Wash pillows: The best tips

Over time, can be in the pillow Bacteria and mites collect. For a healthy sleep we should therefore wash it regularly. Only a few types of pillows must be subjected to a professional cleaning. Here are some tips on how to easily wash your pillow yourself.

Wash pillows: General

  • Depending on the filling you should once or twice a year wash your pillow. By nocturnal sweating form in the upper beds namely bacteria and dust mites.
  • Most types of pillows tolerate one Wash at 60 degrees, The high temperature then eliminates the germs and mites. But for the sake of safety, pay attention to the care instructions for your pillow and stick to it. If you suffer from house dust allergy, you should pay attention to it when buying a pillow and opt for a pillow that can easily survive a 60 degree wash.
  • Your pillow needs space in the washing machineto prevent the filling material from being compressed too much. Therefore always wash it individually and do not put any other textiles in the drum. This applies in principle for the washing of duvets.
  • Never use softenerif you want to wash your pillow! The chemical plasticizer can stick the respective filling material.

Wash pillows: down pillows

  • Down pillows should be washed less often so as not to unnecessarily burden the sensitive down. Depending on how much you sweat you have to at least every two years be subjected to a cleaning, as well as a feather pillow provides a perfect breeding ground for dust mites.
  • As a rule, down pillows can also be used safely 60 degrees getting washed. But be sure to check the care instructions first.
  • Use a special one down detergent for your pillow. Conventional detergents and fabric softeners dry out the feathers, which can cause them to become brittle and clump together. A down detergent spares the down in your pillow and moisturizes. If necessary, you can also on one duty detergent To fall back on.
  • Choose that Fine or wool wash program on your washing machine with subsequent Slow spin, If the speed is too high, the stems of the springs may break, which seriously affects the quality of the filling. To ensure that the detergent is completely washed out of the feather pillow, an additional rinse is recommended.
  • To avoid clogging down and feathers, you can too Put one or two tennis balls in the drum
  • After washing, the pillow must be quick and thorough tumble dry, Down in the air, the down does not dry fast enough, and there may be residual moisture in the pillow that promotes the growth of bacteria and mold.
  • Choose a low temperature until maximum 40 degrees, Higher temperatures can damage the feather pillow. Run the dryer several times to make sure the pad dries completely. Between the passageways you should shake up the down pillow again and again.
  • Again, you can add a tennis ball to loosen the feathers and knock through them. You can find further information here: Wash down pillows.

Wash pillows: microfiber pillows

  • Microfiber pillows are extremely easy to clean compared to the sensitive down pillows. In general, you can do any Washing program at 60 degrees and subsequent Dry in the dryer do not harm. This makes them the first choice for people with house dust allergy. But for safety's sake, pay attention to the care instructions for your pillow.
  • Again, you should do without softener, It can stick the fibers together and make your pillow hard and lumpy.

Wash pillows: neck support pillows

Care should be taken with special fillings, such as those found in neck support pillows. A machine wash can damage the material and cause the pillow to lose its function and you have to throw it away. Just clean the one Cover according to the washing instructions or have the pillow professionally cleaned. If in doubt, inquire in advance in a specialist store or the sleep expert.



To sleep in a hygienically clean bed, you should also wash the mattress cover, wash the sheets and clean the mattress. Further laundry tips can be found on our Pinterest pin board.

How to Wash Pillows (May 2024).



Pillows, sleep, cleaning