How to Clean Dirty Bed Pillows
If your pillows have yellowing, sweat, or an unpleasant smell, you can often freshen washable pillows at home. The safest method depends on whether they’re polyester, down/feather, memory foam, or latex.
For washable polyester or down pillows
Check the care label first. Some pillows aren’t machine-washable.
Remove the pillowcase and protector.
Put two pillows together in the washing machine to keep the load balanced.
Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent and wash according to the label—typically with warm water.
Run an extra rinse to remove detergent residue.
Dry thoroughly on the appropriate setting, checking frequently. Down and polyester pillows must be completely dry before use to prevent mildew.
Fluff the pillows several times while drying.
For yellow stains
A yellow pillow isn’t necessarily dirty—sweat, body oils, and normal aging can cause discoloration. For washable white pillows, a laundry oxygen bleach product can be useful if the care label permits it. Follow the product directions rather than using a strong homemade chemical mixture.
⚠️ Don’t wash these the same way
Memory-foam and latex pillows generally shouldn’t be put in a washing machine or soaked. Remove the cover and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions; usually the foam itself should be spot-cleaned and allowed to air-dry completely.
And don’t judge cleanliness solely by how white the pillow looks. A clean, completely dry pillow is more important than achieving a bright-white appearance. If a pillow remains lumpy, smells musty after washing, has persistent mold, or has deteriorated foam/filling, replacing it may be the better option.
