Pillows get a lot of use, so it will be no surprise that they get dirty.
Watch: How to wash pillows
A common question many people want to know is whether you can wash pillows in the washing machine.
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The answer is: it depends on what your pillow is made of and the care instructions written on the tag of your pillow.
However, there are some steps you can take to avoid needing to put your pillow in the washing machine.
How to wash your pillow without putting it in the wash
Nicole Gibson is the laundry queen at Söka Australia. She says the best way to clean your pillows is to air them out when washing your sheets.
“The best way to hygienically clean bed pillows is to air them when changing the sheets, followed by a spray of the Norwex mattress spray, which will not only remove but eliminate any organic matter with its live enzymes,” says Nicole.
“This spray is a must-have for those who suffer from dust allergies.”
Another way to avoid putting your pillows in the washing machine is to use a pillow protector.
“It’s also best practice to use a pillow protector, as this will significantly reduce any body oils, sweat, and the after-effects of wet hair transferring to the pillow,” says Nicole. “If you can avoid washing your pillow, that’s a definite bonus.”
She adds: “Always check pillow expiry dates to ensure your pillow isn’t harbouring years’ worth of dust, bacteria, and dead skin cells.
“The filling of cheaper pillows tends to disintegrate in the wash, leaving pillows less fluffy and supportive.”
How to clean a pillow
Nicole shares step-by-step instructions for cleaning pillows on the Söka Australia Instagram page.
- Remove the pillow case and wash it separately. (Read our article on how to whiten yellowing pillow cases.)
- Spray once on each side with Norwex mattress spray.
- Wipe any marks with a damp microfibre cloth.
- Leave to dry thoroughly.
How to wash your pillows in the washing machine
If you need to wash your pillows, Chantel Mia (aka mama_mila_ on TikTok) shared a quick video on how she cleans them without making them lumpy.
- If your care instructions say your pillows can be machine washed, Chantel’s video says it’s best to wash them two at a time to balance the drum.
- Next, she adds liquid laundry detergent and some eucalyptus oil to remove dust mites before washing them in warm water.
- Chantel dries her pillows in the sun and pops them in the dryer with a knotted shirt to help fluff them up again and stop them from going lumpy.
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