To clean a pillow, the method depends on the type of pillow:
- Most pillows like cotton, feather, down, and fiberfill can usually be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle with warm water and a gentle detergent. It is best to check the care label for specific instructions. Adding baking soda or a bit of bleach in the wash can help with odors and stains.
- Memory foam pillows should not be machine washed because water can damage the foam and it is hard to dry completely. Instead, spot clean memory foam pillows by applying a gentle detergent solution with a cloth and let them air dry fully. Baking soda can be applied to deodorize and vacuumed off later.
- For spot cleaning any pillow, use a sponge or cloth dipped in warm water with detergent, gently rub stains, and let dry. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water works well.
- To freshen pillows without washing, sprinkle baking soda on them, let sit for about 30 minutes, then vacuum it off.
Always remove pillowcases before cleaning, and dry pillows thoroughly either by air drying or on low heat in a dryer to avoid mold and bacteria buildup.
This guidance covers the best practices to clean pillows safely and effectively, according to pillow type.
