How to Deep Clean Pillows: Restore Freshness and Comfort at Home

Pillows go through a lot. Night after night, they absorb sweat, skin oils, drool, dust mites, and allergens.

Over time, even the fluffiest pillow starts to feel flat, smell funky, or look stained. That’s why learning how to deep clean pillows is essential for both comfort and health.

Whether it’s your everyday sleeping pillow or decorative throw pillows on the couch, a good deep clean can bring them back to life.

How Do You Deep Clean Pillows?

The method depends on the fill type—different materials react differently to water, heat, and agitation.

Basic Steps for Most Machine-Washable Pillows:

1. Remove any pillowcases or protectors.

2. Pre-treat stains with a paste of baking soda and water or mild detergent.

3. Load two pillows in the washer to balance the drum.

4. Use warm or hot water with a gentle cycle.

5. Add ½ cup baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar for deodorizing.

6. Rinse twice and spin dry.

7. Tumble dry on low with dryer balls or air-dry in the sun.

We try to deep clean our pillows every few months, especially after allergy season kicks up. After washing and drying, I swear they feel brand new—and paired with our Puffy Lux Mattress, the bed feels like a whole new sleep experience.

How to Deep Clean Pillows in Washing Machine

Most synthetic and down-alternative pillows are washing machine friendly.

Tips for Machine-Washing Success:

• Use a front-loader or top-loader without an agitator to avoid clumping.

• Always wash two pillows at a time for balance.

• Select an extra rinse cycle to remove all residue.

• Avoid fabric softeners—they leave behind film.

Drying Notes:

• Use dryer balls or tennis balls to re-fluff.

• Don’t rush—make sure the pillow is completely dry to avoid mold.

• Sun drying? It’s great for whitening and sanitizing.

The Puffy Cloud Mattress is breathable and hypoallergenic, which helps reduce the need for constant deep cleaning—but when we do wash our pillows, it’s nice to know we’re resting them on a fresh foundation too.

How to Deep Clean Throw Pillows

Throw pillows often come with non-removable covers or delicate materials, so the approach is gentler.

Steps for Throw Pillow Cleaning:

• Check the tag—some are dry-clean only.

• Spot clean stains with mild soap and a damp cloth.

• For washable covers, remove and machine wash inside out.

• For foam inserts, hand wash with warm water and a bit of dish soap.

• Lay flat to air dry.

Maintenance Tip:

Sprinkle baking soda over throw pillows once a month, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum. It’s a great way to keep them fresh between washes.

How to Deep Clean Down Pillows

Down pillows require a more delicate touch to avoid damaging the feathers.

Cleaning Instructions:

• Use cold or lukewarm water and a small amount of down-safe detergent.

• Wash two pillows together to keep the load balanced.

• Set the washer to a gentle or wool cycle.

• Rinse twice to remove all detergent.

Drying Down Pillows:

• Tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls.

• Pause periodically to fluff and redistribute feathers.

• Make sure the pillow is thoroughly dry—damp down can smell musty or grow mold.

How to Deep Clean Feather Pillows

Similar to down, but feather pillows may be slightly more durable.

Washing Steps:

• Pre-treat stains with a gentle detergent.

• Wash using a mild cycle with cool water.

• Avoid over-spinning to prevent feather breakage.

Pro Tip:

If feathers start poking through, place the pillow in a zippered pillow protector before washing to prevent leaks.

Common Pillow Types & Cleaning Methods

How Often Should You Deep Clean Pillows?

• Sleeping pillows: Every 3–4 months

• Throw pillows: Twice a year, or as needed

• Pillow protectors: Monthly

Set a calendar reminder so you don’t forget—especially if you deal with allergies.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to deep clean pillows helps extend their life, refresh your space, and improve your overall sleep hygiene.

Whether you’re tossing them in the washer or carefully spot cleaning, a little care goes a long way.

Match your cleaning routine with a high-quality base for a full sleep setup that feels as good as it looks.