Sleeping Pillow Cleaning Guide

It is very important for sleeping pillows to be kept clean for quality sleep, as well as for hygiene reasons. However, due to continuous use, they collect dust, microbes, and sweat, and often become storage places for allergens. To keep your pillow clean and prevent the appearance of allergies, follow the cleaning guide below.

Washing the pillow in the washing machine

Step 1. Identify the pillow type:

Before starting the cleaning, check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that the following cleaning steps are allowed for the specific pillow. It is possible to damage the pillow if the cleaning instructions are not strictly followed. For a hand-washable pillow, skip step 3. Similarly, if machine washing the pillow is allowed, you can follow step 3 and skip step 2. Usually, pillows that can be washed in the following way are those with feather, down, polyester, etc., filling. In contrast, latex or foam pillows cannot be washed in the same way. 

Step 2. Hand wash:

If the instructions suggest hand washing your pillow, then clean it using a mild detergent or green soap and lukewarm water. Submerge your pillow in a basin with this solution and wash it using gentle movements, as the filling will absorb water and increase the weight of the pillow, which poses a risk of a seam ripping. Leave it in the water for a while and gently press it to remove most of the water; do not try to wring it out, as this may damage the filling. Then rinse with clean water and press it again to remove the water.

Step 3. Machine wash:

If your pillow is machine washable, then use a gentle cycle and a water temperature up to 30 Celcius. If you are only washing one pillow, add other fabrics to maintain balance. In any case, make sure the washing machine drum is neither overloaded nor minimally filled. Add liquid detergent that does not contain chlorine or enzymes that may damage the respective filling. Liquid detergent will dissolve better and will not leave residues on your pillow. To prevent the pillow covers from being damaged, you can wash them while they are placed in their pillowcases. Repeat the rinse a second time to ensure the detergent is completely washed out.  

Step 4. Dry properly:

After washing, dry the pillow carefully to prevent mold and bacteria from growing. If the manufacturer allows it, you can use a dryer. Choose the gentlest setting or the low-temperature drying function. A safe solution is to let the pillow air dry naturally in a well-ventilated and sunny area in a horizontal position and shake it periodically to properly distribute its filling. 

How do I wash Foam, Silk, or Latex pillows?

Pillows with foam, silk, or latex filling usually cannot be washed in the washing machine. However, this does not mean you should leave them dirty, as that would make them unhealthy. You can take care of these types of pillows either at the dry cleaner or with the two simple steps below:

Clean it with a damp cloth 

You can remove stains and bacteria with a damp cloth. Dip a cloth in a basin with a small amount of mild detergent or liquid green soap, and after wringing it out well so that it does not transfer moisture, wipe the surface with gentle movements. Then, use a dry cloth to remove any remaining solution. 

Vacuum it

Remove dust and debris using a vacuum cleaner. For a home dry clean, attach the appropriate accessory to the vacuum nozzle and carefully go over the entire surface. To get rid of any unpleasant odors, you can sprinkle the pillow with baking soda, and after leaving it for a while, vacuum it up with the vacuum cleaner.

Useful tips for sleeping pillow care:

Daily care:

• Air out and shake the pillow daily. This way, the moisture created during sleep will be removed, and you will free it from dust and germs. 

Use a pillowcase:

• The pillowcase protects the duvet/pillow and is resistant to washing, which is not the case for most pillow fillings. 

Vinegar and baking soda: 

• You can add vinegar and baking soda to the basin or washing machine to perform a deeper cleaning and whitening on your pillow. 

Frequent turning over: 

• Frequently turn the pillow over to the other side so that it remains uniform and uncomfortable and unsightly depressions are not created in its filling.

Tennis balls:

• Tennis balls keep the pillows fluffy! Place 2-3 tennis balls in the drum of the washing machine or dryer, and they will beat the filling and keep it fluffy.

Washing every 4-5 months:

• The recommended washing frequency for a pillow is 2 to 3 times a year, but this may vary depending on use and stains. As for the pillowcases, you can wash them 2-3 times a month. 

Hydrogen peroxide for stains: 

• If your pillow is white, you can use hydrogen peroxide topically to remove a stain from makeup, blood, coffee, or food. Do not try it on colored fabrics, as there is a possibility of fading. 

When should I replace my sleeping pillow?

Replacing your sleeping pillow depends on many factors, including the quality of the pillow and your personal preferences. However, there are some general guidelines you can consider:

1. Quality and condition:

If your pillow has lost its original support and softness or if you notice damage, lumps, and leaks, then it is time to replace it.

2. Pain and tiring sleep:

If you notice pain in your neck, shoulder, or back after waking up, the pillow probably is not providing the correct support. In this case, it is good to consider replacing it.

3. Time:

Usually, a sleeping pillow has a lifespan of about 1 to 2 years, depending on the frequency and manner of use. If you have had the same pillow for a longer period of time, it is likely that it needs replacement. Higher quality pillows can last up to five years. 

4. Sweating: 

If your pillow causes increased sweating, you should replace it, as it is no longer as breathable as it should be. 

What do the icons on the care instructions symbolize?

Most linens have instructions on how to wash, iron, and dry the products. Generally, you should know that the basin symbolizes washing with water, the circle symbolizes dry cleaning, the triangle symbolizes bleaching, and the iron symbolizes ironing. Some of the most common washing symbols are the following:

To choose the perfect pillow for you, consult the corresponding sleeping pillow buying guide from designdrops and visit our linens category to find sleeping pillows and many other quality products!