Cleaning bed pillows so they come out white, fresh, and smelling nice is easier than it seems. Here’s a simple step-by-step method:
What You Need:
- Mild liquid detergent
- Baking soda
- White vinegar (optional)
- Dryer or a sunny spot for air-drying
- Pillowcases
Steps:
1. Check the Pillow Label
- Look for washing instructions. Most synthetic or down pillows can go in the washing machine, but memory foam should never be fully submerged.
2. Wash Pillows
- Machine-washable pillows:
- Use warm water and a mild detergent.
- Wash two at a time to keep the machine balanced.
- Optional: Add ½ cup baking soda to neutralize odors and whiten the pillow.
- Memory foam pillows:
- Spot clean with a mixture of water and mild detergent.
- Avoid soaking; gently squeeze and air-dry.
3. Rinse & Repeat (Optional)
- If the pillow smells bad or still looks dingy, run an extra rinse cycle.
4. Add Vinegar for Extra Freshness
- During the rinse cycle, add ½ cup white vinegar.
- Vinegar helps remove odors and kills bacteria.
5. Dry Thoroughly
- Dry in the sun if possible—it naturally kills bacteria and keeps pillows fluffy.
- Or, use a dryer on low heat.
- Add clean tennis balls or dryer balls to fluff the pillows while drying.
- Make sure pillows are completely dry; damp pillows can grow mold or mildew.
💡 Extra Tips:
- Wash pillows every 3–6 months to keep them clean and odor-free.
- Use pillow protectors under pillowcases to reduce dirt buildup.
- Sprinkle a little baking soda on pillows between washes for ongoing freshness.
If you want, I can make a super quick 5-minute hack to refresh pillows without washing, perfect for days you don’t have time for a full wash. Do you want me to share that?
