{"id":6315,"date":"2023-08-06T02:08:39","date_gmt":"2023-08-05T19:08:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=6315"},"modified":"2023-08-06T02:08:39","modified_gmt":"2023-08-05T19:08:39","slug":"how-to-clean-pillows-and-keep-them-fresh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=6315","title":{"rendered":"How To Clean Pillows and Keep Them Fresh"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-franchise outlines-corners relative p-[20px] mt-[30px] sm:flex sm:items-start sm:flex-row\" style=\"min-height:105.83762886598px\">\n<div class=\"article-franchise__text text-default mt-[10px] text-center inline sm:inline-block sm:mt-0 sm:text-left\"> <span class=\"italic text-gray\">With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they\u2019re betting you\u2019ll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping!<\/span><span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/shop\/\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/shop\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Explore the SHOP<\/a><\/span> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>In the summertime, you\u2019re likely looking for a slightly different (read: cooler) bed experience than you are in the colder months. Part of achieving that is making sure all your bed linens, like your sheets and duvet, are just right to support summer sleeping.<\/p>\n<p>But there\u2019s one core piece of your bed tableau that\u2019s likely not getting enough love\u2014your pillows. To be sure, you probably swap out your pillowcases as needed, but how often do you actually clean your pillows? Lumpy, heavy pillows streaked with sweat\u2014or covered with allergen-agitating dust mites\u2014don\u2019t exactly make for a refreshing slumber.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>Why you want to clean your pillows<\/h2>\n<p>You (ideally) spend lots of time lying on your pillows sleeping, and while you&#8217;re catching those zzz&#8217;s you&#8217;re sweating, producing oil, and shedding skin cells (sloughed off skin cells are a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK26865\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK26865\/\">main component of household dust<\/a>). According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.audubondermatology.com\/about\/deirdre-hooper-md\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.audubondermatology.com\/about\/deirdre-hooper-md\/\">Deirdre Hooper, MD<\/a>, board-certified dermatologist at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.audubondermatology.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.audubondermatology.com\/\">Audubon Dermatology<\/a> in New Orleans, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/mattress-cover-protects-from-dust-mite-allergies\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/mattress-cover-protects-from-dust-mite-allergies\/\">allergy inducing dust mites<\/a>, the microscopic pests that feed on these dead skin cells, can accumulate in your bedding\u2014and, most notably, your pillows.<\/p>\n<p>Dust mites love <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11149998\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11149998\/\">humid and moist environments<\/a>, so introducing moisture into the mix\u2014through sweating, drooling, or even sleeping with wet hair\u2014can create an environment where dust mites and bacteria could thrive. All of this can kick off allergies. &#8220;Your pillow can certainly harbor dust mites, and they grow better in warm weather, so a few more are probably building up [in the summer],&#8221; says Dr. Hooper. &#8220;If you&#8217;re having trouble with allergies or sneezing, it certainly could be dust mites you&#8217;re breathing in through your pillow.&#8221;<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;Your pillow can certainly harbor dust mites, and they grow better in warm weather so a few more are probably building up [in the summer].&#8221;\u2014dermatologist Deirdre Hooper, MD<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>It&#8217;s a good idea to clean your pillows every three months or so to reduce the accumulation of dust mites and moisture, suggests Dr. Hooper. You don&#8217;t need to launder pillows as often as pillowcases, which act as a barrier and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-often-wash-pillowcases\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-often-wash-pillowcases\/\">should be swapped out weekly<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-to-clean-pillows\/\" current-title=\"How To Clean Pillows, Keep Them From Yellowing, and Freshen \u2018Em Up for Comfier Summer Sleeping\" current-image=\"GettyImagesCleanPillows-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-02-05\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-to-clean-pillows\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-to-clean-pillows\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-to-clean-pillows\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Refreshing your pillows is a good idea for aesthetic reasons, too. Remember that mention of moisture? If you\u2019re a hot sleeper prone to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/sweating-at-night-hydration\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/sweating-at-night-hydration\/\">sweating at night<\/a>, you may find your pillows streaked with yellow sweat stains; the minerals in your sweat are responsible for the stains. (Dr. Hooper says there\u2019s no danger leaving them there, but certainly, for aesthetic reasons, you may want to remove them.)