How to Wash Pillows at Home and Keep Them Fluffy

Most of us wash our bedsheets often, but pillows usually get overlooked. Over time, they collect body oils, sweat, dust, and allergens, which can impact your sleep and skin health. 

That's one reason dermatologists often recommend washing pillowcases and keeping pillows clean as part of a good skincare routine. 

The good news? Learning how to wash pillows at home is easier than you might think. This guide outlines everything you need to know about how to clean bed pillows at home to keep them clean, fluffy, and comfortable for longer.

How to wash pillows at home: Getting started with care label

Before you learn how to wash pillows at home, check the care label. It tells you whether the pillow can go in the washing machine or needs a different cleaning method.

Most cotton, polyester, feather, and down pillows are machine washable. You can't wash buckwheat hulls because they'll swell and rot. For these pillows, wash only the removable cover. Some memory foam and gel cooling pillows can be hand-washed, but only if the care label allows it.

How to wash pillows in a washing machine?

If the care label allows it, you can machine wash pillows. And honestly, this is the easiest way to wash them. 

Here’s how to wash pillows at home in a washing machine:

• Step 1: Remove the pillow covers and protectors.

• Step 2: Pre-treat any stains with a mild cleaner like the Mozi Wash Stain Remover.

• Step 3: Put two pillows into the washer to balance the load.

• Step 4: Use the gentle or delicate wash cycle with warm water.

• Step 5: Add a mild and gentle liquid detergent like Mozi Wash.

• Step 6: Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all residues.

Why use Mozi Wash detergent?

The best detergent for pillows should clean effectively without leaving behind heavy residue or exposing delicate fabrics and fillings to harsh chemicals. That's exactly what Mozi Wash laundry detergent is designed to do.

Here’s why Mozi Wash is the best detergent for pillows:

• It is gentle on pillow fabrics and fillings.

• Its plant-based formula cleans everyday dirt and stains.

• It rinses clean to help reduce detergent residue.

• It is free from phosphates, parabens, and phthalates.

• It keeps pillows fresh without overpowering fragrances.

How to clean bed pillows by hand?

Washing pillows in a washing machine isn’t always a good option, especially if you have soft memory foam pillows. Memory foam doesn’t do well in washers, as the cycle agitation can tear the delicate foam and destroy the shape of your pillow. 

Try hand washing instead by following these steps: 

• Step 1: Fill your bathtub or basin with lukewarm water.

• Step 2: Add a gentle detergent like Mozi Wash.

• Step 3: Submerge the pillow and squeeze the soapy water through it. Do not twist or wring.

• Step 4: Rinse with clean water until no soap residue is left.

• Step 5: Press out excess water with your hand.

One cardinal rule of how to wash pillows at home is to be extremely gentle. Extra force or wringing can damage the delicate materials inside the pillow. 

How to dry pillows the right way: The secret to fluffy pillows unlocked

Learning how to clean bed pillows at home doesn’t stop with washing. Drying them properly is just as important (if not more) to prevent mildew growth and odors.

• Machine drying: Use low heat and add dryer balls to keep the filling fluffy. Check every few minutes and fluff by hand until completely dry.

• Air drying: Lay the pillow flat in a well-ventilated area and flip it every few hours. It takes longer but is gentler on delicate materials.

How to keep pillows fluffy?

Keeping pillows fluffy is easier than you might think. Just add a few Mozi Wash Dryer Balls into the dryer cycle. 

Mozi’s Dryer Balls work best because they:

• Are made from 100% New Zealand wool with no added chemicals.

• Help prevent clumping and flattening.

• Keep the filling evenly distributed.

• Improve airflow for faster, more even drying.

• Stay reusable for hundreds of loads.

Washing different types of pillows: A quick cheat sheet

Need a quick refresher? Save this cheat sheet for the next time you wash your pillows. 

It shows the best washing and drying method for each pillow type at a glance:

Pin these quick fixes for pillow issues 

Here are a few quick fixes you can bookmark to elevate your pillow cleaning routine at home: 

• Lumpy filling: Tumble dry on low with Mozi Dryer Balls to break clumps.

• Machine imbalance: Wash two pillows and balance with towels if needed.

• Residue on pillow: Avoid powder detergents that crystallize inside the filling. 

• Smelly pillows: Refresh between washes with a gentle mist like the Mozi Linen Mist spray.

A little pillow care goes a long way

Now that you know how to wash pillows at home, keeping them clean doesn't have to be complicated. Wash them every few months, use the right drying method, and make sure they're completely dry before putting them back on your bed.

A little regular care helps pillows stay fresh, fluffy, and comfortable for longer. Wash with Mozi Wash laundry detergent and dry with Mozi Wash Dryer Balls to keep your pillows smelling fresh while helping the filling stay soft and evenly fluffed. 

How to wash pillows at home FAQs

1. How often should I wash pillows at home?

Most pillows should be washed every 3 to 6 months. If you have allergies, sweat heavily, or sleep with pets, washing them every three months helps keep them fresh. 

2. How do I deep clean a pillow?

Machine-wash washable pillows with a gentle detergent and run an extra rinse cycle. For non-washable pillows, spot clean stains and let them air dry completely. 

3. What is the best wash cycle for pillows?

A gentle or delicate cycle is best for washing pillows at home. A gentle cycle prevents unnecessary agitation, which might break the filling and lead to clumping. 

4. How to remove stains from pillows?

Treat stains before washing with a gentle stain remover or baking soda. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash the pillow according to the care label. 

5. Is it possible to deodorize pillows without washing?

Sprinkle a little baking soda over the surface and let it sit. Then vacuum it off. You can also use a gentle, fresh-smelling mist from Mozi Wash to instantly refresh your pillows and bedding. 

6. Are there any tips on how to keep pillows fresh and fluffy?

Follow these tips to keep your pillows fresh and fluffy between washes:

• Use a high-quality pillow protector.

• Fluff pillows by hand daily.

• Put your pillows out in the sun once a month to kill bacteria and naturally refresh.

• Spot-treat minor stains as and when you see them.

• Store spare pillows in breathable cotton bags.

• Learn how to wash pillows at home properly.