{"id":40079,"date":"2024-12-25T10:30:08","date_gmt":"2024-12-25T10:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mag.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/how-to-clean-pillows\/"},"modified":"2025-09-02T15:38:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T15:38:55","slug":"how-to-clean-pillows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/how-to-clean-pillows\/","title":{"rendered":"How to clean pillows effectively"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><div class=\"flex-shrink-0 flex flex-col relative items-end\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"pt-0\">\n<div class=\"gizmo-shadow-stroke flex h-8 w-8 items-center justify-center overflow-hidden rounded-full\">\n<div class=\"h-full w-full\">\n<div class=\"gizmo-shadow-stroke overflow-hidden rounded-full\">Feeling like your pillows are past their prime? Don\u2019t give up on them just yet! Knowing how to clean pillows properly can revive their freshness and extend their life. Whether you\u2019re tackling synthetic pillows, memory foam favourites, or washable ones, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/domestic-cleaning\">expert domestic cleaners<\/a> have the ultimate guide to bring back that soft, fluffy feel. Ready to dive in? Let\u2019s get started!<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-31705\" src=\"https:\/\/mag.wecasa.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/how-to-clean-pillows-1.png\" alt=\"how to clean pillows\" width=\"1344\" height=\"896\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Washing synthetic pillows<\/h2>\n<p>Synthetic pillows are the easiest to clean, making them a favourite in many households. With the right approach, they\u2019ll be as good as new in no time.<\/p>\n<h3>How to clean pillows using a washing machine<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/how-to-use-a-washing-machine\/\">washing machine<\/a> can be your pillow\u2019s best friend! Follow these steps for a thorough yet gentle clean:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Select the Best Detergent<\/strong><br \/>\nAlways <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/homemade-laundry-detergent\/\">go for a mild, liquid detergent<\/a>. Powdered ones can leave residue, and we don\u2019t want clumpy pillows, do we? Check your pillow&#8217;s care label for specific recommendations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Set the Machine Correctly<\/strong><br \/>\nUse a gentle cycle and cold or warm water\u2014not hot. Too much heat can damage synthetic fibres. Toss in two pillows at once to balance the drum.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dry the Pillows<\/strong><br \/>\nAfter washing, dry them on low heat. <strong>Want an extra trick? Add a couple of tennis balls in clean socks to the dryer. They\u2019ll fluff up the pillows while drying!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How to wash pillows by hand<\/h3>\n<p>No washing machine? No problem! Washing synthetic pillows by hand can be equally effective. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Prepare Hot Water<\/strong><br \/>\nFill a basin or bathtub with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Mix until it\u2019s evenly dissolved.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use Detergent Wisely<\/strong><br \/>\nGently submerge the pillow and squeeze to allow the detergent to penetrate. Avoid wringing\u2014it can ruin the shape.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dry the Pillows<\/strong><br \/>\nRinse thoroughly, then gently press out excess water. Lay the pillow flat to air-dry or use the tennis ball trick if you have access to a dryer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Washing memory foam pillows<\/h2>\n<p>Memory foam pillows are like your favourite song\u2014super comfy but a bit delicate! They need a more hands-on approach.<\/p>\n<h3>Machine washing memory foam pillows<\/h3>\n<p>While many memory foam pillows aren\u2019t machine-washable, some hybrid versions are. If yours qualifies, here\u2019s how to handle them with care:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use mild detergent<\/strong><br \/>\nJust like with synthetic pillows, a gentle detergent works wonders. Never use bleach or harsh cleaners as they can deteriorate the foam.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dry gently<\/strong><br \/>\nSet the machine to a low spin to remove excess water, but never machine dry! Foam pillows need air-drying to maintain their integrity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be mindful of foam integrity<\/strong><br \/>\nCheck the pillow during washing. If it starts losing its shape, remove it immediately and proceed with hand washing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Hand washing memory foam pillows<\/h3>\n<p>If machine washing feels like a risk, hand washing is your safest bet:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Avoid excess water<\/strong><br \/>\nFoam absorbs water like a sponge, so use only enough to clean the surface. Spot-clean stains with a damp cloth and a small amount of detergent.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dry properly<\/strong><br \/>\nNever wring out a memory foam pillow. Press gently to remove water and air-dry on a flat surface. Patience is key!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be careful with cleaning agents<\/strong><br \/>\nOpt for mild solutions, as strong detergents can damage the foam\u2019s structure. When in doubt, less is more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to clean pillows in a dishwasher<\/h2>\n<p>Now, here\u2019s a hack you may not have thought of! Foam pillows can sometimes find a home in your dishwasher\u2014yes, really. This method works well for small or contour foam pillows.<\/p>\n<h3>Using a dishwasher for foam pillows<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Secure pillows properly<\/strong><br \/>\nPlace the pillow on the top rack, where it\u2019s least likely to be damaged by heat or water jets.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Add detergent to the cup<\/strong><br \/>\nUse a mild, non-toxic detergent designed for delicate items. Avoid using regular dishwashing pods as they might be too harsh.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adjust dishwasher settings<\/strong><br \/>\nChoose a gentle cycle with cool or lukewarm water. Skip the drying phase\u2014air drying is a must for foam pillows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Cleaning washable pillows<\/h2>\n<p>Washable pillows combine convenience with comfort. These often come with detailed instructions from the manufacturer, but here\u2019s a general guide to keep things simple.<\/p>\n<h3>Hand washing washable pillows<\/h3>\n<p>If machine washing isn\u2019t an option, hand washing is still a great way to keep your washable pillows in top shape.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Choose the right detergent<\/strong><br \/>\nStick to mild detergents and avoid anything with bleach or strong chemicals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dry with tennis balls<\/strong><br \/>\nAir-drying is fine, but if you can, finish them in a tumble dryer on low heat with those trusty tennis balls. They\u2019ll help maintain the fluff.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Follow manufacturer\u2019s instructions<\/strong><br \/>\nThis might seem obvious, but it\u2019s crucial! Some pillows require special care that only their tags can reveal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Final pillow TLC tips<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Frequency of cleaning<\/strong>: Aim to clean your pillows every 3-6 months. More often if you sweat a lot or have allergies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pillow protectors<\/strong>: Invest in these to keep your pillows cleaner for longer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Replace when necessary<\/strong>: Even the best cleaning routine won\u2019t save a pillow forever. Replace them every 1-2 years, depending on wear and tear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By following these tips, your pillows will stay fresh, fluffy, and oh-so-comfy. At Wecasa, we\u2019re here to make your life easier\u2014whether it\u2019s cleaning tips or at-home services, we\u2019ve got you covered. Sweet dreams, clean pillows, and a happy home!<\/p>\n<div class=\"reserverShortcode\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/domestic-cleaning\" title=\"Book my cleaning\">Book my cleaning<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Feeling like your pillows are past their prime? Don\u2019t give up on them just yet! Knowing how to clean pillows properly can revive their freshness and extend their life. Whether you\u2019re tackling synthetic pillows, memory foam favourites, or washable ones, our expert domestic cleaners have the ultimate guide to bring back that soft, fluffy feel. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":40080,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[698,731,733],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40079","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-housework","category-bedroom-cleaning","category-laundry-hacks"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40079"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40079\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40080"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40079"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}