<\/p>\n<h2>How to clean every type of pillow<\/h2>\n<p>The best way to clean your pillow depends on its material. Using your washer and dryer is the path of least resistance toward clean pillows, and works for pillows filled with down feathers or synthetic fibers. Before you do anything, be sure to read and follow any care tags on your pillows, which give specific instructions for how to clean them.<\/p>\n<p>In general,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cleanmama.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/cleanmama.com\/about\/\">Becky Rapinchuk<\/a>, cleaning expert and author of <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FClean-Mamas-Guide-Healthy-Room%2Fdp%2F0062856316%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx11214-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-clean-pillows%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-clean-pillows%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Clean-Mamas-Guide-Healthy-Room\/dp\/0062856316\/\"><em>Clean Mama\u2019s Guide to a Healthy Home<\/em><\/a>, says many pillows, such as down, synthetic, or down-alternative, are fine in the washer and dryer. However, down pillows may require \u201ca little extra care\u201d to keep the feathers fluffy and to hold their shape. The one type of pillow you should always plan to hand clean? \u201cIf you have a latex or foam pillow you don\u2019t want to put it in the wash because it will melt and disintegrate, especially if you put it in the dryer,\u201d says Rapinchuck. Here\u2019s a breakdown of how to clean different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/pillow-filling-types\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/pillow-filling-types\/\">pillow filling types<\/a>:<\/p>\n<h3>Feather, down, or down-alternative pillows<\/h3>\n<p><strong>1. Pre-treat stains<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Pre-treating stains, like yellow sweat marks, drool, or blood, helps them lift more easily, whether you\u2019re cleaning your pillow by hand or in a washing machine. Rapinchuk recommends using a concentrated laundry spray or an oxygen cleaner to attack all sorts of pesky stains. \u201cIt has <a href=\"https:\/\/pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/compound\/Sodium-percarbonate\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/compound\/Sodium-percarbonate\">sodium percarbonate<\/a> in it, which is dried hydrogen peroxide, and it gives a bit of that bleaching action you want without using actual bleach,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Balance the pillows in your machine<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Pillows are absorbent, so you don\u2019t want to use more water than necessary when you clean them. If you\u2019re able to adjust the load settings on your washing machine, Rapinchuk recommends using enough water so the pillows are saturated and covered, but not enough so the whole drum is full. Pillows are absorbent, so too much water will mean a much longer cleaning time, and probably a couple extra spin cycles to wring out all that extra water.<\/p>\n<p>Stick to washing two or three pillows at a time to avoid overfilling your washing machine. This way, each pillow will be touched. \u201cYou want to make sure that water is free flowing and doing a good job,\u201d she says. If your pillows are still dripping wet at the end of the cycle, Rapinchuk recommends running an extra spin cycle.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. If you\u2019re handwashing, fill a basin<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/askcindyhow.com\/about-cindy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/askcindyhow.com\/about-cindy\/\">Cindy Inman<\/a>, founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/askcindyhow.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/askcindyhow.com\/\">Ask Cindy How<\/a> and a cleaning expert with more than 35 years of experience, likes to use a basin in her laundry room to wash her pillows. After pretreating your pillows for stains, soak the pillows in a basin of warm water for 20 minutes, then carefully wring out as much water as possible. You can either finish the job in your washer and dryer, hang them on a clothesline, or lay them flat on a clean towel to dry.