How to Clean A Pillow

There is nothing like resting a weary head on a brand new pillow. Snuggling up to that cool, clean surface is simply delightful… but how can that brand-new feeling be preserved for long-term enjoyment? Every pillow should be washed from time to time in order to keep it looking and feeling cozy. There is, however, a right and a wrong way to wash a pillow.

To wash white cotton pillows, place them in a tumbling washing machine—one on either side of the agitator—and wash in warm water with bleach to remove any stains, kill germs, and abolish dust mites. Before placing the pillows in a dryer, drip dry them until they are only slightly damp to the touch. Doing so will significantly cut back on drying time. Dry the pillows the rest of the way in a tumble dryer using a delicate cycle. If the pillows seem flat, place them in the dryer on a no heat fluff cycle for another 20 minutes.

For pillows that are densely packed, or pillows which contain feathers, machine washing is not the best option. These types of pillows will take much longer to dry and are more likely to lose their shape in a dryer. Steam cleaning will kill germs and remove wrinkles, but dry cleaning is the best way to keep these pillows clean.

A practical way to keep any pillow clean is to use a pillow protector. Encase the pillow in the pillow protector, then place a decorative cover or sham over it. Pillow covers should be washed in hot water once a week to stay fresh, and protectors should be gently washed in warm water with bleach at least once a month. To keep pillows from losing shape and volume, periodically place them in a dryer on the fluff or no heat cycle.

Decorative throw pillows should be either dry cleaned or steam cleaned to prevent their colors from bleeding and fabrics from warping. Periodically wipe or spray decorative pillows with fabric-safe disinfectant, which will conveniently kill germs in between cleanings.

A pillow makes everything in a room more inviting and comfortable. With some simple love and care, that handsome new pillow on the bed or sofa will be enjoyed for many years to come.