You have your linen laundering schedule under control, but forgetting to clean this one item might be compromising the cleanliness of your home. We’re talking about pillows, and according to Marla Mock of Molly Maid, they should be washed at least twice a year. Here, the cleaning expert sounds off on how to deal with pillows that aren’t machine washable, plus factors that require them to be washed more frequently.
Marla Mock is the president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. She is responsible for the company’s overall leadership and growth throughout the U.S.
Factors That Require More Frequent Cleaning
What’s going on outdoors is an important indicator of how often you should wash your pillows. During warm seasons or in climates where heat and humidity are a factor, you should clean your pillows more frequently—Mock suggests every three months.
If allergy sufferers live in your home, you’ll want to keep up with a more frequent cleaning schedule for your pillows. “Over time, pillows accumulate dust mites, bacteria, and allergens, which can affect your health,” says Mock.
How you use your pillows can also contribute to a need for more frequent cleaning.
- If you eat in bed or have pets, wash your pillows quarterly.
- Kids’ pillows should also be washed more frequently.
- Down pillows are more prone to upsetting allergy sufferers, so you might find it helpful to wash pillows with this fill type more often.
Pillow Types That Can’t Be Washed
While it’s ideal to throw your pillows into the machine twice a year (or more frequently if you fit into one of the categories mentioned above), certain fill types aren’t safe for machine washing. Memory foam, latex, and gel pillows should all avoid machine washing, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to cleaning.
Mock says hand-vacuuming and spot-cleaning with a damp cloth should do the trick. Vacuuming is key for removing dust mites and allergens, while spot cleaning can help eliminate odors and other cleanliness issues.
Most other pillows, including down pillows, down alternative, and polyester fill types, are usually safe for machine washing. Just be sure to check your pillow’s care label.
What to Know About Cleaning Pillows
Some Pillows Require Hand-Washing
For pillows that can’t be machine washed, Mock advises this process:
- Fill a bathtub or large sink with warm water and a few drops of liquid detergent.
- Submerge the pillow and let it soak for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the pillow with the warmest water your material can handle.
- Wrap the pillow in a towel and squeeze it to remove any moisture. This helps the pillow maintain its proper shape.
- Let the pillow air-dry completely before putting it back in its cover or case.
Machine Washing Comes With Its Own Pitfalls
If your pillows are OK to throw into the wash, the cleaning process is much easier, but there are still pitfalls to avoid. “The biggest mistake people make is throwing your pillows in with a small load of laundry,” warns Mock. “This can cause your pillow to lump and damage more quickly in the wash.” Instead, the cleaning expert recommends washing two pillows at the same time. This strategy will keep the pillows from becoming lumpy.
Be Wary of Top-Load Washers
If you have a top-load washer, Mock says to place the pillows in the washer vertically to keep them from being damaged. “Be sure to read the care label before washing, and follow the instructions,” she says. “However, if the label is no longer on your pillow, wash both of your pillows at the same time in hot water on a gentle cycle.”
Dry Using the Proper Technique
While staying on top of cleaning your pillows is important, ensuring they’re properly dried is just as important. Mock says that most pillows can be dried in the dryer on the low heat setting but, again, it’s best to consult your pillow’s care tag for best practices. “You can toss in a few tennis balls with the pillow when drying to help loosen up any clumped-up stuffing from washing,” she advises.