<\/p>\n<h3>Memory foam, gel, or latex pillows<\/h3>\n<p>Many foam pillows come with protective coverings that are machine washable; if yours has this, Rapinchuk and Inman recommend removing this case and laundering it according to the care tag\u2019s instructions.<\/p>\n<p>After treating any stains, use a soft cleaning cloth and a small amount of soapy water to gently clean the whole pillow. \u201cYou\u2019re not soaking it, you\u2019re just going on the surface,\u201d says Inman. Let the pillow air dry, and don&#8217;t put your case back on until you&#8217;re sure the whole pillow is completely dry.<\/p>\n<h2>The best laundry products to use to clean your pillows<\/h2>\n<div class=\"theme-main-2020\">\n<div class=\"wg-inline-shopable\">\n<div class=\"pb-[20px] sm:pb-[35px] sm:flex justify-between\">\n<div class=\"w-full\">\n<figure class=\"block w-full wg-inline-shopable__figure p-0 m-0 mb-[25px]\"> <a data-vars-event=\"product image\" data-vars-info=\"Charlie%27s+Soap%2C+Laundry+Liquid\" href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCharlies-Soap-Laundry-Liquid-Gallon%2Fdp%2FB08BJ91WR2%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dwgtrx11214-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-clean-pillows%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-clean-pillows%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Charlies-Soap-Laundry-Liquid-Gallon\/dp\/B08BJ91WR2?th=1\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/CharliesSoapDetergent_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\" class=\"block w-full no-pin\" alt=\"\"\/> <\/a><figcaption class=\"text-center text-caption--article text-gray-light block mt-[10px]\"\/> <\/figure>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCharlies-Soap-Laundry-Liquid-Gallon%2Fdp%2FB08BJ91WR2%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dwgtrx11214-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-clean-pillows%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-clean-pillows%2F&amp;event_type=click\" class=\"wg-inline-shopable__subtitle-link\" data-vars-event=\"product name\" data-vars-info=\"Charlie%27s+Soap%2C+Laundry+Liquid\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Charlies-Soap-Laundry-Liquid-Gallon\/dp\/B08BJ91WR2?th=1\"> <\/p>\n<p>Charlie&#8217;s Soap, Laundry Liquid \u2014 $21.00<\/p>\n<p> <\/a> <\/p>\n<div class=\"text-big mb-[5px] wg-inline-shopable__content mt-[10px]\">\n<p>Inman is a fan of Charlie\u2019s Soap\u2019s entire line, and regularly recommends its products to her customers. This is her preferred liquid detergent to clean pillows, whether in the washing machine or by hand.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/p>\n<div class=\"theme-main-2020\">\n<div class=\"wg-inline-shopable\">\n<div class=\"pb-[20px] sm:pb-[35px] sm:flex justify-between\">\n<div class=\"w-full\">\n<figure class=\"block w-full wg-inline-shopable__figure p-0 m-0 mb-[25px]\"> <a data-vars-event=\"product image\" data-vars-info=\"OxiClean%2C+Laundry+Stain+Remover+Spray\" href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOxiclean-Stain-Remover-Spray-21-5%2Fdp%2FB001B181G2%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx11214-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-clean-pillows%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-clean-pillows%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Oxiclean-Stain-Remover-Spray-21-5\/dp\/B001B181G2\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Oxicleanliquid_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\" class=\"block w-full no-pin\" alt=\"\"\/> <\/a><figcaption class=\"text-center text-caption--article text-gray-light block mt-[10px]\"\/> <\/figure>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOxiclean-Stain-Remover-Spray-21-5%2Fdp%2FB001B181G2%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx11214-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-clean-pillows%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-clean-pillows%2F&amp;event_type=click\" class=\"wg-inline-shopable__subtitle-link\" data-vars-event=\"product name\" data-vars-info=\"OxiClean%2C+Laundry+Stain+Remover+Spray\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Oxiclean-Stain-Remover-Spray-21-5\/dp\/B001B181G2\"> <\/p>\n<p>OxiClean, Laundry Stain Remover Spray \u2014 $6.00<\/p>\n<p> <\/a> <\/p>\n<div class=\"text-big mb-[5px] wg-inline-shopable__content mt-[10px]\">\n<p>Inman likes this premixed, sprayable version of OxiClean, a powerful enzyme stain remover, to treat any marks like sweat stains on pillows. Let the solution sit on the pillow to penetrate the stain. The spray bottle\u2019s nozzle makes spot cleaning quicker and less messy than mixing a powder version with water. \u201cIt rinses out well without leaving any residue,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/p>\n<div class=\"theme-main-2020\">\n<div class=\"wg-inline-shopable\">\n<div class=\"pb-[20px] sm:pb-[35px] sm:flex justify-between\">\n<div class=\"w-full\">\n<figure class=\"block w-full wg-inline-shopable__figure p-0 m-0 mb-[25px]\"> <a