Why do pillows turn yellow?

Your white pillows may turn yellow for a variety of reasons. The buildup of moisture from sweat, drool, wet hair, and oils can contribute to the yellowing of the fabric. Skin care products can also discolor your pillows.

When should you throw away pillows?

Some pillows last years; however, most last only about two years. Consider changing your pillows if they start to sag, develop any lumps, or the filling starts coming out of it. It may also be time to replace your old pillow with a new one if you find that your allergies are acting up or your skin is breaking out, which can be from a buildup of bacteria.

What happens if you don't clean your pillow?

Pillows lose their shape over time. If you don't clean them to keep them fresh and fluffy, they won't last as long. Also, the buildup of bacteria from sweat, oils, and dirt can potentially damage your skin or aggravate existing allergies. It's important to maintain regular washing to keep your pillows clean.

How to Wash Pillows to Keep Them Fresh and Clean

Considerations Before You Get Started

Before washing your pillows, it's important to know whether or not you can put them in the washing machine. If the pillow is filled with feathers, down, or polyester fiberfill, you can use a washing machine and tumble dryer. However, if the pillow is a memory foam or solid latex foam form, you cannot. Foam pillows can only be washed by hand.

Whether you toss your pillows in the washing machine or hand wash them, it's important to spot-clean them between thorough washings. It's also worth noting that you should always try to wash your pillows on a low-humidity, sunny day for quicker drying.

How Often to Wash a Pillow

You should wash bed pillows that are used nightly at least three times a year. If you or the sleeper perspires heavily or gets sick, wash the pillows more often. Pillowcases and covers should be changed and washed weekly, along with the rest of the bed linens.

Decorative pillows require less frequent cleaning unless they are used daily for couch naps or footrests. If your throw pillows get a lot of use, incorporate them into your laundry routine when you wash your bed pillows. For throw pillows without a removable insert, follow the cleaning directions on the care tag. Many decorative coverings are dry clean only.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Down, Feather, and Polyester Fiberfill pillows

Washer and dryer
Dryer or drying rack
Soft-bristled nylon brush

Solid Latex Foam and Memory Foam Pillows

Microfiber cloth
Bathtub or large plastic tub
2 Large cotton bath towels
Drying rack
Vacuum with hose and upholstery attachment

Materials

Down, Feather, and Polyester Fiberfill pillows

Low-sudsing laundry detergent
Enzyme-based stain remover
Dryer balls
Heavy cotton bath towels (optional)

Solid Latex Foam and Memory Foam Pillows

Low-sudsing laundry detergent
Baking soda

Instructions

How to Machine Wash Down, Feather, and Polyester Fiberfill Pillows

There are several ways to wash down, feather, and polyester fiberfill pillows. You have the choice to throw them in the laundry machine or wash them by hand in the bathtub; here's how to launder them in the machine.

Check for Rips

Before washing a pillow, check the fabric covering for rips and make any needed repairs. You don't want a washer filled with feathers or fluff!
Pretreat Stains
- If there are visible stains on the outer covering, use a dab of an enzyme-based laundry stain remover on each stained area.
- Work the stain remover into the fabric with your fingers or a soft-bristled nylon brush.
- Let the cleaner work for at least 10 minutes to begin breaking up stains before washing the pillow.
Use the Right Detergent

Loads of suds are too difficult to rinse away so make sure to use a high-efficiency, low-sudsing detergent. Add only one or two teaspoons of the detergent to the washer drum.

Don't add fabric softener to the washer because it can cause fillings to lose their loft.
Select Washer Settings and Load Pillows
- Set the washer to cold water and a gentle cycle.
- Toss in your pillows. It's best to wash two pillows at a time to help keep the washer balanced, especially if you have a top-load washer with a center agitator. If you have only one pillow to wash, use two or three heavy cotton bath towels to balance the washer.
Do a Second Rinse

To make sure all of the soapy residue is gone, keep the pillows in the washer for a second rinse cycle. If you're hand-washing, keep rinsing with fresh water until no more suds appear.
Fluff and Dry
- When you remove the pillows from the washer, give them a good shake and smooth the filling as much as possible.
- Set the dryer to medium heat and add some wool dryer balls along with the pillows.
- Tumble and fluff the pillows by hand every 15 minutes until they are dry. If drying on a drying rack, turn and fluff the pillows frequently as they dry.
If you have a decorative feather or polyester fiberfill pillow without a removable cover, place it in an automatic dryer set on the no-heat, air-only cycle for 10 minutes to remove dust and hair. Add a few dryer balls to fluff the filling.

