Here’s a simple, effective way to clean dirty bed pillows so they come out white, fresh, and sweet-smelling 🛏️✨
(Works for most cotton, down, and synthetic pillows—just check the tag first.)
🧼 How to Clean Dirty Bed Pillows
✅ What You’ll Need
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%) or oxygen bleach (optional, for whitening)
- Hot water
- Dryer balls or clean tennis balls
🌀 Washing Method (Washer)
1️⃣ Check the Label
- Machine-washable: Cotton, polyester, down
- Do NOT machine wash: Memory foam or latex (spot clean only)
2️⃣ Pre-Treat Stains (Optional but Powerful)
For yellowing or sweat stains:
- Mix:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide
- Gently scrub stained areas
- Let sit 15–30 minutes
3️⃣ Load the Washer
- Wash two pillows at once (keeps washer balanced)
- Use hot water (best for killing dust mites & odors)
4️⃣ Add Cleaning Boosters
Add directly to the drum:
- Normal amount of detergent
- ½ cup baking soda (odor removal)
- ½ cup white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment (freshness)
💡 Skip fabric softener—it traps odors.
5️⃣ Extra Rinse
Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all residue.
☀️ Drying for Fluff & Freshness
- Dry on low to medium heat
- Add dryer balls or tennis balls to restore fluff
- Pause halfway and fluff pillows by hand
- Dry completely (any moisture = mildew risk)
🌿 For extra freshness:
- Sun-dry for 30–60 minutes if possible (natural whitening + deodorizing)
🌸 How to Make Pillows Smell Sweet
- Add 5–10 drops essential oil (lavender or lemon) to dryer balls
- OR place a sachet of baking soda + dried herbs near pillows after drying
🚫 For Memory Foam Pillows
❌ Do not machine wash
✔ Spot clean with mild detergent
✔ Sprinkle baking soda, let sit 1 hour, vacuum
✔ Air dry completely
🕰️ How Often to Wash Pillows
- Every 3–4 months
- Pillow protectors: wash monthly
- Replace pillows every 1.5–2 years