Over time, bed pillows can collect sweat, body oils, dust, and odors. The good news is that many washable pillows can be freshened up at home with a simple cleaning routine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 washable bed pillows
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup mild laundry detergent
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- Warm water
- A washing machine
- Dryer or drying rack
- Clean towels
Instructions
- Check the care label
Before washing, check whether your pillow is machine washable. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially for memory-foam or latex pillows, which generally should not be machine washed. - Remove the pillowcases
Take off pillowcases and protectors and wash them separately. - Wash the pillows
Place washable pillows in the washing machine, preferably two at a time to keep the load balanced. Use a small amount of mild detergent and choose a gentle cycle with an extra rinse if available. - Use vinegar carefully
You can add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse compartment to help reduce odors. Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning chemicals. - Dry completely
Dry pillows according to their care label. If tumble drying is permitted, use a low-heat setting and pause occasionally to fluff them. Make sure the inside is completely dry before using them again. - Freshen between washes
Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over a dry pillow, leave it for 30–60 minutes, then vacuum it thoroughly. This can help absorb odors.
Important Tip
Don’t rely on baking soda, vinegar, or other household ingredients to remove serious mold or biological contamination. If a pillow has persistent mold, a strong musty smell, or cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried, replacing it is usually the safer option.