How to Hand Wash Solid Latex Foam and Memory Foam Pillows

Never wash any type of solid foam pillow in the washing machine. The agitation during the wash and spin cycle will break the foam. Also, avoid putting foam pillows in the dryer, but be prepared for a long and slow air-drying process. Since the foam is so dense, it may take up to 24 hours for foam pillows to dry, even in sunny, breezy weather.

Spot Clean Stains
- Pretreat stains or simply spot clean stained areas of the pillow if you don't have time for a complete washing.
- Mix a couple drops of laundry detergent in one cup of warm water.
- Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring well before blotting the stained areas with the cloth.
- Leave the solution to work on the stains for at least 10 minutes.
- Dip a clean cloth in fresh water and wipe away any soapy residue.
You can also freshen foam pillows by rubbing the foam with baking soda and water. Allow the pillow to dry and then vacuum away the baking soda using your vacuum's upholstery brush attachment.
Make a Pillow Bath
- Fill a bathtub or large plastic tub with enough lukewarm water to submerge the pillow.
- Add one teaspoon of laundry detergent and stir well to mix.
Wash the Pillows
- Add one pillow at a time to the soapy water and submerge it.
- Squeeze the pillow gently to help the cleaning solution loosen the soil. (Do not leave the pillow in the water longer than 10 minutes.)
Rinse and Repeat
- Drain the soapy water and fill the tub with cool water.
- Submerge the pillow and gently squeeze the foam to help release the suds. (Make sure not to twist or wring the foam.)
- Change the water several times until no more suds appear.
Absorb Excess Moisture
- After the pillow has been rinsed, remove it from the tub and sandwich it between two heavy cotton bath towels.
- Press down to absorb excess moisture.
- Keep changing the towels until no more water is easily absorbed.
- Place the pillow flat on a drying rack and turn it frequently.
Never put solid foam pillows in a tumble dryer.

How to Keep Pillows Fresh for Longer

The more often you clean your pillows, the better shape they'll be in—especially if you use them every day. However, there are also some steps you can take to care for your pillows to keep the fresh for longer in between washes.

Always use a pillowcase on bed pillows. Using a zippered pillow cover under the pillowcase will help control allergic reactions to dust mites.
Invest in pillow protectors. Waterproof or moisture-resistant pillow protectors can help shield pillows from sweat and oils.
Keep pillows as dry as possible to prevent mildew growth. Never go to sleep with wet hair.
Give your pillows a good fluffing and shaking every day. Doing this can help redistribute the filling (if any) and maintain its shape.
Spritz your pillows with a fabric freshening spray. You can also use DIY mixtures of water and essential oils that can help to neutralize odors between washes.
Rotate your pillows. Swapping the sides you sleep on or display on the couch can help prevent the buildup of sweat, oils, dirt, and dust on one side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do pillows turn yellow?

Your white pillows may turn yellow for a variety of reasons. The buildup of moisture from sweat, drool, wet hair, and oils can contribute to the yellowing of the fabric. Skin care products can also discolor your pillows.
When should you throw away pillows?

Some pillows last years; however, most last only about two years. Consider changing your pillows if they start to sag, develop any lumps, or the filling starts coming out of it. It may also be time to replace your old pillow with a new one if you find that your allergies are acting up or your skin is breaking out, which can be from a buildup of bacteria.
What happens if you don't clean your pillow?

Pillows lose their shape over time. If you don't clean them to keep them fresh and fluffy, they won't last as long. Also, the buildup of bacteria from sweat, oils, and dirt can potentially damage your skin or aggravate existing allergies. It's important to maintain regular washing to keep your pillows clean.