Should You Wash New Pillows?

That fresh, new pillow might not be as clean as you think. While many of us eagerly slip a new pillowcase onto our store-bought pillows and dive right into bed, experts suggest taking a few extra steps first.

Just like washing new clothes before wearing them, your pillows might need similar attention. Many people don’t realize that new pillows can harbor dust, chemicals, and manufacturing residues that could affect your sleep quality and health.

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Whether you’ve bought memory foam, down feathers, or synthetic pillows, each type requires specific care to ensure you’re getting the cleanest and most comfortable sleep possible. Think twice before using that new pillow straight from the package – keep reading to discover why washing your new pillows might be the best decision for your sleep health and comfort.

Want to make the best choice for your new pillows? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about preparing your pillows for their first use.

Why Wash New Pillows?

Most people assume new pillows are clean and ready to use straight from the package. However, several hidden factors make washing new pillows worth considering for your health and comfort.

Manufacturing Residues and Chemicals

First off, factory workers use various chemicals during pillow production to prevent mold growth and extend shelf life.

These chemicals often include formaldehyde, flame retardants, and anti-microbial treatments that can leave strong odors and potentially cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Some manufacturers also use sizing agents to make pillows look fuller and more appealing in stores. These chemicals can cause headaches or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.

Many of these residues remain on your pillow when it leaves the factory and reaches your home.

Factory dust, machine oils, and other production materials might also cling to your new pillow. Washing helps remove these potentially harmful substances before they come into contact with your skin and airways during sleep.

Most importantly, a good wash can eliminate that strong “new pillow smell” that signals the presence of these manufacturing chemicals.

Storage Contaminants

Pillows often spend months in warehouses, traveling between facilities, and sitting on store shelves before reaching your home. During this journey, they collect dust, dirt, and various environmental contaminants through their packaging.

Even sealed plastic bags can’t completely protect pillows from warehouse dust that settles during long storage periods.

Insects, rodents, and other pests might access storage areas, leaving behind particles you wouldn’t want near your face.

Humidity in storage spaces can also promote the growth of mold and mildew, especially in poorly ventilated areas.

Temperature changes during transport and storage can create condensation inside packaging, potentially leading to bacterial growth.

These conditions make washing particularly important for pillows that have been in storage for extended periods.

“Ready to Use” Pillow Myths

Many people believe that plastic packaging keeps pillows completely clean and sterile, but this isn’t always true. Marketing phrases like “ready to use” or “pre-cleaned” can mislead consumers into thinking their pillows are completely free from contaminants.

Some people assume that premium or high-end pillows don’t require washing because of their quality, which is another misconception. The belief that new pillows are hypoallergenic right out of the package ignores the presence of manufacturing chemicals and storage contaminants.

People often think that pillow protectors eliminate the need for initial washing, but these covers only prevent future contamination. Another common myth suggests that airing out new pillows is just as effective as washing them, which doesn’t address deep-seated manufacturing residues.

Most importantly, the assumption that washing new pillows will damage them actually overlooks the benefits of proper cleaning methods.

Different Types of Pillows

Each type of pillow requires specific care to maintain its quality and longevity. Understanding your pillow’s material and care requirements helps you make informed decisions about washing and maintenance.

Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows require extra care because their unique material structure can easily break down with improper washing. Never toss these pillows directly into your washing machine, as the aggressive agitation can tear apart the foam’s cellular structure.

Instead, spot cleaning or gentle hand washing with mild detergent works best for removing surface stains and odors. These pillows should never be wrung out or twisted, as this can permanently damage their shape and support properties.

Drying requires patience—air drying in a well-ventilated area is the safest method, though it may take several days. Direct sunlight and high heat can deteriorate the foam, so keep them in a shaded, breezy spot while drying.

Memory foam pillows often come with strong chemical odors that need several days of airing out before first use. Most importantly, check manufacturer guidelines, as some memory foam pillows should only be spot cleaned to maintain warranty coverage.

Latex Pillows

Latex pillows demand special attention because they’re particularly sensitive to cleaning methods and environmental conditions. Never fully submerge latex pillows in water or place them in a washing machine, as this can compromise their structure and accelerate deterioration.

Spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap is usually the safest cleaning method for latex pillows. Avoid harsh chemicals or disinfectants that could break down the latex material. Air drying is essential, but keep latex pillows out of direct sunlight, which can cause yellowing and degradation of the material.

These pillows naturally resist dust mites and mold, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. While latex pillows don’t require frequent cleaning, they benefit from regular airing out to maintain freshness.

Using a high-quality, washable pillow protector extends the life of latex pillows and reduces the need for cleaning. Most latex pillows come with specific care instructions that should be followed carefully to maintain their warranty.

