We all wash our pillowcases (hopefully), but what about the actual pillow underneath? If you’ve ever Googled “how do you wash a pillow?”, you’re already ahead of most — because yes, your pillow needs regular cleaning too.

At The CoBuilders, we help busy Minneapolis residents keep their homes clean from top to bottom — including where they lay their heads at night. So whether you’re dealing with dust, drool, or just curious about best practices, here’s your local guide to washing pillows the right way.

Why Washing Your Pillow Matters in Minneapolis

In the Twin Cities, where cold winters mean more time indoors and springtime brings on major allergens, your pillows can easily trap:

Dust mites
Sweat and body oils
Pet dander
Mold or mildew (especially in humid homes)

Washing your pillow every 3–6 months helps extend its lifespan and improve your sleep hygiene — especially if you suffer from allergies.

Step-by-Step: How Do You Wash a Pillow?

Here’s how to safely wash most standard pillows, whether you're in Uptown, Northeast, or the North Loop.

Step 1: Check the Tag

Is your pillow memory foam? Down? Polyester? The tag will tell you if it's machine-washable or hand-wash only. Most polyester or feather/down pillows can be washed.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Any Stains

Use a small amount of mild detergent or stain remover and gently dab it onto makeup, sweat, or drool marks before washing.

Step 3: Machine Wash with Care

Wash two pillows at once (to balance the drum) using warm water, gentle cycle, and a small amount of liquid detergent. Powder soap can leave residue.

Step 4: Rinse & Spin Again

Run an extra rinse and spin cycle to remove all detergent and excess water.

Step 5: Dry Thoroughly

Dry on low heat with dryer balls or clean tennis balls to fluff the pillow. This is critical — a damp pillow = mildew city.

Foam pillows? Skip the washer. Hand-wash in a bathtub and air dry completely.

Extra Tip from a Cleaning Pro: Deodorize Between Washes

If you're not ready for a full wash, sprinkle your pillow with baking soda, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum it off. It's a quick, effective refresh between deep cleans.

Don’t Have Time to Wash It All?

If washing pillows, duvets, and bedding feels overwhelming (especially during spring or fall deep cleans), The CoBuilders is here to help.

We offer:

Bedding and laundry add-ons with home cleaning
Eco-friendly, pet-safe cleaning products
Flexible bookings across Minneapolis and St. Paul
Services for homes, rentals, and move-ins/move-outs

Book Minneapolis Home Cleaning With Laundry Help Included

Need more than just pillow advice? Whether you’re deep-cleaning for allergy season or moving into a new home, we’re your one-stop shop for smart, thorough home care.

Get your free quote today and ask about our pillow, mattress, or bedding cleaning add-ons in Minneapolis.