Pillows are one of the most-used items in our homes, yet they’re often overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning. Over time, your pillows absorb more than just dreams—they collect sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and even dust mites. These elements can lead to unpleasant odors, yellow stains, and a buildup of bacteria that can affect your sleep quality and trigger allergies.
Knowing how to wash pillows to remove sweat, odor, and stains is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy sleep environment. Whether you’re dealing with a smelly pillow, trying to get rid of stubborn yellow marks, or simply freshening up your bedding, proper pillow care can make a big difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from pre-treating stains and deodorizing your pillows, to choosing the best washing and drying methods based on your pillow type. You’ll learn how to wash pillows correctly so they stay fresh, fluffy, and long-lasting.
Why Pillows Get Sweaty, Smelly, and Stained
If you’ve ever noticed yellow stains on your pillows or caught a faint musty smell, you’re not alone. Pillows naturally absorb everything from sweat to skin oils—and over time, this leads to discoloration, odors, and even bacteria buildup.
1. Sweat and Body Oils
During sleep, your body releases moisture in the form of sweat, especially if you’re a warm sleeper or live in a humid climate. That moisture doesn’t just disappear—it seeps into your pillow over time. As sweat and oils accumulate, they cause yellowing and create the perfect environment for odors to develop.
2. Dead Skin Cells and Dust Mites
You shed thousands of skin cells every night, and many of them end up on your bedding and pillows. These skin cells attract dust mites, microscopic creatures that thrive in warm, damp environments. Dust mites don’t cause stains, but their presence can worsen pillow odor and aggravate allergies or asthma.
3. Drool, Hair Products, and Cosmetics
Drooling in your sleep or going to bed with products in your hair can add even more moisture, oils, and residues to your pillows. Hair creams, sprays, or unwashed makeup can leave behind stains and contribute to a greasy feel and unpleasant smells over time.
4. Lack of Regular Cleaning
Most people wash their pillowcases frequently, but forget to clean the pillows themselves. Without proper care, pillows can trap months—or even years—worth of sweat and bacteria. That’s why learning how to wash pillows to remove sweat, odor, and stains isn’t just about appearance—it’s also about health and hygiene.
By understanding why pillows get dirty in the first place, you’ll be better prepared to clean and maintain them properly. In the next sections, we’ll explore how often to wash your pillows and the best techniques for tackling different types of stains and odors.
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How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
While most of us are good about washing our pillowcases every week or two, the actual pillow underneath often gets neglected. But just because it’s covered doesn’t mean it’s clean. Sweat, oils, and dust still seep through the fabric and build up inside the pillow over time.
So, how often should you wash your pillows to keep them fresh and free of sweat, odor, and stains?
General Recommendation
As a rule of thumb, you should wash pillows every 3 to 6 months, depending on how much you sweat at night, whether you use a pillow protector, and if you have allergies. Regular cleaning helps extend the life of your pillows while keeping them hygienic and smelling fresh.
Factors That May Require More Frequent Washing
- Heavy Sweating or Hot Sleepers: If you tend to sweat a lot during the night, consider washing your pillows every 2 to 3 months to prevent odor and yellowing.
- Allergies or Asthma: For allergy sufferers, more frequent washing (every 1 to 2 months) can help reduce exposure to dust mites and allergens.
- Sleeping Without a Pillow Protector: Pillow protectors add a barrier against moisture and bacteria. If you don’t use one, your pillow will absorb more sweat and need cleaning more often.
- Visible Stains or Odors: If your pillow smells musty or has visible sweat stains, don’t wait—wash it as soon as possible to prevent deeper staining and bacterial growth.
When to Replace Instead of Wash
Even with regular washing, pillows don’t last forever. If your pillow remains flat, lumpy, or smelly even after cleaning, it might be time for a replacement. Most pillows need to be replaced every 1 to 2 years, depending on the material and how well they’re maintained.
Learning how often to wash pillows is just the start—next, we’ll cover how to check the type of pillow you have so you can clean it the right way without damaging it.
