Use the gentle cycle.
Too much stirring can break down the filling.
Use cold or warm water.
Avoid hot water, which can break the filament in your pillows.
Don’t use too much detergent and skip the fabric softener.
Reduce the amount of laundry detergent you usually use; Say, ¼ cap if you use a full cap during regular loads (too much is harder to rinse). Don’t use fabric softener, as it can build up on pillows and cause a shine that attracts more dirt and oils.
Rinse well.
If possible, choose a second rinse or deep rinse option to completely remove any residue.
Now it’s time to dry.
Place the pillows in the dryer on low heat. Add a couple of clean dryer balls or tennis balls to prevent the filling from clumping. Down may take longer to dry, which is normal, Roberts says. It’s okay to use a dryer sheet to reduce static. And triple check to make sure the pillows are completely dry (so they don’t get moldy!) before making the bed.
More pillow tips
Clean pillows by hand if you can’t use a washing machine.
If you can’t find the tag on your pillow, you can always wash it the old-fashioned way. Wait for a sunny day and take the pillows outside to hit them with the handle of a clean broom (or a carpet trowel if you have one like your great-grandmother’s!). Then let them air out in the open air for a few hours. For foam pillows, you can get out the vacuum cleaner and use the upholstery brush attachment.
Use pillow protectors.
Cover pillows with pillow protectors before putting covers on them. Then wash them every week when you wash your sheets.
Fluff daily.
Between washes, fluff your pillows when you make your bed each day. This helps keep them full and redistributes the filling to restore their shape, says Roberts.
Have extra pillows on hand.
If you find a pillow you like, buy a few more, Roberts suggests. That way, when your favorite doesn’t support your head and neck like it used to, you can replace it with one of the same type. Plus, it’s always good to have extra pillows on hand for overnight guests.
Know when to say goodbye to your pillow.
If your pillow is lumpy and flat, it’s probably time to part ways. The same goes if the pillowcase is stained and yellowed. Old pillows can also accumulate allergens like dust mites and pet dander, so go ahead and treat yourself to a new pillow every year or so (or as needed).