data-vars-event=\"product image\" data-vars-info=\"OxiClean%2C+Versatile+Stain+Remover+Powder\" href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOxiClean-Versatile-Stain-Remover-Powder%2Fdp%2FB00QKIHOY6%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx11214-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-clean-pillows%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-clean-pillows%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/OxiClean-Versatile-Stain-Remover-Powder\/dp\/B00QKIHOY6\/\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/oxyclean1_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\" class=\"block w-full no-pin\" alt=\"\"\/> <\/a><figcaption class=\"text-center text-caption--article text-gray-light block mt-[10px]\"\/> <\/figure>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOxiClean-Versatile-Stain-Remover-Powder%2Fdp%2FB00QKIHOY6%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx11214-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-clean-pillows%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-clean-pillows%2F&amp;event_type=click\" class=\"wg-inline-shopable__subtitle-link\" data-vars-event=\"product name\" data-vars-info=\"OxiClean%2C+Versatile+Stain+Remover+Powder\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/OxiClean-Versatile-Stain-Remover-Powder\/dp\/B00QKIHOY6\/\"> <\/p>\n<p>OxiClean, Versatile Stain Remover Powder \u2014 $9.00<\/p>\n<p> <\/a> <\/p>\n<div class=\"text-big mb-[5px] wg-inline-shopable__content mt-[10px]\">\n<p><strong>Originally $11, now $9<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Inman swears by OxiClean\u2019s powder bleach alternative to keep pillows clean and white in the washing machine. Follow the package directions and add the powder to help eliminate any gross yellow sweat stains.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/p>\n<div class=\"theme-main-2020\">\n<div class=\"wg-inline-shopable\">\n<div class=\"pb-[20px] sm:pb-[35px] sm:flex justify-between\">\n<div class=\"w-full\">\n<figure class=\"block w-full wg-inline-shopable__figure p-0 m-0 mb-[25px]\"> <a data-vars-event=\"product image\" data-vars-info=\"Gerber%2C+Unisex+Prefold+Cloth+Diapers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Gerber-Birdseye-3-Ply-Prefold-Diapers\/dp\/B007VBYVWE\/\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Gerber-Birdseye-3-Ply-Prefold-Diapers\/dp\/B007VBYVWE\/\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ClothDiapers-1_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\" class=\"block w-full no-pin\" alt=\"\"\/> <\/a><figcaption class=\"text-center text-caption--article text-gray-light block mt-[10px]\"\/> <\/figure>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGerber-Birdseye-3-Ply-Prefold-Diapers%2Fdp%2FB007VBYVWE%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx11214-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-clean-pillows%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-clean-pillows%2F&amp;event_type=click\" class=\"wg-inline-shopable__subtitle-link\" data-vars-event=\"product name\" data-vars-info=\"Gerber%2C+Unisex+Prefold+Cloth+Diapers\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Gerber-Birdseye-3-Ply-Prefold-Diapers\/dp\/B007VBYVWE\/\"> <\/p>\n<p>Gerber, Unisex Prefold Cloth Diapers \u2014 $14.00<\/p>\n<p> <\/a> <\/p>\n<div class=\"text-big mb-[5px] wg-inline-shopable__content mt-[10px]\">\n<p>Yes, these are cloth, 100 percent cotton baby diapers\u2014but Inman says these make the best cleaning cloths. Here\u2019s her justification: \u201cIt\u2019s soft so it doesn\u2019t tear into the fabric\u2019s fibers, and you can see dirt, which means you can see what you\u2019re accomplishing,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019m very specific about this because we don\u2019t want to use just any type of cloth to wipe up.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>  <\/p>\n<h2>How to dry your pillows<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Use dryer balls or tennis balls: <\/strong>Once your pillows are ready for the dryer, Rapinchuk recommends tossing in some wool dryer balls to fluff the pillows and keep them moving in the machine. \u201cIt will help to return those fibers to their natural fluffy state,\u201d she says. A clean tennis ball works too, though Rapinchuk notes these can be loud and there\u2019s a chance the green or yellow dye could transfer, depending on the type of ball you use. To avoid any dye transfer from tennis balls, put them in a white sock and tie them off.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Stick to low or medium heat: <\/strong>No matter what type of pillow you\u2019re washing, Rapinchuk says blasting them with the highest dryer temperature isn\u2019t necessary to clean them sufficiently and can in fact damage your pillow. Stick to low or medium heat to keep the integrity of the filling intact.