How to remove drool, other stains from pillows: Step-by-step video tutorial

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There are different types of pillows, which means they have different needs when it comes to cleaning.

The first step is to check the tag on your pillow for the cleaning instructions. However, if you can’t find the tag or it’s not legible, there are some general rules when it comes to pillow cleaning. Synthetic fiber pillows and down pillows can go in the washing machine. Foam pillows cannot. 

The good news is that all pillows can be spot-cleaned! This can also be done to pre-treat any stains before you throw it in the wash.  

Watch this video to see how to properly clean different types of pillows. 

Foam pillow

Since foam pillows can’t be tossed in the washing machine, cleaning them involves a little more effort. A combination of liquid dish soap and warm water is the simplest solution to spot-treating these types of pillows.

First, start by sprinkling baking soda on the pillow and letting it sit for a few minutes to get rid of any odors. Then, vacuum the pillow. 

Next, dab your sponge in the water and get to scrubbing. Foam can tear, so don’t be too vigorous in your scrubbing. Once you’re done spot-treating, grab a new sponge with clean water and go over the pillow to get out any remaining soap. You can leave the pillow to air dry or blast it with a hairdryer for a quicker method. 

If there are some mega stains on the pillow, soak it in a bathtub filled with soapy water. Then, drain the water and refill it with fresh, clean water to get the soap out before setting it out to dry. 

How to clean fiber, down pillows

To spot-clean a synthetic fiber pillow: 

1. All you need is some mild laundry detergent, warm water and a sponge or cloth.
2. Vacuuming the pillow to get rid of the dead skin cells and dust that live in it. 
3. Add the detergent to the water then dip the sponge or cloth in the water and get to work on the spot. If the detergent isn’t getting the job done, use a combination of dish soap and warm water. If the pesky stain still won’t come out, use a stain remover spray on the spot before tossing it in the wash. 

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How to wash a pillow in the washer

To get the best clean in the washing machine, make sure it's set to the ideal settings for a bulky pillow. Set it to the heavy-duty cycle with warm water and high spin. Once the wash is complete, pop it in the dryer on a medium/low heat to remove any remaining moisture and to fluff it back up. 

It’s not just pillows that can and should be cleaned, the covers need it, too! Many of them are machine washable and easy to throw in when you’re washing sheets or pillows.