How to Wash a Pillow? All the Tips for a Clean and Healthy Pillow
Are you wondering how to wash a pillow in the machine without damaging it? Should you choose a specific program, at what temperature, with or without tennis balls? Can you wash a feather, polyester, memory foam, or yellowed pillow? Here is the complete guide to maintaining and whitening all your pillows, whether they come from IKEA, Emma, Drouault, or elsewhere.
Searches related to "wash pillow"
- Wash pillow machine (program, temperature, spin, tennis ball...)
- Wash feather pillow (machine, hand, smell, goose feather...)
- Wash yellowed pillow (baking soda, vinegar, percarbonate, perspiration...)
- Wash memory foam pillow (can you, how to...)
- Wash polyester pillow
- Wash IKEA, Emma, Drouault pillow...
How to wash a pillow in the machine?
- Check the label: not all pillows are machine washable (this is rarely the case for memory foam).
-
Recommended program: delicate or synthetic cycle, at 40 or 60 °C depending on the material.
For a very dirty or yellowed pillow, opt for 60 °C if the material allows it. - Gentle spin: prefer a spin at 800 rpm to avoid deforming the pillow.
- Tip: Add 1 to 2 clean tennis balls to fluff up the pillow and prevent fiber/feather clumps.
- Drying: ideally in a tumble dryer (low temperature, with tennis ball). Otherwise, flat dry in the open air, turning regularly.
What program to use to wash a pillow in the machine?
- "Delicate" or "synthetic" program.
- Temperature 40 °C for most synthetic pillows, up to 60 °C if the label allows it (ideal for killing dust mites and bacteria).
- Liquid detergent, no fabric softener.
Tip for a truly clean pillow: pre-soaking
If your pillow is yellowed, soak it for 1 hour in hot water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 glass of white vinegar before starting the machine.
How to wash a feather or down pillow?
- Check that your feather (or down) pillow is machine washable. If so: delicate cycle, 30 to 40 °C, very little detergent.
- Add tennis balls to air out the feathers well.
- Spin gently and dry for a long time in the tumble dryer (low temperature) or flat in the open air.
- If in doubt, opt for dry cleaning or hand washing.
How to whiten a yellowed pillow?
- Add 1 tablespoon of sodium percarbonate to the drum to whiten and disinfect.
- Baking soda and white vinegar (as a pre-soak) are also very effective.
- For a pillow very yellowed by perspiration, repeat the operation or try a special recipe (baking soda, lemon juice, hot water).
Can a memory foam pillow be washed?
- Generally, no: memory foam pillows are not machine washable or tumble dryable.
- Clean only by hand: lightly damp sponge, mild soap, flat drying away from direct sunlight.
- Regularly wash the cover (pillowcase) in the machine.
FAQ – Quick Answers to Frequent Questions
Should you wash your pillow before first use?
Yes, this removes manufacturing residues and dust.
How often should a pillow be washed?
Every 2 to 3 months for daily use (more often if perspiration or allergies).
How to wash an IKEA, Emma, Drouault pillow...?
Follow the label instructions. Most IKEA, Emma (Cloud...), Drouault synthetic pillows can be machine washed at 40 or 60°C, gentle spin, low temperature drying.
Why put tennis balls in the machine?
They prevent the filling from clumping and help keep the pillow fluffy.
Can a yellowed pillow be washed?
Yes, with a long cycle at 60°C, percarbonate or baking soda, and perfect drying to avoid odors.
Express Summary for Washing Your Pillow
- Synthetic pillow: machine 40-60 °C, gentle spin, tennis balls, low temperature drying.
- Feather/down pillow: machine (if allowed) 30-40 °C, long drying, dry cleaning if in doubt.
- Memory foam pillow: hand wash only, no machine or tumble dryer.
- For a yellowed pillow: baking soda, percarbonate, vinegar, high temperature if possible.
Need a New Pillow?
If your pillow remains flat or yellowed despite your care, consider replacing it: a good night's sleep starts with a healthy pillow adapted to your needs.