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flip the pillows:<\/strong> Keep an eye on what\u2019s happening in the dryer to make sure each pillow holds its shape and is actually drying. Rapinchuk recommends periodically opening the dryer door to make sure the pillows are circulating and not losing their shape; if you\u2019re wondering how to wash a feather pillow without clumping, for example, and notice that all the feathers are bunched at one end, take it out and redistribute them before tossing it back in.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Use the sun: <\/strong>If it\u2019s a dry, sunny day, you can also place your pillows outside to dry. Lay out a towel on a flat, clean surface and let them air dry; when one side feels dry, flip it over and do the other. \u201cThe sun is going to help bleach out any residual stains, and assuming it\u2019s warm it\u2019ll make sure everything is dry on the inside,\u201d says Rapinchuk. Don\u2019t do this if you can\u2019t find a clean spot to put your pillows or if it\u2019s humid.<\/p>\n<h2>How to refresh your pillows without washing them<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes you need a bit of a refresh but don\u2019t have time to undergo a full cleaning process. Rapinchuk recommends turning to your bar cart for help in this case: \u201cGive it a nice spritz with plain vodka or isopropyl alcohol,\u201d she says. Fill a small spray bottle with a couple of tablespoons of vodka or isopropyl alcohol and mist your pillows lightly (don\u2019t soak them).<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;You can put [the pillow] in the dryer and fluff it up on a warm setting, which will help with germs, too.&#8221;\u2014cleaning expert Becky Rapinchuk<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>When the vodka has dried, either lay your pillow out to dry in the sun or toss it in the dryer for a spell. \u201cYou can put it in the dryer and fluff it up on a warm setting, which will help with the germs, too,\u201d she adds. She recommends employing this trick when you just need a quick clean, or just after you\u2019re recovering from a cold or other illness but you\u2019re not quite ready to do your full post-sick-day cleaning kick.<\/p>\n<h2>How to protect your pillows from yellowing and wear and tear<\/h2>\n<p>The best way to keep your pillows pristine and cut down on cleaning time, both Rapinchuk and Inman say, is to invest in a pillow protector. This way, you&#8217;re creating yet another layer for any moisture and mites to penetrate.<\/p>\n<p>These work exactly how your mattress protector works; the protective sleeve zips shut and goes directly on your pillow (underneath your pillowcase) to provide an extra buffer against sweat, drool, and more. You can wash these just as you would your pillowcase, too; Rapinchuk washes hers every other week and tosses it right into the washer and dryer with her other bedding.<\/p>\n<p>Inman says the first thing she does whenever she buys a new pillow is encase it in a cotton, hypoallergenic pillow protector. This way, she doesn&#8217;t have to worry about washing her bare pillows often. \u201cWhat is really a pain is targeting specific spots, and worrying about it drying properly, so [this way] all I have to do is take that pillow cover off and wash it,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>For folks prone to allergies especially, Dr. Hooper recommends purchasing dust mite covers for pillows. Encasements with tightly woven fibers may be helpful to reduce dust mites, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/cooling-bamboo-sheets\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/cooling-bamboo-sheets\/\">cooling<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/bedding-for-allergy-sufferers\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/bedding-for-allergy-sufferers\/\">hypoallergenic bedding<\/a> could help reduce the moisture they need to thrive.<\/p>\n<h2>How to know when to change your pillow<\/h2>\n<p>Rapinchuk has a helpful test to know when it\u2019s time to bid your pillow adieu: Holding the pillow from one of the short ends, bend it in half. If it bounces back, the structure is still springy and cushioned enough to provide support. If it stays bent and feels heavy or lumpy, it&#8217;s probably time to replace it. \u201cWhen you don\u2019t have a little bit of a bounce back, it\u2019s probably seen better days,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>If you really don\u2019t want to toss your pillow, you can repurpose it as a decorative pillow that you don\u2019t necessarily sleep on. Rapinchuk recycles her older pillows into pillow sham inserts, which are decorative pieces that sit atop a bed.<\/p>\n<div class=\"disclaimers__after_content mb-[18px] mt-[16px] pt-[16px]\">\n<div class=\"outline-earmark relative mt-[8px] pt-[10px] pl-[20px]\">\n<p>\n            Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they\u2019re betting you\u2019ll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping! 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