How to Wash a Pillow in a Washing Machine: Snow-White Results Every Time

Check the Care Label: Before starting, always check the care label on your pillow for any special washing instructions. Some pillows may require hand washing or dry cleaning.

Remove Pillow Cases and Covers: Take off any pillowcases, protectors, or covers before washing the pillow itself.

Load the Washer: Place your pillows in the washing machine, ideally in pairs to balance the load. If you’re washing more than one pillow, make sure they’re evenly distributed in the drum to prevent the machine from becoming unbalanced.

Add Detergent and Optional Ingredients: Use a mild detergent to avoid damaging the pillow. For extra freshness and whitening, add ½ cup of baking soda along with your detergent. If your pillow has a musty smell, you can also add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize odors.

Wash on a Gentle Cycle: Set your washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage certain pillow materials like memory foam or synthetic fillings.

Rinse Thoroughly: It's essential to rinse the pillows thoroughly to remove all soap and detergent. You may want to run an extra rinse cycle to make sure they're completely free of detergent.

Drying Your Pillow:
Dry on Low Heat: Place the pillow in the dryer on low heat. High heat can damage the filling, especially for memory foam or down pillows, so it's important to use a gentle, low-heat setting.

Add Tennis Balls or Dryer Balls: To help fluff up the pillow and prevent it from becoming lumpy, toss a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls into the dryer along with the pillow. This helps redistribute the filling and keeps the pillow fluffy.

Check for Dryness: It can take a while for pillows to dry completely, especially down or memory foam pillows. Make sure they are fully dry before removing them from the dryer, as any moisture left inside can lead to mold or mildew growth.

Fluff by Hand: Once dry, give your pillow a good fluff by hand to restore its shape and loft.

Serving and Storage Tips: