How To Wash Pillows And When To Replace Them

How to wash pillows without ruining them can be quite the hassle. This is a question that is asked every single day and with good reason. People want to make the most of what they have and take care of it too.

How To Wash Pillows

So if you also have questions on how to wash pillows or how to clean pillows then you’ve come to the right place. Know you’re not alone and learn along with many others as we finally learn how to wash pillows. 

Learning How To Wash Pillows

Learning How To Wash Pillows

Learning how to wash pillows is important. If you’re here, it’s because that’s exactly what you want to do. Perhaps you know almost everything there is to know about how to wash pillows and need that extra help.

Or perhaps you’re finally living on your own and need help getting started from scratch. No matter your skill level, we can help you today. Let’s go through the steps of washing different types of pillows. 

Why Learn How To Wash Pillows

What do you do whenever your pillow needs to be washed? Do you throw it out? Or do you clean it? The answer probably relies on the quality of your pillow and if it is time for a replacement anyway. 

We will get back to replacement later because right now, you probably want to know how to wash pillows, specifically the type of pillow you’re dealing with. Learning how to do so yourself can save you so much money. 

How To Wash Different Types Of Pillows

How To Wash Different Types Of Pillows

There are a lot of different types of pillows and we can’t pretend that they can all be washed the same way. After all, it’s like clothing and most fashionistas know that you should take special care in how you wash different fabrics. 

How To Wash Throw Pillows

How To Wash Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are a very common pillow. Most people have at least one throw pillow lying around somewhere. Washing them isn’t difficult but if you feel that the throw pillow is unique, you don’t want to mess it up. 

Simple Steps: 

  • Remove the cover- most throw pillows have a cover that you can remove. This is like a pillowcase. Search for a slot or zipper that gives you access to the pillow. Try to only wash the pillow not the pillow cover.
  • Spray and wash – before you begin, you probably want to either use Spray and Wash on the stains you notice or treat them with something similar. Deep cleaning first will ensure your pillow comes out clean.
  • Machine wash on a delicate – if your machine has a light or delicate cycle, use it. Throw pillows can warp if you use a heavier cycle. So use a gentle cycle to not disturb the stuffing and keep a smooth pillow. 
  • Air or tumble dry – after the pillow has been washed, it’s a good idea to dry it gently. You can use a light tumble dry but you can also get brilliant results from letting the pillow air dry naturally.
  • Fluff – fluff the pillow gently with your hands after it has dried or when it is just almost dry. Then you can replace the pillow cover and your pillow should be as good as new. Don’t forget to wash the case separately. 

How To Wash Body Pillow

Despite what you may initially think, body pillows can be washed almost exactly like throw pillows. The only difference between the two is their sizes. Body pillows must be washed alone and with nothing else. 

How To Wash Down Pillows

Washing down pillows can be excruciating if you don’t know what you’re doing. Whether you inherited the pillow from your grandmother or bought it new last week, you want to take great care of it.

Simple Steps:

  • Remove covers– again, remove any cover that you can possibly remove as long as it isn’t the last cover that is holding the down feathers inside of the pillow. Any cases should be taken off before washing. 
  • Repair pillow – this won’t need to be done if there aren’t any tears or loose spots on the pillow. But if there are, there could be a mess on your hands if it isn’t taken care of as soon as possible with a needle and thread. 
  • Gentle cycle wash – again, a low, slow, and gentle cycle works best for down pillows. So make sure you don’t have your automatic settings on as they will need to be adjusted to suit the needs of the pillow. 
  • Dry – a very slow tumble dry works best for down pillows. So you should use this. Air dry can work but due to the density of most down pillows, it may take far too long and mold may even begin to grow. 

How To Wash Feather Pillows 

Feather pillows and down pillows are not the same. Although they are very similar, down pillows are quill-less while feather pillows are not. However, they can both use the same method on how to wash them. 