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Pre-Treating Sweat Stains and Odors
Let’s be honest—pillows go through a lot. Between night sweats, drool, and hair products, it’s no surprise they end up stained and smelling… less than fresh. Before you toss your pillows into the washer, giving them a little extra attention can make a big difference. Pre-treating helps remove sweat stains, get rid of odor, and give your pillows the best chance at coming out clean and fluffy.
Here’s how to do it with everyday stuff you probably already have at home:
1. Deodorize with Baking Soda
If your pillow just smells a little funky but isn’t too dirty, baking soda can help freshen it up.
What to do:
- Sprinkle a light, even layer of baking soda over the entire pillow.
- Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Then, vacuum it off using the upholstery tool on your vacuum.
This quick trick helps absorb odors and gives your pillow a nice refresh—even if you’re not doing a full wash right away.
Bonus tip: Add a couple drops of essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus) to the baking soda for a subtle, relaxing scent.
2. Fight Yellow Stains with a DIY Cleaner
Those stubborn yellow stains from sweat are super common—especially if you’ve had the pillow for a while. But you can make a simple (and effective) stain remover with things already in your kitchen.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup hydrogen peroxide (the regular 3% kind)
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 tablespoon dish soap (Dawn works great)
How to use it:
- Mix everything in a bowl.
- Apply it directly to the stained spots using a soft brush or an old toothbrush.
- Let it sit for 30–60 minutes.
- Rinse the area with cool water, or just blot with a damp cloth if you’re not ready to wash it yet.
This little mix works wonders on deep-set stains and helps loosen up all that built-up grime.
3. Cut Odors with White Vinegar
If your pillow smells kind of sour or musty (like it’s been in the back of your closet too long), white vinegar is your friend.
Here’s how:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spritz the surface of the pillow—don’t soak it.
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
- Then move on to washing.
Vinegar helps kill bacteria and neutralize odors, so your pillow smells cleaner before it even hits the washer.
A Quick Heads-Up:
- If your pillow says “dry clean only” on the label, skip the sprays and spot clean gently.
- For memory foam or latex pillows, don’t use too much liquid—just dab the spots instead of soaking them.
Once you’ve pre-treated those stains and smells, your pillow is ready for a full refresh. Up next, we’ll walk you through how to wash pillows in the washing machine—without ruining them.
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How to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine (Without Ruining Them)
Good news: if your pillows are made from materials like polyester, down, or feathers, they’re probably machine washable. But before you throw them in on a heavy cycle with whatever detergent’s nearby, it’s worth taking a few extra steps to make sure you’re not left with a flat, clumpy mess.
Here’s how to wash pillows in the washing machine the right way—so they come out clean, fresh, and still fluffy.
Step 1: Check the Label Again
Yep, one more time. The care tag will confirm whether your pillow can be machine washed and give you tips on water temperature or cycle settings. If it says “spot clean only” or “dry clean only,” skip this section and go back to hand-cleaning or spot treating.
Step 2: Wash Two Pillows at a Time (If You Can)
Washing two pillows at once helps balance your washing machine’s drum and keeps things from getting lopsided during the spin cycle. If your machine’s on the smaller side, one pillow is fine—but definitely don’t overstuff.
Step 3: Use a Mild, Liquid Detergent
Choose a gentle liquid detergent—powders don’t always dissolve well and can leave residue behind. Avoid bleach unless your pillow is white and the tag specifically says it’s safe to use.
Quick Tip: Add about half the normal amount of detergent—too much soap can be hard to rinse out.
Step 4: Select a Gentle Cycle with Warm Water
Set your washer to a gentle or delicate cycle and use warm (not hot!) water. Hot water might damage some fillings, especially in feather or down pillows. Warm water is just right for killing bacteria without harming your pillow.
Step 5: Add Vinegar (Optional but Helpful)
To really tackle pillow odor, you can add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It acts as a natural deodorizer and also helps break down leftover detergent.