Down and Feather Pillows

Down and feather pillows are among the most washable pillow types, but they need gentle handling to maintain their loft and insulating properties. Always use a front-loading washing machine, as top-loaders with agitators can damage the delicate feathers and down clusters.

Warm water and mild detergent work best, while fabric softeners should be avoided as they can coat the feathers and reduce their natural fluffiness. Multiple rinse cycles help ensure all soap residue is removed, preventing clumping and unpleasant odors.

Tennis balls or dryer balls in the dryer help break up clumps and restore fluffiness during the drying process. These pillows require thorough drying on low heat to prevent mold growth. Expect it to take several dryer cycles.

Check occasionally during drying by squeezing the pillow to feel for damp spots. Proper drying is crucial as even slightly damp down can develop mildew and lose its insulating properties.

Polyester Pillows

Polyester and synthetic fill pillows (like upcycled plastic) are typically the easiest to wash and most forgiving when it comes to care. These pillows can usually handle machine washing with regular detergent on a gentle cycle with warm water.

Always wash two pillows at once to keep your washing machine balanced during the spin cycle. Avoid using too much detergent, as residue can make pillows feel stiff and uncomfortable. These pillows respond well to machine drying on medium heat with dryer balls to prevent clumping.

Check for any manufacturer’s specific temperature recommendations, as some synthetic materials can melt under high heat. Regular washing actually helps maintain the loft and shape of synthetic pillows by redistributing and fluffing the filling.

However, be aware that frequent washing may gradually break down the synthetic fibers and reduce the pillow’s lifespan. Most synthetic pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years, regardless of washing frequency.

The Case for Washing

While some people might hesitate to wash their new pillows, compelling reasons exist to consider this extra step in your bedding care routine. Knowing them lets you practice pillow maintenance from day one.

Getting Rid of New Pillow Smells

New pillows often have a strange smell from the factory where they were made. This smell,  known as off-gassing, comes from the chemicals used to make and pack the pillows.

Some people can get headaches or feel sick from these smells because they contain volatile organic compounds ( VOCs Verified Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The United States’ health protection agency that defends against dangers to health and safety. View source ). This is especially true for any sleepers who have allergies or breathing problems.

A proper wash can significantly reduce these chemical smells and make your pillow more pleasant to use. Hot water helps break down and remove many of these chemical residues more effectively than just airing out the pillow.

Many people say they sleep better after washing away these factory smells. You want your pillow to smell fresh and clean, not like chemicals. A good wash before you use your new pillow helps create a healthier place to rest your head at night.

The smell test offers a simple way to check—if you can smell chemicals, they’re still present and potentially affecting your sleep environment.

Reducing Allergens

Factory dust, packing materials, and storage debris can trigger allergic reactions in many people. Washing new pillows removes these potential allergens Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source before they affect your sleep quality or health.

Dust mites, which feed on dead skin cells, can infest pillows even before they reach your home, making initial cleaning crucial. People with sensitivities to common manufacturing chemicals often experience relief after washing their new pillows.

A thorough wash can remove pollen, pet dander, and other allergens that settle on pillows during storage and transport. Hot water washing proves particularly effective at killing dust mites and removing their waste products, which are common allergen triggers.

Even those without known allergies can benefit from reduced exposure to potential irritants.

Your Pillows Last Longer

Taking good care of your pillow from the start helps it last much longer. When you wash a new pillow, you get rid of factory oils and chemicals that could hurt the materials inside over time. A clean pillow keeps its shape better and stays comfy longer.

If you start with a clean pillow, it’s easier to tell when it’s getting old versus just getting dirty. Making a habit of cleaning your pillows right from the beginning is like taking care of a new bike – the better you treat it, the longer it works well. When dirt and sweat can’t sink deep into your pillow, it stays fluffy and supportive.

Companies that make pillows say that good care, including proper washing, helps your pillow last as long as it should—or even longer. Think of it like brushing your teeth: doing it right from the start stops problems before they begin.

The Case Against Washing

While washing new pillows offers many benefits, there are legitimate reasons to think twice before tossing them in the washing machine.

Understanding these potential drawbacks helps you make an informed decision based on your specific pillow type and circumstances.

Manufacturer Warranty Concerns

Many pillow manufacturers include specific care instructions that could void your warranty if not followed exactly. Some premium pillow brands explicitly state that machine washing nullifies their warranty coverage, especially for specialty materials like memory foam or latex.

Reading warranty cards carefully reveals that certain cleaning methods might compromise your consumer protection rights. Some manufacturers require professional cleaning only, while others specify that only spot cleaning is acceptable.

Warranty terms often include specific temperature and detergent restrictions that typical home washing might violate. Many high-end pillow warranties cover manufacturing defects only if the pillow remains in its original, unwashed condition.

