How to Wash a Pillow in a Washing Machine — Pillows Will Be Snow-White Again!
Tired of yellowed, musty pillows? You don’t need to toss them—just wash them the right way and they’ll come out fresh, fluffy, and snow-white like new! Most pillows (especially synthetic and feather/down ones) can go right in your washing machine with a little care. Here’s the trick:
You’ll Need:
– 1 cup of laundry detergent
– 1 cup of white vinegar
– 1/2 cup of baking soda
– 1/2 cup of borax (optional, but great for deep whitening)
– Hot water
– 2 pillows (for balanced washing)
Instructions:
- Check the Label:
Make sure your pillow is machine-washable. Most polyester, feather, and down pillows are, but memory foam is not. - Pre-Soak (Optional but Powerful):
Fill your bathtub or a bucket with hot water. Add the detergent, vinegar, baking soda, and borax. Soak your pillows for 30–60 minutes to break down deep stains and odors. - Washing Time:
Place 2 pillows in the machine for balance. Add your whitening mix (if not pre-soaked, just pour ingredients into the drum). - Use the Hottest Water Cycle:
Select a hot water setting with an extra rinse if available. This helps kill germs and remove all residue. - Spin Well:
Use a gentle cycle but a strong spin at the end to remove moisture. - Dry Thoroughly:
Put pillows in the dryer with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to fluff them up. Use low heat for down/feather or medium heat for synthetic. Make sure they’re completely dry to avoid mold.
Tips for Freshness:
– Wash pillows every 3–4 months.
– Air them out in the sun occasionally.
– Use pillow protectors to prevent sweat and oil stains.
Result:
Your pillows will come out soft, fluffy, and visibly whiter—just like new!
Want a homemade freshener spray for after-drying? Let me know!
