How to Clean Pillow Inserts Effectively: A Simple and Practical Guide

Over time, pillow inserts can turn yellow, develop tiny mildew spots, and even emit unpleasant odors. Many people only wash the pillowcases while continuing to use the same pillow inserts, which silently accumulate dust, bacteria, and allergens. Not only does this affect hygiene, but it can also impact your health, especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin. Replacing pillow inserts frequently can be costly, so cleaning them properly and regularly is the smartest solution.

Fortunately, washing pillow inserts isn’t as difficult as many people think. Even though soap alone may not completely remove stubborn stains, the following simple methods—either by hand or with a washing machine—will help restore your pillow inserts to a fresh, clean condition.

1. How to Hand-Wash Pillow Inserts

You will need:

• Laundry detergent

• White vinegar

• Baking soda

• Warm water

Steps:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent, ½ cup of white vinegar, and ½ cup of baking soda into a basin of warm water. This combination helps break down stains, kill bacteria, and neutralize odors.

2. Submerge the pillow insert completely and let it soak for 15–20 minutes.

3. Gently squeeze and massage the pillow insert to help release embedded dirt.

4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all soap residue is removed.

5. Squeeze out excess water (avoid twisting too hard to prevent deformation).

6. Dry the pillow insert under direct sunlight until it is completely dry—this prevents mold and helps restore fluffiness.

Tip: You can tap or shake the pillow gently while drying to help it retain its original volume.

2. How to Machine-Wash Pillow Inserts

You will need:

• Baking soda

• Laundry detergent

• Dish soap

• Bleach (optional, for white pillows only)

• Warm water

Steps:

1. Fill the washing machine halfway with water, using a ratio of 3 parts cold water to 1 part hot water. Warm water helps soften stubborn grime and enhances cleaning power.

   • If your washing machine has a built-in hot-water wash mode, you can simply select that setting.

2. Add dish soap, bleach, baking soda, and laundry detergent in a 1:1:1:2 ratio. This blend effectively tackles stains, odor, and bacteria.

3. Place the pillow inserts into the machine following the direction of the drum’s rotation to improve washing efficiency.

4. Start the wash cycle as usual. Avoid overloading the drum, as too many pillows will reduce cleaning effectiveness.

5. Skip high-speed spin modes—strong spinning can twist or deform the pillow filling.

6. After washing, dry the pillow inserts thoroughly under sunlight. A completely dry pillow prevents mold and keeps its shape longer.

Additional tip: If the weather is not sunny, use a dryer at low heat and add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the pillow.