How to Clean Yellowed Pillow Inserts and Make Them Fresh Again

Using regular soap alone isn’t enough to truly clean pillow inserts. To remove all the dirt, sweat, and buildup inside, you’ll need a few smart tricks.

Over time, pillow inserts tend to turn yellow, develop tiny mold spots, and even give off unpleasant odors. The main culprits are sweat, natural oils from your skin, and dust particles that seep through the pillow cover and into the insert itself. This means that even if you wash your pillowcases frequently, the inside can still become dirty.

Constantly replacing pillow inserts can be both costly and wasteful. Instead, you can restore them at home with the right cleaning methods. The key is to wash them without losing their shape or fluffiness. Below are two effective ways:

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1. Cleaning Pillow Inserts in the Washing Machine

Washing your pillows in a machine can save a lot of time and effort compared to handwashing.

What you’ll need:

• Laundry detergent

• Baking soda

• Bleach

• Warm water

Steps:

1. Place the pillow inserts inside the washing drum. Don’t overload the machine—wash only a few pillows at a time.

2. Mix baking soda, detergent, and bleach in a 1:2:1 ratio, then add this solution to the washer.

3. Select a warm water cycle to boost cleaning and kill bacteria.

4. For deeper cleaning, choose a soaking cycle so the solution has more time to loosen stubborn stains.

5. Arrange the pillows along the axis of the drum to improve washing efficiency and reduce damage. Avoid high-speed spin cycles, as they can twist the filling or tear the pillow fabric.

Once the wash is complete, dry the pillows thoroughly under direct sunlight to prevent mold or odors. You can also use dryer balls to help the pillows dry faster and stay fluffy.

Tip: Always check the care label before washing to ensure your pillows are safe for machine wash, bleach, and hot water.

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2. Cleaning Pillow Inserts by Hand

Although handwashing requires more effort and time, it ensures a deep clean without disturbing the filling inside.

What you’ll need:

• Laundry detergent

• White vinegar

• Baking soda

• Warm water

• Rubber gloves (to protect your hands)

Steps:

1. In a large basin, mix 1 tablespoon of detergent, ½ cup of white vinegar, and ½ cup of baking soda with warm water until dissolved.

2. Submerge the pillow insert and let it soak for at least 20 minutes.

3. Using your hands, gently squeeze, press, and rub the pillow to release dirt and grime.

4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all detergent and residue are gone.

5. Press the pillow gently to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist, as this may clump or flatten the filling.

6. Dry the pillow under sunlight until completely dry. Once dry, pat and fluff it with your hands to evenly distribute the filling and restore its shape.

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Final Note

By following these methods, you can save money, extend the life of your pillows, and enjoy cleaner, fresher bedding. Regular cleaning every few months will help maintain hygiene, prevent allergens, and keep your pillows soft and supportive.