may deform the product.

How to dry a latex pillow

After washing, rinse the pillow in clean water to remove detergent residue. Do not wring the filler. Allow the water to drain naturally. Immediately after washing, the product may be gently blotted with towels and set upright in a shaded area. Do not dry the pillow on a radiator or near an open flame. High temperatures may deform the product.

How to dry a polyester pillow

The polyester pillow can be dried on a clothesline or a special hanger. If you have a dryer, choose a gentle mode for this product. This type of pillow dries faster than all other types.