How to Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine: Make Your Pillows Snow-White Again

Pillows are essential for a good night’s sleep, but over time, they can accumulate dirt, sweat, oils, and even dust mites. These buildups can leave your pillows looking yellowed, flat, and less inviting. The good news? You don’t have to toss them out. You can easily wash most pillows in a washing machine to restore their freshness and fluffiness. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to wash your pillows in the washing machine, leaving them snow-white and good as new.

Why You Should Wash Your Pillows

Washing pillows regularly helps keep them fresh, clean, and free from allergens like dust mites, bacteria, and mold. It also helps preserve the longevity of your pillows, preventing them from becoming musty or lumpy. Most pillows should be washed every 3 to 6 months, though if you have allergies or notice stains or odors, you may want to wash them more frequently.

Can All Pillows Be Washed in a Washing Machine?

Before you toss your pillows in the machine, it’s important to know that not all pillows can be machine-washed. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Feather and Down Pillows: These can usually be washed in a washing machine, but they require special care. Feather pillows tend to lose their shape and fluffiness more easily than synthetic ones, so it’s crucial to follow the correct washing and drying procedures.
Memory Foam Pillows: These should never be washed in a washing machine. Memory foam can absorb too much water and lose its structure. Instead, spot clean them or use a pillow protector to keep them clean.
Synthetic Fiber Pillows: These are typically machine-washable and are the easiest to care for.
Latex Pillows: Like memory foam, latex pillows should not be machine-washed, as the water can damage the material.

Always check the care label on your pillows before washing to ensure they can withstand the washing machine cycle.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine

Now that you know which pillows are safe to wash, let’s get into the step-by-step process of washing them to make them snow-white again.

What You’ll Need:

Laundry detergent (preferably mild and gentle)
Baking soda (for extra freshness)
White vinegar (optional, for removing stains)
Dryer balls or clean tennis balls (to fluff the pillows while drying)

1. Check the Care Label

Always begin by reading the care instructions on your pillow’s tag. This will give you the most accurate guidance, especially for special materials like down or memory foam. If the label indicates that the pillow is machine washable, you can proceed with the steps below.

2. Pre-Treat Stains (Optional)

If your pillows have visible stains (like yellowing or body oils), it’s a good idea to pre-treat them before tossing them in the wash. Here’s how:

For yellow stains or body oils: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the stained areas. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before brushing it off.
For general stains: Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly to the stained area, gently rubbing it in with your fingers. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing.

For extra stain-fighting power, you can also add a half-cup of white vinegar to the washing machine during the rinse cycle. It will help to break down oils and freshen the fabric.

3. Load the Washing Machine

Balance the Load: It’s important to balance the load when washing pillows. If you’re washing two pillows, put them in together to ensure the load is balanced. This helps prevent the machine from becoming unbalanced during the spin cycle.
Use a Large Load Setting: Set the machine to a large load setting with warm water (not hot, which can damage certain fabrics). Hot water may also cause memory foam or down pillows to shrink or lose shape.

4. Add Detergent and Optional Additives

Mild Detergent: Add a mild, gentle laundry detergent to the washing machine. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue that affects the pillow’s softness.
Baking Soda: For extra cleaning power, you ca

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