How to wash pillows for a clean night’s sleep

Step 1: Load two pillows into your washing machine
Remove any pillow cases or coverings and load in pillows two at a time, if possible, to balance the load.

Step 2: Add a small amount of detergent
Too much detergent can cause oversudsing, so only add about a tablespoon. Liquid detergent is best since it’s less likely to leave behind residue.

Step 3: Select a gentle cycle
A gentle cycle will help protect your pillow’s structure. The bulky cycle isn’t necessary and should be reserved for washing other bedding like comforters. Select the warmest water recommended on the care tag to help improve cleaning performance. If available, select an extra rinse option to ensure all the detergent is rinsed off. Learn more about how to choose laundry cycles. 

Step 4: Dry with low or no heat
Transfer pillows to the dryer as soon as possible. If you have them, add dryer balls to the drum to help fluff the pillows. Select a low heat setting for synthetic pillows and a no-heat, air fluff setting for down or feather pillows. If you're not sure which dryer cycle to use, check your pillow's care tag or your dryer's Use and Care Guide for more information. Lastly, make sure pillows are completely dry before removing them to help prevent mildew growth.

Step 1: Fill a bucket, bathtub or sink with warm water
Make sure water is deep enough to submerge the full pillow. Add a tablespoon of laundry detergent and stir in until it’s completely dissolved.

Step 2: Soak and gently massage the pillow in soapy water
Remove any pillow coverings and submerge the pillow in the water. Press and squeeze the pillow for a few minutes, or until you’re sure the soapy water has circulated multiple times through every inch of the pillow.

Step 3: Rinse and repeat
Hold the pillow out of the soapy water and rinse with fresh water, squeezing it out as you go. The pillow may need several rinses. You’ll know when to stop when the water being squeezed out is clear and no longer soapy or sudsy.

Step 4: Towel then air dry
Lay your pillow out on a towel. Use a second towel to press any excess water out of the pillow. Machine dry it according to the care tag instructions, or air dry it by hanging it in the sun, if possible, to help prevent mildew growth.

Quick freshening up
Remove the pillow cover. Sprinkle each side of the pillow with a generous amount of baking soda, let sit for 1 hour, and vacuum clean. This method will help neutralize odors while sucking up dust mites and dirt.

Light cleaning
Remove the pillow cover. Spot clean stains and spills with this solution: two cups of lukewarm water and a teaspoon of laundry detergent. Use a clean white cloth to work the solution into the stain, from the outside in. Dip another cloth in clean water and blot the stain until the soapy water is gone. Hang in the sun to air dry, if possible.

Deep cleaning
Remove the pillow cover. Fill a bucket, bathtub or sink with lukewarm water and mix in a tablespoon of laundry detergent. Submerge the pillow then remove it, gently squeezing out the soapy water (do not wring). Repeat this a few times then rinse the pillow with fresh water until the water coming out of the pillow runs clear. Hang in the sun to air dry, if possible.