How to Wash Sleeping Pillows: All the Do’s & Don’ts

Your pillow comes into direct contact with your face and hair every night, so regular cleaning is important. However, this does not mean that every pillow can be placed in the washing machine. Proper care depends on the filling, core, cover and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Before using water or detergent, always start by checking the care label. A feather and down pillow, a memory foam pillow and a latex pillow all require different care.

How Often Does a Pillow Need Cleaning?

A pillowcase needs to be washed more frequently than the pillow itself. There is no single cleaning schedule that applies to every pillow core or filling. Perspiration, the use of a pillow protector and the product’s official care instructions all determine how often cleaning is required.

Air your pillow regularly and treat small stains as soon as possible, provided the material allows it. If there is persistent moisture, mould or deterioration of the filling, washing may no longer be enough.

Before Washing: Check the Care Label

The care label is the safest guide for washing temperature, wash cycle, spinning and drying. If it states that only the removable cover should be cleaned, do not place the entire pillow in the washing machine.

Also check the seams for any tears. With pillows containing loose filling, even a small opening can cause the contents to spill inside the washing machine drum.

How to Wash Sleeping Pillows – Which Ones Can Go in the Washing Machine?

Some pillows with synthetic filling or feather and down can be machine washed, but only when this is clearly stated on the care label. Use the recommended wash cycle and temperature, without adding an excessive amount of detergent.

To keep the washing machine drum balanced, you can wash two pillows together, provided the machine has sufficient capacity. An additional rinse cycle can also help remove detergent residue.
 

How to Wash Feather and Down Pillows

For feather and down pillows, always follow the temperature stated on the care label. Candia’s FEATHER AND DOWN pillow is officially listed as washable at 40°C. This does not mean that the same temperature is suitable for every feather and down pillow.

The most important stage is thorough drying. Moisture remaining inside the pillow can cause unpleasant odours and make the filling clump together.

Memory Foam and Latex: What to Avoid 

Solid memory foam and latex cores should generally not be placed directly in the washing machine, as excessive soaking, agitation and spinning can damage their structure. Clean the removable cover according to the care label.

Do not twist the foam core or place it directly against a heat source. For the TECHNOGEL PIXEL 14, Candia states that the cotton cover can be removed and washed according to the instructions — not that the entire pillow core can be washed.

How to Dry Your Pillow Properly

Do not use the pillow until it is completely dry. Leave it in a well-ventilated area and turn it occasionally, unless the care label states otherwise. The outer fabric may feel dry even while the filling inside remains damp.

A tumble dryer should only be used when specifically permitted by the care instructions. Avoid improvised drying methods using radiators, hair dryers or very intense direct sunlight.

The Essential Do’s

• Read the entire care label before you begin.
• Remove the pillowcase and protective cover.
• Use a mild detergent and the correct amount.
• Make sure the inside of the pillow is completely dry.
• Air the pillow regularly between cleanings.

The Essential Don’ts

•  Do not wash a foam or latex core unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.
•  Do not use bleach or an excessively strong detergent without instructions.
•  Do not twist or heavily compress the pillow.
•  Do not try to cover persistent moisture or odours with fragrances.
•  Do not sleep on a pillow that has not dried completely.

How to Wash Sleeping Pillows – How to Keep Your Pillow Cleaner for Longer

A clean pillowcase and a compatible pillow protector reduce direct contact between the pillow core and perspiration, body oils and dust. Make sure to ventilate the bedroom and allow the pillow to air whenever you change your bed linen.

Avoid lying down with wet hair and treat stains promptly. This helps reduce the need for frequent deep cleaning.

When Does a Pillow Need Replacing Instead of Washing?

Washing cannot restore a pillow that has permanently lost its shape or support. If the core has become deformed, the filling remains uneven or there is mould present, consider replacing the pillow.

For more signs of wear, read the article “When Should I Replace My Pillow? Signs You Shouldn not Ignore”.

Candia Pillows With Different Care Requirements

The following models feature different cores and covers, clearly demonstrating why there is no single washing method suitable for every type of pillow.

Feather and Down

It contains duck down and feathers with a cotton fabric cover. Its official product page states that it is washable at 40°C.

Product URL: https://www.candia.gr/en/pillows/natural-collection-pillow/pillow-feather-and-down

Technogel Pixel 14

It combines Technogel and memory foam. The cotton cover can be removed and washed according to the care instructions, while the core requires different care.

 

Product URL: https://www.candia.gr/en/pillows/technogel-collection-pillow/pillow-technogel-pixel-14

Latex Anatomic

It features a latex core and cotton fabric. Check the product care instructions and do not place the solid core in the washing machine unless specifically permitted.

 

Product URL: https://www.candia.gr/en/pillows/classic-collection-pillow/pillow-latex-anatomic

Comfort Medic

This pillow features memory foam and cotton fabric. Treat the cover and foam core separately, following the official care label.

 

Product URL: https://www.candia.gr/en/pillows/classic-collection/comfort-medic

Joy

The JOY features cotton and plant-based PLA fibres. Since this filling differs from latex or memory foam, its specific care label should always be checked.

 

Product URL: https://www.candia.gr/en/pillows/natural-collection-pillow/pillow-joy

How to Wash Sleeping Pillows – Keep Your Pillow Clean Without Mistakes

The most important advice is simple: do not wash your pillow out of habit or based on a general cleaning rule. Check the material and care label, use gentle cleaning methods and pay particular attention to thorough drying.

In CΑΝΔΙΑ’s collection of sleeping pillows, you can compare feather and down, latex, memory foam and Technogel options, along with the specific care requirements of each material.
 

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