Wondering how to wash pillows and can you wash pillows in the washing machine? Yes – Follow our simple laundry tips to clean and freshen your pillows easily!
Why Do I Need To Wash Pillows?
Pillows need looking after and cleaning just like everything else in the house.
Washing every few months keeps them fresh and clean.
Over time they’ll become dusty and soak up sweat. A quick wash will have them back clean in no time.
It’s best to choose a sunny day to wash pillows then you can line dry them.
Some pillows can be dried in a tumble dryer but it’s easier to do the main drying outdoors and just fluff them up in the drier to finish them off.
How To Wash Pillows In The Washing Machine
First Always check the label before washing and follow specific care instructions if necessary – remember this method of washing is not suitable for Memory Foam pillows.
What You Need To Wash Pillows
- washing machine
- laundry detergent – I usually use a biological laundry detergent for pillows, just to deal with all those soaked in bodily fluids more efficiently.
- outdoor drying space
Note! If it’s been a while since you last washed your pillows then it’s worth adding a laundry sanitiser to the washing machine to work with the laundry detergent.
Check out our easy housework routine for more housework tips.
How To Wash Pillows In A Front Loading Washer
- Remove the pillow cases
- Put two pillows in the washing machine to balance it properly otherwise it won’t spin correctly.
- Add laundry detergent – I skip the fabric softener it’s not really necessary.
- Set the washing machine to do an extra rinse cycle to make sure they’re properly rinsed. If you’re adding laundry sanitiser then it’s worth washing on no more than 30 degrees as the sanitiser will clean the pillows thoroughly at a low temperature.
- Once washed – give them a good shake and redistribute the filling then hang them out on the washing line to dry.
- If they can be tumble dried finish off the drying in the tumble drier. This will fluff the pillows up nicely.
For a clean and tidy home get our BEST cleaning tips here
How To Remove Stains From Pillows
We just LOVE this guide to stain removal from The American Cleaning Institute. Seriously if you’ve got a stain then they’ve got the solution for removing it!
Get More How To Clean Tips Here
How Often Should I Wash Pillows?
Try to wash pillows through at least every couple of months, just to keep them fresh and hygienic.
Pillow cases should be washed at least every week when you change your bedding.
More laundry tips here
When To Buy New Pillows
- If washing them doesn’t remove all the stains, dirt or smells.
- When they loose fluffiness – if you fold them in half and they don’t spring back open then you’d probably be more comfortable with new pillows.
Find out how often should you wash your sheets here – and how to do it right!
More Laundry Tips You’ll LOVE!
- How to clean shower curtains – the easy way to clean shower curtains to stop mould and mildew spots and keep them fresh and smelling good!
- How to sort laundry – how to sort your laundry properly so that your clothes, bedding and towels last longer.
- How to wash towels – the best way to wash towels and get them fluffy and soft every time.
- How to make ironing easier – whizz through the ironing with these simple feel good tips!
Get more bedroom cleaning tips here
Easy Housework Routine
You might also just love our easy housework routine – it splits up the household cleaning into daily, weekly and monthly tasks.
We’ve also included free printable cleaning checklists for each room!
How To Wash Pillows
How to wash pillows so they're clean and hygenic
Materials
- Laundry detergent
- Laundry sanitiser
Tools
- Washing machine
- Outdoor washing line
- Dryer
Instructions
- Firstly remove the pillow cases from the dirty pillows.
- Put two pillows in the washing machine to balance it properly otherwise it won’t spin correctly.
- Add laundry detergent.
- Set the washing machine to do an extra rinse cycle to make sure they’re properly rinsed. If you’re adding laundry sanitiser then it’s worth washing on no more than 30 degrees as the sanitiser will clean the pillows thoroughly at a low temperature.
- Once washed – give them a good shake and redistribute the filling then hang them out on the washing line to dry.
- If they can be tumble dried finish off the drying in the tumble drier. This will fluff the pillows up nicely.
Get more home and garden tips here