I’m a laundry pro – how to wash any type of pillow at home and know when they need replacing

A GOOD pillow is a key to getting a good night’s sleep. A laundry expert has broken down how to wash any pillow – and also at what point you should just throw it in the trash. Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab, explains how each kind of pillow, whether it is […]

A GOOD pillow is a key to getting a good night’s sleep.

A laundry expert has broken down how to wash any pillow – and also at what point you should just throw it in the trash.

Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab, explains how each kind of pillow, whether it is foam, down, or fiberfill has certain requirements for cleaning.

Some can be put in the wash, and others need dry cleaning or spot cleaning.

Others can not be put in the front-loading washing machine.

The best thing to do is to look at the care tag on the pillow to see how it should best be cleaned.

If the tag is worn or lost, you’re in luck.

Forte put together a guide for how to clean Down, FiberFIll, and solid foam pillows.

Most Down and Fiberfill Pillows can be tossed in the washer.

 Forte recommends placing two pillows in the washing machine at a time, to ensure they are evenly cleaned.

Any type of washing machine is fine to use, but if you have to use one with a middle agitator, it is best to place the pillows in vertically to ensure there is no damage.

Then, Forte says to wash them on a gentle cycle with warm water, and add an extra cold water rinse, and spin cycle.

Finally, add a little detergent, and tumble the pillows on low heat in the dryer, stopping a few times to fluff them and break up any forming lumps by hand. It is best to use dryer balls.

Unfortunately, you cannot put memory or latex pillows in the washer. 

For solid foam pillows, follow the care tag, or toss the pillowcases in the washer on the normal or casual cycle with warm to hot water and detergent.

Then vacuum any dirt or dust on the pillow itself, or place it in the dryer on no-heat or air only for 20 minutes. 

You can spot clean any soiled areas with a damp cloth and a “sudsy soap solution,” Forte said.

Allow the pillow to air dry completely before putting it back in place.

But sometimes your pillow might be beyond saving, and it might be time to get rid of it.

“If you fold the pillow in half, and it doesn’t spring back into shape, plan for a shopping trip,” Forte explained.

Pillows having a foul odor is another reason to go shopping.

Pillows should be washed once every four months and have liners in order to maximize their lifespan.