Pillow Care and Storage Guide for Every Season
Check the care label, clean each pillow part as directed, and make sure it is dry before storing it.
In brief: Follow the care label, dry the whole pillow thoroughly, and put it somewhere clean and dry. Check the pillowcase, cover, and fill separately; a washable cover doesn't necessarily mean the insert belongs in the washer. Before storage, look for marks, dampness, or a stale smell.
Three things to remember
- Check the instructions for each part.
- Dry the pillow and cover all the way through.
- Keep buckwheat hulls out of the wash.
Start with the care label
Take off the pillowcase and find the instructions for the cover and insert. Pillows that look alike can have different fills, so one pillow's washing instructions may not suit another.
Can't find a label? Look for the manufacturer's guidance before reaching for the washer or dryer. With an adjustable pillow, read those instructions before you open it or take out any fill.
A simple care routine
You don't need to treat these as fixed wash dates. Think of them as useful moments to take a closer look:
- When you change the bedding: Check the pillowcase, then look underneath for spills or damp spots.
- From time to time: Look over the cover and pillow for wear, marks, or odors. Clean the cover as its label directs.
- Before putting it away: Clean the parts the label allows, and make sure they're completely dry.
- When bringing it back out: Check the pillow and storage area for dampness or a musty smell before adding a fresh case.
Choose the next step by what you find
The right next step depends on which part needs attention. Here's a way to sort through what you see:
| What you notice | What to do | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| A marked or stale pillowcase | Wash the case according to its label, then take a look at the pillow underneath. | Assuming the fill needs a wash, too. |
| A buckwheat pillow with a cover that needs cleaning | Take out the hulls. Clean the empty cover if its label allows, and let it dry fully before refilling it. | Washing the hulls or returning them to a damp cover. |
| A memory foam pillow with a surface mark | Look up the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning the spot. | Assuming the pillow can go into the washer. |
| A damp or musty pillow after storage | Take the pillow out and inspect both it and the storage area. If the pillow is damp but otherwise clean, dry it fully before deciding whether to keep it. | Sealing the damp pillow back in a bag. |
| Visible mold on the pillow or fill | Check the manufacturer's guidance and the EPA guidance below. The pillow may need to be discarded. | Trying to solve the problem with fragrance or a fresh pillowcase. |
Give buckwheat hulls their own step
A buckwheat pillow with a removable cover takes a little preparation before the cover can be cleaned. Open it carefully and tip the hulls into a clean, dry container.
Thing is, those hulls need to stay out of the wash. A wide container gives you room to catch them, and a tray underneath can help with any that stray while you're transferring the fill. Keep extra hulls in a clean, dry container, too.
Check the cover's label before cleaning it. Once the cover is completely dry, put the hulls back in.
Store pillows where you can check them
A clean closet shelf works if it stays dry. Choose a spot away from leaks and damp corners, and use a fabric storage bag to help keep dust off the pillow.
Before packing it, feel along the seams and check the insert, especially if you've just washed it. Not sure about the middle? Give the pillow more drying time. Don't seal it in plastic while it's damp.
Take an occasional look at the shelf as well as the pillow. If either feels damp, deal with the moisture before putting the pillow back.
Take mustiness and mold seriously
A stale or musty smell is a cue to look more closely, not just put on another case. Check the cover, the fill where you can reach it, and the place where the pillow was stored for dampness.
Caution: Don't store a pillow with visible mold, and don't count on airing it out, fragrance, or a bleach spray to fix it. The EPA says moldy porous materials may be difficult or impossible to clean completely and may need to be discarded. Its mold cleanup guidance also stresses fixing the source of the moisture.
The EPA recommends drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours where possible. That's a moisture-control guideline, not a guarantee that the middle of a thick pillow will dry in that window. If you can't dry the pillow thoroughly, replace it instead of storing it.
Pillow care FAQs
Can you wash a buckwheat pillow?
Don't put the hull-filled pillow in the washing machine. Remove the hulls first, and wash the empty cover only if the cover's care label says you can.
For an adjustable pillow such as the one from LilyPillow, check the manufacturer's instructions for both the fill and the cover before handling them.
Can you store pillows in plastic bags?
A fabric storage bag is a practical way to hold a clean, completely dry pillow. Whatever container you choose, keep damp pillows out of a sealed bag.
How often should you clean a pillow?
Let the care label guide you rather than applying one schedule to every fill. Check the pillow periodically. Clean the case, cover, or insert as their separate instructions allow.
The bottom line
Start with the labels, then clean each part as directed. Before you put the pillow on a dry shelf, check the seams and give the middle more time if you're unsure it's dry.