Using regular soap alone is not enough to thoroughly clean pillow inserts. To remove deep-seated dirt and odors, you need to apply a few simple but effective cleaning tips.

Over time, pillow inserts often turn yellow, develop small mold spots, and begin to smell unpleasant. The main cause is sweat, body oils, and dust that gradually penetrate through the pillowcase and seep into the inner filling. As a result, even if you wash your pillowcases frequently, the pillow inserts themselves can still remain dirty and unhygienic.

Constantly replacing pillow inserts is both expensive and wasteful. Fortunately, you can easily clean them at home with the right method. Proper cleaning not only restores freshness but also helps maintain the pillow’s original shape and fluffiness. One convenient option is washing pillow inserts in a washing machine, which saves a great deal of time and effort compared to hand washing.

To clean pillow inserts effectively, prepare the following items: laundry detergent, baking soda, bleach, and warm water. Baking soda helps neutralize odors and loosen stubborn stains, while bleach assists in removing yellow discoloration and killing bacteria.

Place the pillow inserts into the washing machine, making sure not to overload the drum—washing too many pillows at once can prevent them from being cleaned properly and may cause uneven spinning. Use warm water and select a gentle or bulky-items cycle to protect the pillow filling. After washing, rinse thoroughly to remove any detergent residue, then dry the pillows completely to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.

By cleaning your pillow inserts regularly using this method, you can extend their lifespan, improve sleep hygiene, and enjoy a fresher, more comfortable night’s rest without unnecessary expense.

After placing the pillow inserts into the washing machine, add laundry detergent along with baking soda and a small amount of bleach into the detergent compartment. Set the machine to a warm-water cycle and choose a gentle or bulky-items setting to ensure the pillows are cleaned thoroughly without damaging their structure. Warm water helps dissolve oils and sweat residue more effectively, while the added ingredients work together to eliminate stains, bacteria, and unpleasant odors.

Once the washing cycle is complete, it is important to rinse the pillows thoroughly to remove any remaining detergent or chemical residue. Residual soap can cause stiffness and may irritate the skin during sleep. After rinsing, spin the pillows well to remove excess water, then dry them completely. You can use a dryer on low to medium heat, adding a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help restore the pillow’s fluffiness and prevent clumping of the filling.

Proper drying is a crucial step, as any trapped moisture can lead to mold growth and unpleasant smells. Make sure the pillow inserts are fully dry before placing them back into pillowcases. With regular cleaning using this method, pillow inserts will stay fresh, soft, and supportive for a much longer time, helping improve sleep quality while saving money and reducing unnecessary waste.