Step 6: Rinse Again (If Needed)
If your pillows still feel soapy after one rinse, don’t hesitate to run them through an extra rinse cycle. Better safe than soggy and sudsy!
Now that your pillows are washed, the next step is just as important—drying them properly so they don’t end up lumpy or worse, moldy. Let’s break that down next.
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How to Dry Pillows Properly (So They Stay Fluffy and Fresh)
Washing your pillows is only half the battle—drying them right is just as important to keep them fresh, fluffy, and free from mold or mildew. If pillows stay damp for too long, they can develop a musty smell or even grow bacteria.
Here’s how to dry pillows properly after washing:
1. Use a Dryer with Dryer Balls or Tennis Balls
If your pillows are machine washable, toss them in the dryer on a low heat or air fluff setting. To keep your pillows from clumping up and to help them dry evenly, add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer.
These balls bounce around and break up clumps, fluffing the pillow as it dries—giving you that soft, comfy feel back.
2. Be Patient and Dry Thoroughly
Pillows can take a while to dry completely, sometimes over an hour or more depending on your dryer. Don’t rush the process—make sure the pillows are 100% dry before you take them out. Damp pillows can quickly develop mold or mildew, which defeats the whole point of cleaning!
You can check dryness by pressing gently in the middle—if it still feels cool or damp, pop it back in the dryer for a bit longer.
3. Sun-Dry for a Fresh Boost
If the weather’s nice, put your pillows outside on a clothesline or drying rack for some fresh air and sunshine. Sunlight naturally kills bacteria and helps eliminate odors, plus it gives pillows a nice, clean smell.
Just make sure the pillows are completely dry before putting them back on your bed!
4. Special Tips for Non-Machine Washable Pillows
For memory foam or latex pillows, never put them in the dryer. Instead, lay them flat in a well-ventilated spot to air dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight on memory foam as it can degrade the material.
For more details about drying pillows, please click here
Frequently Ask Question(FAQs)
Can I wash pillows in a front-loading washing machine?
Yes! Front-loaders are usually gentler on pillows because they don’t have an agitator. Just wash two pillows at once to keep the load balanced, use a gentle cycle, and avoid hot water.
How often should I wash my pillows if I sweat a lot at night?
If you’re a heavy sleeper or sweat frequently, washing pillows every 2 to 3 months helps prevent odors and yellow stains. Using pillow protectors can also reduce the need for frequent washing.
Is it safe to use bleach on pillows?
Bleach is generally not recommended unless the care label specifically says it’s safe—especially on colored or down pillows. It can weaken fabrics and fillings. Instead, opt for mild detergents and pre-treat stains with hydrogen peroxide mixtures.
How do I remove pet odors from my pillows?
Pre-treat pillows with baking soda to absorb odors, then wash with a gentle detergent. Adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle also helps neutralize pet smells effectively.
Can I wash memory foam pillows?
Memory foam pillows should not be machine washed. Instead, spot clean stains with mild detergent and water, and air dry completely. To reduce odors, sprinkle baking soda on the surface and vacuum it off after a few hours.
How do I know when to replace my pillows?
Pillows typically last 1 to 2 years. If they remain flat, lumpy, or retain odors even after washing, it’s time to replace them for better support and hygiene.
Conclusion
Keeping your pillows clean and fresh doesn’t have to be a chore. By learning how to wash pillows to remove sweat, odor, and stains properly, you can extend their lifespan and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable night’s sleep. Regular washing combined with simple pre-treating steps helps fight buildup of sweat, oils, and allergens that can otherwise make your pillows less inviting.
Remember to always check the care label and choose the right washing and drying methods based on your pillow type. Whether you have down, synthetic, or memory foam pillows, following the right cleaning routine will prevent damage and keep them fluffy and supportive. Don’t forget—drying thoroughly is key to avoiding musty smells or mold.
With these tips, your pillows will stay fresh, clean, and cozy for months to come. And when it’s time to replace them, you’ll know you’ve gotten the most out of your investment. Sweet dreams start with clean pillows, so go ahead and give your bedding the care it deserves!
