Simple Tricks to Clean Pillow Inserts and Keep Them Fresh

Over time, your pillow inserts can turn yellow, develop tiny mold spots, and even start to smell unpleasant. Many people only wash the pillowcases, while continuing to use the same pillow inserts for months—or even years—without cleaning them.

However, dirty pillow inserts can harbor bacteria, dust, and allergens that may cause skin problems, respiratory issues, and allergies. Replacing your pillow inserts frequently can be expensive, so the best solution is to clean them regularly to extend their lifespan and maintain good hygiene.

A common misconception is that cleaning pillow inserts is difficult and that regular detergent can’t remove all the dirt. But with the right method, you can make your pillows look and smell like new again. Below are two effective ways to clean pillow inserts—by hand and by using a washing machine.

1. How to Wash Pillow Inserts by Hand

You’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent

• ½ cup of white vinegar

• ½ cup of baking soda

• Warm water

Instructions:

1. Fill a large basin with warm water and add the detergent, white vinegar, and baking soda. Mix well until everything dissolves completely.

2. Place the pillow inserts into the solution and soak them for 15–20 minutes. The combination of vinegar and baking soda helps break down sweat stains and neutralize odors.

3. After soaking, gently squeeze, knead, and scrub the pillow inserts to release dirt and oils trapped inside.

4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water several times until no soap remains.

5. Gently press out excess water without twisting or wringing the pillows. Then, dry them completely under direct sunlight. The sunlight not only helps the pillows dry faster but also acts as a natural disinfectant.

💡 Tip: If you don’t have enough sunlight, you can place the pillows near a fan or use a dryer on a low-heat setting to prevent lumps.

2. How to Wash Pillow Inserts in a Washing Machine

You’ll need:

• Laundry detergent

• Dishwashing liquid

• Baking soda

• Bleach (optional, for white pillows only)

• Warm water

Instructions:

1. Fill your washing machine halfway with water, using three parts cold water and one part hot water. Warm water helps loosen dirt and dissolve oils more effectively.

   • If your machine has a built-in hot water cycle, you can simply select that setting instead.

2. Add detergent, dishwashing liquid, baking soda, and bleach in the ratio 1:1:1:2 (bleach should only be used for white pillows).

3. Load the pillow inserts into the drum, arranging them vertically along the central axis of the washer. This helps maintain balance and ensures a thorough clean.

4. Start the normal wash cycle, but avoid heavy spin or high-speed drying—it can twist or deform the pillow inserts.

5. Once the washing cycle is finished, air-dry the pillows under the sun until completely dry. This prevents musty smells and mold growth.

💡 Extra Tip: To keep your pillows fluffy after washing, toss a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls into the dryer on a no-heat or low-heat setting. They’ll help fluff the filling and prevent clumping.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your pillow inserts clean not only improves sleep hygiene but also helps them last longer and smell fresher. Ideally, you should wash them every three to six months, depending on how frequently you use them. Regular cleaning eliminates dust mites, sweat, and bacteria, giving you a healthier and more comfortable sleep environment.

With just a few simple ingredients and these easy methods, you can bring your old, yellowed pillows back to life—fresh, clean, and ready for a good night’s sleep.