Pillow Purifier

How to complete Pillow Purifier

Pillows absorb months of sweat, oil, and dust mites that no pillowcase fully blocks, which is why an old pillow feels flat and smells faintly off. Washing them restores loft and freshness and is far cheaper than replacing them.

1. Check the care tag: most polyester and down pillows are machine washable, but memory foam usually is not and only gets spot-cleaned
2. Wash two pillows at once to balance the drum, using a small amount of detergent on a gentle warm cycle
3. Run a second rinse to flush out all soap, which otherwise leaves pillows stiff
4. Dry on low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps and rebuild loft
5. Make sure they are bone dry inside before putting cases back on, or mildew sets in

Tips

• If a pillow stays lumpy or doesn't spring back after washing, it's spent; replace it
• Top-loaders with a center agitator can tear pillows; use a front-loader or a laundromat machine if you have one

What counts as done

The pillows come out fully dry, fluffed, and odor-free, ready to put back on the bed.