Washing pillows regularly is key to a cleaner, healthier sleep. Over time, pillows absorb:
- Sweat and body oils
- Skin flakes & dust mites
- Bacteria & allergens
Hand-washing is ideal for pillows made from memory foam, latex, feathers or specialty fills, which can be damaged in a washing machine.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather:
- Large basin, sink, or tub
- Mild detergent (e.g., Woolite or baby shampoo)
- Baking soda or white vinegar (for odor)
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Tennis or dryer balls (for fluffing)
-
Airy space or clothesline for drying
Tip: Always read the care label before washing.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Pillows by Hand
1. Remove Covers and Pre-Check
Take off pillowcases or protectors & check the label for care instructions. Some pillows are “spot-clean only.”
For noticeable spots or specific stains (like drool or oil), spot-clean the area first using a dedicated general spot stain remover before soaking
2. Soak in Soapy Water
- Fill a tub with lukewarm water. If washing feather/down pillows, ensure you use cold water
- Add a small amount of mild detergent
- Add ½ cup white vinegar or 2 tablespoons baking soda for odor control
- Submerge pillow, gently pressing out air
-
Let it soak for 30 minutes
3. Gently Wash
Massage the pillow to work the soapy water through. Avoid twisting or wringing—this can damage the filling.
Caution: Solid foam, such as memory foam, is fragile & can tear easily when wet, so proceed gently throughout the cleaning process.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
- Drain the tub
- Refill with clean water
- Squeeze and release the pillow under water to rinse
-
Repeat until water runs clear
5. Remove Excess Water
Press the pillow between clean towels to remove as much water as possible. Don’t wring or twist it.
6. Dry Properly
- Air-Dry: Lay flat in a sunny, breezy spot. Flip every few hours.
- Optional Tumble-Dry: Use the lowest heat setting & place dryer balls to prevent clumping. Fluff regularly during the cycle.
Pillows must be completely dry to prevent mold or mildew.
Tips for Different Pillow Types
|
Pillow Type |
Hand-Wash Safe |
Special Notes |
|
Memory Foam |
✅ Yes |
Never machine wash; always air dry. Before a full wash, you can freshen memory foam by vacuuming it with low suction or placing it in the dryer on an “air only” setting for 15-20 minutes |
|
Latex |
✅ Yes |
Soak briefly; dry flat |
|
Feather/Down |
✅ Yes |
Use cold water; low-heat tumble drying ok |
|
Polyester/Synthetic |
✅ Yes |
Machine-safe, but can be hand-washed too |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Don’t use hot water – it may ruin foam or feathers
- ❌ Avoid bleach or fabric softeners – they break down materials
- ❌ Never wring out pillows – use towels to press water out gently
- ✅ Always check for dryness – inside and out
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
- Wash every 3–6 months
- Use pillow protectors & wash them monthly
- Replace pillows every 1-3 years, depending on type. You can use the "fold" test to check if your pillow needs replacing: Fold the pillow in half, then let it go. If it unfolds & fluff back up, it's still got some life left; it it stays folded & flat, it is time for a replacement.
FAQs
Q: Can I hand-wash a memory foam pillow?
Yes. Soak gently in mild soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and air dry for 24–48 hours. Never use a dryer.
Q: How do I remove bad smells from pillows?
Soak in water with white vinegar or baking soda. Air-drying in sunlight also helps kill odors naturally.
Q: What's the safest way to dry pillows?
Air-dry flat in a sunny, breezy area. For feather or polyfill pillows, tumple-dry on low with dryer balls.
Final Thoughts
Hand-washing your pillows is an easy, effective way to remove allergens and extend pillow life—especially for foam or feather fills. With the steps above, you’ll sleep fresher and healthier, knowing your pillows are properly cleaned & fluffed.