How To Care For Your Pillow
Regular cleaning is key to keeping your pillows at their optimal best. If neglected and unwashed, pillows can attract bacteria, mildew, and bed bugs. This can be troublesome for those with sensitive skin or allergies. If you have chronic nasal congestion and sneezing, your pillows require attention. In addition to routine washing, it's a good practice to fluff and air out your pillows daily to prevent the accumulation of moisture and unpleasant odors.
Pillow Washing Instructions
Before washing, we recommend reviewing the care instructions that come with your pillow. In most cases, pillows with fillings made from cotton, feathers, down, and fiberfill can be machine-washed. Check your pillow for yellowish, dark stains. Pre-treat stains by mixing mild detergent, water, and vinegar and applying it directly to the affected areas. Allow it to sit briefly, then gently brush to lift the stains. Subsequently, set your washing machine to “gentle” and use a natural, eco-friendly detergent combined with white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water.
Most pillows made from memory foam and latex cannot be machine-washed, so it’s important to check the care instructions beforehand. If your pillow can be hand-washed, fill a large basin with water and mix in mild detergent and white vinegar. Submerge for a few minutes, then use a soft brush to remove any persistent stains. Rinse with clean water and carefully squeeze out excess water.
Drying Your Pillow
Check the care instructions to see if your pillow can be placed in the dryer. If so, set the dryer to low and dry accordingly. Your pillow may lose its shape, but don’t worry—it can be easily fluffed back to its original form.
If your pillow cannot be dried in the dryer, you can air-dry it. Spread a towel on a flat surface and lay the pillow on top. The towel will absorb excess water and moisture from the pillow, allowing it to dry quickly. Alternatively, you can use a drying rack. Make sure your pillow is fluffed back to its original shape before drying. (Pro tip: Never hang your pillow to dry, as this will give it a distorted, uneven appearance.)
The best way of drying your pillows is through natural means. Sunlight is an antiseptic, killing microbes that can be harmful to your health. After washing, squeeze your pillow to remove excess water and lay it flat outside your home. The open-air and sunlight will dry it in no time. If your pillow smells of mildew, sun exposure is an eco-friendly alternative to strong detergents. Simply leave your pillow to dry out in the sun and let Mother Nature work her magic. If that doesn’t work, try baking soda—no need to use water. Just sprinkle baking soda on your pillow and leave it for a few hours, then brush it off using your hand or vacuum cleaner.
Added Protection for Your Pillows
Protect your health and pillow by giving it the extra care it needs. Made from our exclusive 100% CleanBamboo® Lyocell, try our CleanBamboo® Signature Sateen Pillowcase Sets. It’s smooth as silk, breathable, and hypoallergenic.
Go the extra mile and pair it with our CleanBamboo® Pillow Protector. It has a built-in soft cushion designed to make your pillow softer. Its waterproof TPU lining adds another layer of protection against spills, dust, and dirt.
FAQs
How do you maintain a pillow?
To maintain your pillows in top condition, it's essential to clean them regularly. Unwashed pillows can harbor bacteria, mildew, and bed bugs, which can irritate sensitive skin. Persistent nasal congestion and sneezing may indicate your pillows need cleaning. Besides washing, daily fluffing and airing out help prevent moisture buildup and odors. It’s always best to read the care instructions of your pillow, as some are not machine-washable.
How often do pillows need to be washed?
How often you wash your pillows depends on the material and how often you use them, but generally, aim for every 3 to 6 months. Synthetic or polyester pillows can be machine-washed and dried. Memory foam pillows cannot be machine-washed. Spot clean with mild detergent and air dry thoroughly.
What is the lifespan of a pillow?
Replace polyester pillows every six to twelve months. However, cotton, wool, and down pillows have a longer lifespan of three to five years. Memory foam and latex pillows are the most durable and generally last around five years. To check if a cotton, wool, or down pillow needs replacing, fold it in half. If it doesn't regain its shape, it's time for a new one. Other indicators of needing a replacement are persistent stains and a fill that feels hard and doesn't soften.
How to clean a foam pillow?
To clean your foam pillow, first, check the care instructions. If machine washing is not recommended, you can clean it by hand. Submerge the pillow in a basin of water mixed with a mild detergent and either vinegar or baking soda. Leave for several minutes, then gently brush away any stains. Rinse the pillow and carefully squeeze out excess water. Repeat this process as needed until the pillow is clean.
Should new pillows be washed before use?
It’s always a good idea to wash new pillows before use to remove dust and allergens that could be harmful to your health. Should your pillow lose its shape after laundering, fluffing will readily restore it to its original form. The enhanced softness after the initial wash will surprise you!
