Learn how to safely clean yellow, stained, and musty bed pillows at home and freshen them so they smell clean and feel comfortable again.
Pillows gradually collect sweat, body oils, skin cells, dust, and moisture, which can leave them yellow, stained, or smelling unpleasant. Fortunately, many washable pillows can be refreshed at home with a simple cleaning routine.
1. Check the Care Label First
Before washing, check whether the pillow is machine washable.
- Polyester and many synthetic pillows: usually washable.
- Down or feather pillows: may require special care.
- Memory foam and latex pillows: generally should not be machine washed or soaked.
If the label says dry clean only, follow those instructions.
2. Pre-Treat Yellow or Dirty Areas
For washable pillows, make a gentle cleaning mixture:
- 2 tablespoons liquid laundry detergent
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- Warm water
Apply a small amount to visibly stained areas and gently work it into the fabric. Avoid aggressively scrubbing, which can damage the pillow covering.
3. Wash the Pillows
Place two washable pillows in the washing machine together when possible to help balance the load.
Use:
- A small amount of mild detergent
- Warm water, if permitted by the care label
- An extra rinse cycle if available
Don’t overload the machine. Too much detergent can remain inside the filling and contribute to odors.
4. Dry Them Completely
This is one of the most important steps.
Dry pillows according to their care label. If tumble drying is allowed, use a suitable low or moderate temperature and periodically remove the pillows and fluff them.
Never store or sleep on a pillow that is still damp inside. Moisture trapped in the filling can encourage mold and unpleasant odors.
5. Freshen Between Washes
For pillows that aren’t washable, remove the pillowcase and place the pillow somewhere dry and well ventilated. Allow it to air out thoroughly.
You can also sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over a dry pillow, leave it for several hours, and then vacuum it thoroughly. This can help absorb odors, although it won’t replace proper cleaning.
A Few Important Tips
Avoid mixing household cleaners such as bleach and vinegar. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products.
Also, don’t assume that a pillow needs to be perfectly white to be clean. Yellowing can result from long-term oxidation of sweat and body oils and may not disappear completely after washing.
For hygiene, wash pillowcases regularly and check the pillow itself periodically. If a pillow remains musty after thorough cleaning and drying, has visible mold, or has deteriorated filling, replacing it may be safer and more practical than trying to restore it.