How To Wash Memory Foam Pillow

How To Wash Memory Foam Pillow

Memory foam pillows are becoming surprisingly and increasingly popular. So learning how to wash memory foam pillows is a must. Because one day, a family member will most likely be sleeping on one. 

Simple Steps: 

  • Remove cover – you may have caught onto this pattern already but it’s still important to note it. Check for anything that can be removed from the pillow if you want the best wash possible for your memory foam.
  • Sprinkle with baking soda – yep, this is where things get different. You probably don’t want to throw memory foam in the washer or it may get warped. Instead, sprinkle it with baking soda.
  • Vacuum and wash – after the pillow sits for an hour, vacuum up the excess baking soda. Then, clean the surface of the memory foam with laundry detergent with a soft cloth. Then rinse with a wet cloth. 
  • Dry – finally, you can either air dry the pillow or use a hairdryer. Just make sure that the blow dryer isn’t set on hot or it could melt or warp the pillow. Instead, keep it on cool even if it takes longer. 

How To Wash Fuzzy Pillows

Fuzzy pillows use the same method used on how to wash furry pillows. Most furry pillows are not made with real fur, so most likely, any that you would be washing will use faux fur or some other type of fuzz.  

However, since there are so many different types of fuzzy pillows, it’s hard to give general washing instructions. SO check the tag or the manufacture and follow their details. It will most likely be similar to washing the carpet. 

How To Wash Bamboo Pillows

How To Wash Bamboo Pillows

Bamboo pillows are fairly easy to wash. These pillows are fairly new to most of the world but that doesn’t mean they are rare. In fact, bamboo pillows are becoming quite popular, especially as gifts for friends and family.

What you need to know about them is that it’s important not to use strong chemicals. Instead, stick to natural cleaning agents, even when using the washing machine. Stay gentle as well and don’t let the pillow stay wet. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

Is It Safe To Wash Pillows With A Washing Machine?

In general, it is. But if you can’t find direct instructions then you should consider using a gentle tumble for drying and an even gentler wash cycle. But always search for instructions for the specified product. 

How Do You Clean Pillows Without Ruining Them?

This is a difficult question because it truly depends on the pillow. The best way to clean pillows without ruining them is to clean the pillows at a step gentler than you think you should. This leaves room for errors. 

How Do You Deep Clean A Pillow?

Most of the time, the best way to deep clean a pillow is to soak them in the recommended bath. For example, detergent should do well for throw pillows. So for those, soak them in a bath of warm water and a cup of detergent. 

How Do You Clean Body Oils From Pillow?

Body oils will definitely be soaked into your pillow over time. Every night, more will be absorbed. It sounds gross, but it is very natural. The best way to remove them is to use something like vinegar, baking soda, or peroxide. 

How Do You Remove Wine From Pillow?

If you drink in bed, then chances are you’ve ever gotten wine on your pillow before. If you wondered what to do, you should know that 3 parts peroxide and 1 part dishwashing liquid can help you get that stain out quickly. 

How Do You Clean Urine From Pillows?

Cleaning urine from pillows can be quite a job. While there are simple solutions like peroxide, you may want to see a full guide for this one. Getting urine out of pillows is similar to removing it from the carpet. 

How Do You Remove Blood From Pillow?

There are a thousand reasons why you could have blood on your pillow. For example, you are prone to nosebleeds. When removing the blood, use cold water, a stain remover (preferably made for blood), and never rub, only dab.

How Often Should You Replace Your Pillow?

Finally, it could be quite possible that you don’t need to wash your pillow but replace it. Experts recommend replacing your pillow at least every two years. If you haven’t been doing that, now is a great time to start. 

Conclusion: How To Wash Pillows

Now you should know just about everything you need to know about how to wash pillows. So no matter what kind of pillow you use, you are prepped for any emergency, big or small. If you can’t handle it, feel free to replace it.

Some jobs are too big for anyone and it saves enough time and money that it’s worth it to buy a new one. If this happens, see it as a good thing and an opportunity for you to upgrade to an even nicer pillow.