How to Clean Dirty Bed Pillows So They Look Whiter and Smell Fresher

Bed pillows can become discoloured over time from sweat, body oils, saliva, and everyday use. While you may not be able to restore every pillow to its original bright white colour, regular washing can remove dirt, reduce odours, and help keep pillows fresh.

Always check the care label first. Not all pillows are machine washable. Memory foam and latex pillows, for example, should generally not be put in a washing machine.

For Machine-Washable Pillows (Down, Feather, or Polyester Fill)

What You’ll Need

Mild laundry detergent
White vinegar (optional, for odour removal)
Oxygen-based bleach (optional, if suitable for the fabric and care label)
Tennis balls or dryer balls (optional)

Washing Instructions

Remove pillowcases and pillow protectors.
Place two pillows in the washing machine, if possible, to help keep the load balanced.
Use warm water unless the care label recommends otherwise.
Add a small amount of detergent—using too much can leave residue.
If desired, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help reduce odours.

Drying the Pillows

Dry pillows thoroughly to prevent mould or mildew.

Tumble dry on a low heat setting if the care label allows.
Add clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the filling.
Check that the pillow is completely dry before using it.

For Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam should usually be spot-cleaned only.

Vacuum the pillow to remove dust.
Wipe stains with a cloth dampened in water and a small amount of mild detergent.
Blot with a clean, damp cloth.
Air-dry completely away from direct heat or sunlight.

Do not wring or machine dry memory foam pillows.