Easy tips for machine washing pillows! This easy cleaning tip makes it simple to machine wash pillows and get them clean again. Check out how to machine wash pillows.
Recently I was doing my son's sheets and bedding. When I pulled the pillowcase off I couldn't believe how disgusting the pillow was.
I decided I would machine wash the pillows. It is easy if you have never cleaned your pillows in the washing machine. Just a few minutes getting them set up and you can enjoy freshly washed pillows.
This works great on down, feather, and synthetic pillows. I don't recommend using this on memory foam pillows, it will ruin them. Check out how to wash memory foam pillows!
How To Wash Pillows In Washing Machine
To wash the pillows in the washing machine you will need a few things.
- laundry detergent (I use these pods)
- baking soda
- essential oils (if you would like)
With a locking top load, you will want to put your detergent in the dispenser or add pods to the bottom of the machine. Then, add a sprinkling of baking soda to the bottom of the machine.
Next, add your pillow to the machine. I just laid mine flat in the bottom.
I would recommend adding some more baking soda on top of the pillow once you add it to the machine.
The baking soda is great to help with any smells from the pillows and helps boost the laundry detergent power.
Then start your washing machine. Use the bedding cycle if you have one because it works great with pillows and comforters.
Also, use the hottest water possible. If your water isn't hot enough it won't kill off the bacteria and dust mites.
Let the machine mix for a minute or two to get the soap and baking soda mixed well in the water. It may take a minute or two for them to absorb the water and sink down.
Then, if you are able to pause your washing machine for about 10 minutes to let the pillows soak.
After 10 minutes unpause the machine and let the cycle run as normal.
You may want to set the washing machine to extra rinse because those pillows really need it!
Once they are done in the washing machine move one pillow over to the dryer. They will need to dry for a long time.
It always seems like they are dry, but once you let them sit for a few minutes they feel damp again.
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Make sure to get them completely dry to avoid mold in the pillow. Once they are completely dry you can put them back in their pillowcases.
I like to put a drop or two of lavender oil or serenity oil on the pillows. It helps me sleep better at night.
So how well does it clean the pillows? Check out my before and after pictures. It's easy to machine wash pillows and it gets them clean too!
Looking for more things to clean? Check out how to clean your mattress at home. It's easy to do!
Liz says
To get laundry submerged into the water I keep a handy dandy laundry stick available. I bought a new cheapie orange colored bathroom plunger, wrote "laundry stick" on the handle and keep it beside my washer. Perfect for getting clothes submerged!
Julie says
Great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Jen says
I love your tutorials! I wash my pillows frequently and have found that they dry faster if I run them through the spin cycle at least one or two more times before putting them in the dryer. Extracting more water out of them helps dry them faster (obviously lol). Also using dryer balls help dry them faster too. The dryer balls are about the size of tennis balls but are plastic with little bumps all over them. I found them at Fred Meyer and they really help cut down dry time on all laundry. Anyway thank you sharing your tutorials! Have a great day!
Julie says
Great Tips, thanks! I will have to try the dryer balls, they sound great.
Joyce @ My Stay At Home Adventures says
I will be trying this today, seriously. I never heard of this but my kids pillows need some love and bad this week. Thanks!
Julie says
Thanks for hosting the link up!
Anita at LiveLikeYouAreRich says
Funny enough I have on my to-do list to wash my pillows today. Great idea about the lavender oil, I love it! I've also found if you put something into the dryer like a clean tennis ball or lint ball it will help them dry faster because it moves the pillow filling around (especially for down pillows). Thanks again!
Julie says
Thanks for the tip. I will have to try the tennis ball trick next time we have a clean one. 🙂
Anna says
They look great after. I tried this once but had terrible problems with getting the pillows to submerge - air kept getting caught in them and it took ages to squeeze enough out that the cycle could even run. Now I wonder if that was because my old washer was High Efficiency. Any thoughts on that, anybody? (I wonder if I should try again now that I have a regular old-fashioned washer - we moved.)
Julie says
It might be worth another try. I haven't tried it with a high efficiency washer, but I know a lot of people that haven't been happy with how they clean.
Javeriya @Believe&inspire says
This is great! Pinning it up for later, because I'm sure I'd be needing this.
Julie says
It works great and is so easy. Thanks for stopping by!
Debbie @ Bible Fun For Kids says
Thank you for sharing these tips! Good to know! Pinned it!
Julie says
Your Welcome! 🙂
Marjie says
Wow! What a difference in those pillows! Do you have any tips to keep the pillow stuffing (batting) from wadding up inside the case while they are being washed? I've tried washing pillows in the past and end up with lumpy, uncomfortable balls of fiber... Any suggestions?
Julie says
Dryer balls can help with that, or if you don't have dryer balls then tennis balls will work. Hope that helps!
Marjie says
Thanx Julie, I'll give that a try!
Julie says
Your welcome!
Stasia says
So helpful… consider it pinned 🙂
Julie says
Glad I could help!