To clean your pillow insert, using regular soap isn’t enough. You’ll need to apply the following simple tricks to completely remove dirt from inside the pillow.

Over time, pillow inserts can turn yellow, develop tiny mold spots, and even start to smell. The main cause is sweat, body oils, and dust seeping through the pillow cover and soaking into the insert. Therefore, even if you wash the pillowcase regularly, the pillow insert can still become dirty.

Constantly replacing pillow inserts is both costly and wasteful. Instead, you can clean your pillow inserts at home. To do so without ruining their shape or fluffiness, try the following methods.

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Cleaning Pillow Inserts with a Washing Machine

Washing your pillow inserts in the machine saves both time and effort.

You’ll need laundry detergent, baking soda, bleach, and warm water.

Place the pillows in the washing drum (avoid overloading the machine).

Mix baking soda, detergent, and bleach in a 1:2:1 ratio, then pour the mixture into the machine.

Select the warm water cycle to improve cleaning effectiveness and kill bacteria.

You can also choose a soak or deep-clean cycle to allow the detergent more time to loosen dirt and stains.

When loading pillows into the washer, align them along the axis of the drum to keep them evenly balanced and prevent damage. Also, avoid a high-spin cycle to stop the filling from twisting or tearing the pillow seams due to strong centrifugal force.

After washing, dry the pillow inserts in direct sunlight until completely dry.

You may also add laundry balls to increase the washing efficiency.

Note: Before putting your pillows in the washing machine, always check the care label to ensure they’re machine-washable and safe for bleach or hot water.

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Cleaning Pillow Inserts by Hand

Handwashing requires more effort and time, but it ensures the pillows stay clean without clumping or deforming the filling.

You’ll need laundry detergent, white vinegar, baking soda, and warm water. To protect your skin, prepare a pair of rubber gloves.

Mix 1 tablespoon of detergent, ½ cup of white vinegar, and ½ cup of baking soda into a basin of warm water until dissolved. Soak the pillow inserts in this mixture for at least 20 minutes.

Next, use your hands to press and knead the pillow several times to remove all dirt. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water until all soap residue and dirt are gone.

When finished, press the pillow gently to squeeze out the water — do not twist or wring it, as this can distort the filling and cause the pillow to flatten. Dry in a sunny, well-ventilated area.

Once dry, fluff the pillow by patting it with your hands several times to redistribute the filling and restore its shape.