Why Should You Wash Your Pillows?

Pillows look innocent and your pillows might look clean, but the truth is they secretly collect dust mites, sweat, skin cells, and bacteria over time. 😳… they are germ magnets.

Fun fact: A pillow that hasn’t been washed in two years can have up to 30% of its weight in dirt and dead skin cells. YIKES.

It collects:
✔ Sweat & oils (hello, yellow stains!)
✔ Dust mites (tiny critters feeding on dead skin)
✔ Bacteria & allergens (causing sniffles & sneezes)

💡 Did You Know? An unwashed pillow can gain up to 30% of its weight in dust, dead skin, and other gross stuff over time.

That’s not exactly the luxury hotel vibe we want for our beds, right?

How Often Should You Wash Your Pillow?

Pillow Type	Washing Frequency
Polyester	Every 3-6 months
Down/Feather	Every 6 months
Memory Foam	Spot clean as needed
Latex	Every 6 months
Buckwheat	Never wash (replace hulls if necessary)

💡 Pro Tip: Use a pillow protector like Utopia Bedding Waterproof Pillow Protectors to keep your pillows cleaner for longer!

👆 Translation: If you can’t remember the last time you washed your pillow, today is the day.

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Can You Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine?

Short answer: Yes, but not all pillows!

Here’s a quick guide:

✅ Machine Washable:

• Polyester, down, and feather pillows can go right into your washer.

🚫 Not Machine Washable:

• Memory foam, latex, and buckwheat pillows should NOT be machine washed. Instead, spot clean or air them out.

💡 Hack: If you have a delicate pillow, use a pillow protector like SureGuard Pillow Protectors to reduce stains, allergens, and to keep pillows fresher for longer (less washing required!).

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Pillows

🎯 Goal: Get your pillows clean, fresh, and fluffy without damaging them.

Step 1: Read the Care Label

Always check for washing instructions. Some pillows are delicate divas that require special care!

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains

• Yellow stains? Soak in a mix of warm water, baking soda, and detergent for 30 minutes before washing.
• Use a gentle stain remover or mild detergent.
• Oily spots? Dab with dish soap and let sit for 10 minutes before tossing in the machine.

Step 3: Machine Wash (If Safe!)

• Use a front-loading washer (top-loaders with agitators can be rough on pillows).
• Wash two pillows at a time to keep the washer balanced.
• Detergent: A mild, fragrance-free option like Le Blanc Down Wash.
• Set the washer to a gentle cycle with warm or cold water, and extra rinse.

💡 Extra Tip: Toss in 1/2 cup of white vinegar to kill bacteria and neutralize odors!

Step 4: Rinse and Spin Again

• Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent.
• A second spin helps remove excess water (so drying takes less time).

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How to Dry Your Pillows (So They Don’t Smell Musty)

Drying is just as important as washing! Damp pillows = mold and bacteria growth (ew).

Machine Drying

• Use low heat (high heat can ruin filling).
• Toss in dryer balls or clean tennis balls to keep pillows fluffy.
• Amazon Pick: Everlasting Comfort Waterproof Pillow Protectors help reduce drying time!

Air Drying

• Place pillows outside in the sun for natural disinfection.
• Flip every few hours to ensure even drying.

How to Tell If Your Pillow Is Fully Dry

✔ Squeeze test: If it feels damp, keep drying.
✔ Sniff test: A musty smell means it’s still wet!

Quick Guide to Washing Pillows

Want a printable version? 📥 Download Your Free Pillow Care Checklist (PDF) here: Pillow_Care_Checklist

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How to Keep Pillows Clean for Longer

Want to wash your pillows less often? Try these hacks:

🛏️ Use a Pillow Protector → Guardmax Premium Pillow Protector keeps dust, sweat, and bed bugs away!

🧺 Wash Pillowcases Weekly → More often = cleaner pillows.

💨 Fluff Daily → Keeps pillows from getting flat and gross.

Here are 7 Top-Rated Products that can enhance Pillow Care and Maintenance:​

Incorporating these products into your pillow care routine can significantly enhance cleanliness, longevity, and overall sleep comfort.

FAQs About Washing Pillows

1. Can you wash memory foam pillows?

Nope. But you can spot clean them and air them out regularly.

2. What detergent should I use?

A gentle, low-sudsing detergent like Le Blanc Down Wash.

3. How can I fluff my pillows after washing?

• Toss them in the dryer with tennis balls.
• Shake and fluff daily to prevent flattening.

4. How do I remove yellow stains from pillows?

• Soak in a mix of hot water, baking soda, and detergent before washing.

5. How often should I replace pillows?

• Every 1-2 years for synthetic pillows.
• Every 3-5 years for down/feather pillows.

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Final Thoughts: Fresh Pillows, Better Sleep!

Washing your pillows isn’t hard—and it’s totally worth it.

💡 Remember:
✔ Wash every 3-6 months for freshness.
✔ Use gentle detergent & low heat drying.
✔ Keep them cleaner with pillow protectors & regular fluffing.

📌 P.S. If you want cleaner pillows with less effort, check out these must-haves:

• Utopia Bedding Waterproof Pillow Protectors
• SureGuard Pillow Protectors
• Le Blanc Down Wash

🎉 Bonus: Download Your Free Pillow Care Checklist (PDF) here: Pillow_Care_Checklist