There are many different types of bedroom pillows, largely distinguished by the stuffing or filling used to make them. While each type has its pros and cons, ranging from support to price, some are easier to clean than others.
But before you learn how to clean bedroom pillows, you need to understand the differences between the various fillings.
The Most Common Pillow Fillings
Some pillows are made with natural down and/or feathers, while others are made with synthetic fillings, including various types of foam. The most expensive type of filling is goose down, taken from the breasts of the bird after it has been slaughtered for food. The cheapest type is polyester foam chips, which are quite common but not particularly comfortable.
The most common pillow fillings are:
- goose down,
- duck down,
- feathers, which might come from geese, ducks, or chickens,
- down and feather combinations,
- man-made polyester fiber manufactured under a variety of brand names,
- latex foam, and
- ordinary polyester foam.
Wear and Tear on Pillows
All pillows are made with an outer casing, usually cotton or a poly-cotton blend. This is intended to protect the filling, but it’s impossible to keep it pristine over time. Even with the customary pillowcase, the outer fabric can discolor and become stained.
It stands to reason: some people bathe or shower at night before bed, while others wash in the morning. This alone means you may not be fully clean when you go to bed. Relatively few people wash their hair every day (and it’s generally not a good idea), meaning oils and other dirt will inevitably rub off on pillowcases and may seep through to the pillow itself, even if an additional “under-slip” or pillow protector is used. We all sweat to some degree, which will also affect the pillow and discolor the casing.
In addition to natural oils and fluids, there’s always the risk of spills (like tea or coffee). However, there are steps you can take to ensure pillows last as long as possible and stay as clean as possible. If they do become dirty, or someone has an accident, there are ways to clean or wash the pillow.
Taking Care of Pillows
Some pillows are easier to take care of than others, and some are easier to clean. Ironically, down pillows—while not easy to clean—are actually exceptionally easy to maintain.
Any pillows with a down or feather filling (or a combination of both) should be aired outside from time to time, preferably in diffused sunlight. As these pillows age, they lose the ability to trap air, which is what makes them so beautifully firm. You can revive them to a certain extent by putting the pillow in a clothes dryer at a very low temperature for about 10 minutes, along with a tennis ball.
Down and feather pillows should preferably not be washed, as soap and water will dissolve the natural oils in the feathers.
Polyester-filled pillows don’t require any special maintenance, which is why they are the most common choice for accommodations like hotels.
Latex and other foam pillows also don’t need special care. Just try to keep them as clean as possible.
Cleaning Bedroom Pillows
Accidents do happen, and pillows can get dirty over time. So, what steps can you take to clean them?
It’s sometimes possible to sponge a pillow clean without immersing it in water. This is usually the ideal option, but unfortunately, it’s not always possible. So, first, be sure to identify the type of pillow filling, and then take action as quickly as possible.
That said, down and feather pillows should not be washed. If something has spilled on the pillow (or pillows), you will have three basic choices: take immediate action yourself, take the pillow to a professional cleaning service, or discard the pillow. It really is as simple as that.
Depending on the spill, mix a warm, soapy solution in water and gently squeeze it through the pillow. Then repeat the process about three times with fresh water and no soap. If you have a washing machine, spin dry for a couple of minutes, then hang the pillow up to dry in fresh air by its two corners. While the pillow is drying, shake it occasionally to distribute the feathers.
Polyester-filled and polyester foam-filled pillows are washable, although there may be specific washing instructions on the label. Most should not be sent to a dry cleaner, and unless the manufacturer’s care instructions state otherwise, don’t try tumble-drying them, as the heat might damage the polyester.
Latex pillows can also be washed, but you shouldn’t remove the latex from its casing because it deteriorates if exposed to sunlight. You also should not put latex into a washing machine. Instead, hand-wash it in warm soapy water, and don’t twist or wring it out. Rinse well after cleaning, then gently press the pillow to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. It helps if you do this with a dry towel over the pillow. If the towel becomes saturated, use another dry towel. Then, place the pillow somewhere to air dry, avoiding direct sunlight.
Once you’ve learned some of the tricks for cleaning bedroom pillows, here’s one more tip: unless the pillow is completely ruined, you can always unstitch a seam and remove the stuffing. Wash the casing, and once it’s dry, replace the filling. If any of the filling is damaged, discard it and add new stuffing before re-stitching the seam. The pillow should then be as good as new.
