Should I wash new pillow cases?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 07, 2026
Always wash your new pillows before use. Most of the reasons that new pillows might be unclean are not apparent to the naked eye. While new pillows are rarely dirty, they can have chemicals, dust mites, and more.
Should new bedding be washed before use?
Brand new bed sheets may appear crisp, clean and ready to be slept on. However, the truth of the matter is they were produced in a factory and it would be a good idea to wash them before first use. Many people report an itchy, irritating sensation when sleeping on sheets that have not yet been washed.
Should you wash pillows or buy new ones?
You can air dry the pillows or place them in a dryer on a low setting for about 20 minutes. Wash these pillows every 3 to 6 months, and replace them every 1 to 3 years. You can tell it's time for a replacement if the pillow doesn't spring back to its normal shape after you fold it in half.
Should you wash pillow cases inside out?
Wash inside-out
Anything delicate on the outside should be washed inside out to preserve its outer surface.
How often should pillowcases be washed?
How often should you wash your pillows? While you should wash your pillowcases every two weeks, at least, along with your sheets and other bedding, you can get away with leaving your actual pillow for longer. If it's been six months or more since you last gave it a clean, however, it's time to take the plunge!
39 related questions foundCan you wash pillow cases with sheets?
Just toss the sheets in your washer, toss in a laundry pod, laundry tablet or the desired quantity of liquid laundry detergent, and start your washer! While pillowcases should be washed at least every week, many people decide to change them daily.
How do you wash a brand new pillow?
Avoid the washer and instead opt for hand-washing or vacuuming and spot treating. Hand-washing is best done by filling your bathtub with water and a low suds, mild detergent. Submerge the pillow and allow the water and laundry detergent solution to seep all the way through. Rinsing can be done the same way.
How do you break in a new pillow?
- Place the pillow inside a pillowcase. Stuff batting or other soft filler into the pillowcase on one side of the pillow. ...
- Place the stiff pillow under an electric blanket. Turn the blanket on 10 to 15 minutes before retiring to bed, allowing the blanket time to soften the pillow.
- Lay the stiff pillow on a hard surface.
Should you put new pillows in the dryer?
Unless your pillow is made of foam, most pillows can be placed in the dryer on a low-heat setting. However, make sure to read the label on your pillow to check the specific instructions before throwing it in the machine. How to dry pillows: Gently tumble dry most types of pillows using the air or low-heat setting.
What happens if you don't wash new sheets?
If you're prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, the dust, debris, and chemicals on new bed sheets can cause an adverse reaction. Without washing them first, you could experience itching or skin irritation when you hit the hay.
Should you wash new towels before using?
Wash before you use them
Wash your towels before you use them for the first time. New towels will have a silicone finish that makes them less absorbent. You'll also want to set the colour so that it doesn't run or fade.
How do you wash pillow cases?
- Step 1: Pre-treat odors and mix soap solution. If your silk pillowcases and sheets have developed an odor, soak your fabric in lukewarm water mixed with 1/4 cup white vinegar before washing. ...
- Step 2: Wash pillowcases. Turn your pillowcases inside-out and submerge them into the water. ...
- Step 3: Rinse and dry.
Is it safe to wash pillows in the washing machine?
Down or feather: Most down pillows can be put in the washing machine. But use cool water and a mild detergent, then dry on low heat. (High temperatures can damage the down.) Memory foam or latex: Washer agitation can break up foam, so these pillows will probably need to be hand-washed.
How often should you wash your pillowcase for acne?
To prevent new breakouts from developing overnight, she recommends switching your pillowcase anywhere from every few days to daily (more often if you regularly wear makeup or are particularly acne-prone.) And yes, these guidelines apply even if you wash your face right before bed each night.
Does it take time to get used to a new pillow?
It could take five days or longer to get used to your new pillow, so you may not notice immediate relief. Avoid buying a "matching" pillow for your partner, your partner may need a different pillow to you.
Do pillows take time to break in?
It takes a few minutes to break in your memory foam pillow as it reacts to the pressure and temperature of your body. If your bedroom is cold, you might find that your pillow takes a few days to break in, because without heat, these pillows naturally spring back to their original shape.
Why do pillows turn yellow?
Pillows turn yellow because of sweat. There are other reasons why a pillow may start to turn yellow including falling asleep with wet hair, lotions and oils on the skin, and moisture. When moisture or sweat remains on the pillow for long periods of time, the pillow will turn yellow.
How do you sanitize and disinfect a pillow?
The best disinfectant may not be the wash, but the drying process. Tumble-drying laundry, including pillows, on high heat for at least 30 minutes is sufficient for killing most influenza germs. Don't hesitate to tumble dry for longer, however.
Can I wash pillows in my Samsung washer?
Most Samsung washers and dryers are equipped with a Bedding cycle intended for bulky items like comforters, duvets, pillows, blankets, and sheets.
Should I wash pillow cases with clothes?
When it comes to doing laundry, color, fabric type and texture can affect the results. Washing pillowcases and towels together works well, provided the colors and textures are compatible. Most towels and pillow cases come with care labels sewn on them for quick reference on how to wash them.
Can you wash pillowcases with shirts?
Yep, washing those with clothes is definitely a bad idea. Do to their giant size, throwing a set of sheets with a small load of clothes and a green laundry pod would just keep the clothes from washing and drying correctly. The clothes would get trapped on the sheets and wouldn't have a chance to wash properly.
How do you wash pillowcases for acne?
Try misting your pillowcase with a spray containing tea tree oil, lavender or another natural antibacterial agent each day. Tea tree oil also has anti-inflammatory powers to help calm the skin. According to VanHoose, these sprays can even extend the life of your pillowcase. Wash your face at bedtime.
How do you wash pillows UK?
The safest and most effective way to wash your pillows is to run them through a gentle cycle with warm or hot water. Make sure that the detergent you use is mild and not too harsh. To keep your machine perfectly balanced, wash two pillows at a time, ideally of the same size and weight.
What temperature should you wash pillows?
Use hot water in your washing machine and add detergent to it. Run a regular cycle on the hottest setting possible and add fabric softener/conditioner if desired. Put the pillow in the washing machine and let it soak for 30-40 minutes. After the pillow is soaked, run the machine through another cycle on hot.
Can you wash pillows in a top loader?
Be sure to wash two pillows at a time to keep the washer balanced, ensuring an all-around clean. While any washing machine will do, front- or top-loading machines without an agitator (a.k.a. the large spindle in the middle of some machines) is your best bet.