Always keep records of how you take care of your product. Following the care instructions helps make sure you can get free repairs or replacements if needed. Writing down what you do and saving receipts protects you if there’s a problem later.

Potential Damage Risks

When you wash pillows incorrectly, you can ruin them completely. Regular washing machines can damage the inside structure of specialty pillows, making the filling bunch up or fall apart.

High water temperatures might melt or deform synthetic materials, while spinning the washer too fast can tear up and compress filling materials. Harsh detergents might break down water-resistant treatments or special cooling features built into premium pillows.

Some pillow materials become extremely heavy when wet, which can pull apart the stitching. And if you don’t dry them well enough, they can allow mold to grow inside, which is bad for your health.

Special pillows with lots of layers or new materials can get damaged even more easily.

Down pillows in particular need extra care, and not just because wet feathers are heavy and take a long time to dry. The stuffing inside might clump up or move around, and using the wrong soap or hot water can wash away the natural oils that keep down feathers fluffy and soft. Without these oils, down feathers can become brittle and break easily.

Alternative of Airing Out Pillows

Some situations call for airing out pillows rather than washing them, particularly when dealing with minor odors. Natural materials like down and feathers often benefit more from fresh air than immediate washing.

Mild chemical odors that linger from manufacturing typically dissipate within a few days of proper ventilation in a well-aired room. To speed it along, you can try sprinkling some baking soda on the pillow surface and vacuuming it up after a few hours.

But overall, fresh air and indirect sunlight can effectively remove many surface odors without risking pillow damage. It’s a safe alternative when you don’t know how to wash a specific type of pillow.

How to Safely Wash New Pillows

Before you sleep on your new pillows, you might want to give them their first wash. But washing pillows isn’t as simple as washing your clothes.

All pillows need different kinds of care. Washing them wrong can ruin them, but washing them right helps them last longer and keeps them fresh.

Read the Care Tag

First, check the care label. The label typically specifies whether machine washing is allowed or if spot cleaning is the only safe option. Pay special attention to the laundry symbols—a bucket with an X means no water washing, while a circle indicates dry cleaning only.

Always check water temperature recommendations, too, as using water that’s too hot can damage certain synthetic materials and adhesives.

Some labels list specific detergent types to use or avoid, which can significantly impact cleaning success. Understanding care label abbreviations helps prevent costly mistakes – for example, “PCE” refers to perchloroethylene dry cleaning only.

Most importantly, care labels often provide sequential instructions that should be followed in exact order. Following these manufacturer guidelines helps maintain any warranty coverage and ensures optimal cleaning results.

Washing Methods by Pillow Type

Different pillow materials require specific washing approaches to maintain their quality and extend their lifespan. Machine washable pillows should be cleaned in pairs to maintain washer balance and prevent excess agitation.

Before washing any pillow, look for rips or weak spots—washing can make these worse.

Use warm (not hot) water and a gentle cycle with mild detergent for most washable pillows. Use soaps without strong smells, especially for kids’ pillows or if someone has sensitive skin.

Front-loading washers work best as they cause less damage than top-loading machines with agitators. Most importantly, never exceed the recommended water temperature as this can damage pillow materials.

Some pillows benefit from pre-treatment of stains or odors before the main washing process. Adding an extra rinse cycle helps ensure all detergent residue is removed. If you have allergies, running an extra hot water rinse can help wash away more of the things that make you sneeze.

Meanwhile, hand washing delicate pillows requires gentle squeezing rather than wringing or twisting. Spot cleaning works best for memory foam and latex using a gentle cloth and mild soap solution.

If your pillow has a cover you can take off, wash it by itself and follow its own cleaning instructions. And if you use pillow covers for protection, wash them following their instructions before putting them back on clean pillows.

Drying Techniques

You must dry your pillows completely to stop mold from growing and to keep their shape. Use low or medium heat when drying—high heat can damage the stuffing inside. Put clean tennis balls or dryer balls in with your pillows to help break up lumps and keep them fluffy.

Check your pillows often while they’re drying to make sure they don’t get too hot. It’s better to dry them several short times than one long time. If you want to let them dry in the air, make sure there’s good airflow around them, but keep them out of direct sunlight which can damage them.

Never put your pillows away until they’re completely dry—push on the middle to check for cool or damp spots. Most pillows, whether they’re made with fake stuffing or down feathers, need several hours to dry all the way through. If they’re even a little wet inside when you store them, they could get moldy.

Write down when you clean your pillows and how you did it—this helps you remember when it’s time to clean them again and can help if you need to use your warranty.

Best Practices for New Pillows

Getting a new pillow is exciting, but there are important steps to take before you start sleeping on it. Just like new clothes need washing before you wear them, new pillows need some care before they go on your bed.

Taking these steps helps your pillow last longer and keeps it fresh and clean from the very beginning.

Airing Out Before Use

Open new pillows in a well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours to dissipate initial manufacturing odors effectively. Place fresh pillows outside in a covered area to allow natural air circulation to remove chemical smells.

Avoid airing pillows in direct sunlight or high humidity areas, which could affect their materials. Fluffing and rotating pillows during the airing process helps ensure all surfaces get exposed to fresh air. Setting up fans in the airing area can speed up the off-gassing process significantly.

Using Protective Covers

Quality pillow protectors create a barrier against sweat, oils, and allergens while allowing the pillow to maintain its breathability. Choose covers with waterproof properties but avoid plastic-feeling materials that might affect comfort or create noise.

Always wash protective covers before putting them on new pillows to remove any manufacturing residues. Adopting good habits from the start helps to extend a pillow’s usable life. A waterproof protector plus a decorative pillowcase provides two layers of protection.

When to Clean Your Pillow

Wash your pillow if it has stains you can see, smells strongly of chemicals, or has been stored where dust and dirt could get on it. If your pillow just needs freshening up or has a mild smell, letting it air out might be enough.

You know it’s time for a real wash when your pillow has strong smells that don’t go away after airing, looks yellow or stained, or makes you sneeze or cough when you use it. You should also give it a wash if it’s been in a damp place.

If it stops feeling fluffy or doesn’t support your head as well anymore, dirt and dust might be stuck inside. Bad smells that remain even after an airing out mean it’s definitely time for a wash.

Memory foam pillows are a special exception. They usually do better with airing out because washing can hurt the material inside.

FAQs

Can I use my new pillow straight from the package?

While you can use your pillow immediately, it’s not recommended. New pillows often contain manufacturing chemicals, dust, and residues that could cause skin irritation or breathing issues.

Taking time to air out or wash your pillow first creates a healthier sleep environment. This extra step helps remove potential allergens and creates a more comfortable sleeping experience from day one.

Will washing my new pillow void its warranty?

The answer depends entirely on your pillow’s manufacturer and type. Always check your warranty card and care label before washing any new pillow.

Some premium pillows, especially memory foam and latex types, may have specific cleaning restrictions that could void the warranty if not followed. If you’re unsure, contact the manufacturer directly or consider airing out the pillow instead of washing it.

How long should I air out my new pillow before using it?

Most pillows benefit from at least 24-48 hours of airing in a well-ventilated space. Memory foam pillows might need up to a week due to stronger off-gassing odors.

Place the pillow in a covered outdoor area or near open windows, and remember to flip it occasionally for even airing. The process is complete when you can’t detect any chemical smells.

Is a strong chemical smell dangerous?

Strong chemical odors come from manufacturing processes and while unpleasant, they’re usually not immediately dangerous. However, these VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) can cause headaches, nausea, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.

Proper airing or washing can significantly reduce these odors. If the smell persists after cleaning or causes severe reactions, consider returning the pillow.

What’s the best way to wash a new memory foam pillow?

Memory foam pillows require special care and should never be machine washed. Instead, spot clean with a mild detergent solution using a clean white cloth.

Allow the pillow to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Consider using a waterproof pillow protector to prevent future deep cleaning needs.

How do I know if my pillow needs washing or just airing out?

If your pillow has only a mild chemical smell and no visible stains, airing out might be sufficient. However, if you notice strong odors, visible dirt, or if the pillow was stored in humid conditions, washing is recommended.

Consider your sensitivity to allergens and chemicals when making this decision. Remember that some pillow types, like memory foam, should avoid washing whenever possible.

How often should I wash my pillow protector?

Pillow protectors should be washed every 2-3 weeks, along with your regular bedding rotation. Washing protectors regularly prevents sweat, oils, and allergens from building up and potentially reaching your pillow.

Always follow the care label instructions and use gentle detergents to maintain the protector’s waterproof properties. Remember to have a spare protector on hand so your pillow never goes uncovered.

Conclusion

Taking care of your new pillows might seem like extra work, but it’s a crucial step in creating a healthy sleep environment. Whether you choose to wash or air out your pillows, understanding the proper care methods for your specific pillow type helps protect your investment and ensures optimal comfort.

Remember that different materials require different approaches – what works for down pillows might damage memory foam ones. By following the right care instructions from the start, you’ll extend your pillows’ life and maintain their supportive properties longer.

Most importantly, don’t skip the initial care process, as it removes potentially harmful manufacturing residues and creates a cleaner, more comfortable surface for rest. Your sleep quality is worth the extra effort, so take the time to properly prepare your new pillows before their first use.