Pillows accumulate sweat, oils, and odors over time, impacting comfort and sleep quality. Baking soda offers a simple, effective, and chemistry-friendly way to refresh pillows without harsh chemicals. This guide outlines practical steps for cleaning both standard and specialty pillows using baking soda and complementary products.
Quick Answer
Lightly deodorize and refresh pillows by sprinkling baking soda, brushing it in, and letting it sit before a brief wash in a washing machine or by hand. For deeper cleaning, combine baking soda with a compatible pillow cleaner or detergent booster and ensure thorough drying to prevent mildew.
What You’ll Need
- pillow cleaning brush microfiber soft bristle for deodorizing
- bedding stain remover for pillows baking soda compatible
- pillow deodorizer spray baking soda base 16 oz
- laundry mesh washing bag for pillows inserts
- pillow washing machine detergent booster baking soda powder
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Arm & Hammer Baking Soda – 16 Oz | |
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Nellie’s Laundry Soda – Concentrated Laundry Detergent Powder – 50 Load Pouch – Gentle on Skin and Environment – Fragrance-Free – Made in Canada |
Before You Start
Check the pillow label for care instructions and test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area. For latex or memory foam pillows, avoid machine washing unless the label permits; spot cleaning and surface freshening are safer options. Ensure good ventilation during deodorizing and cleaning, and prepare a sunny or well-ventilated area for drying. Estimate 1–3 hours for a freshen-up, depending on pillow type and drying method.
Important cautions include avoiding excessive moisture on foam pillows, and never using boiling water or strong bleach on delicate fabrics. If allergic to baking soda, consider a different deodorizing approach. Always ensure pillows are completely dry before reuse to prevent mold growth.
Step-By-Step: How To Clean Pillows With Baking Soda
- Prepare the pillow by fluffing it to loosen dust and distribute surface oils.
- Lightly brush using a pillow cleaning brush microfiber soft bristle for deodorizing to lift particles and distribute baking soda evenly.
- Dust the pillow with a thin, even layer of bedding stain remover for pillows baking soda compatible to help neutralize odors.
- Sprinkle baking soda across the pillow surface and rub gently with the brush to integrate deodorizing powder.
- Let the baking soda sit for 15–30 minutes to absorb oils and moisture from the pillow.
- Vacuum or brush off the baking soda thoroughly. For machine-washable pillows, place the pillow in a laundry mesh washing bag for pillows inserts and secure it.
- Run a wash cycle with a mild detergent and a light dose of pillow washing machine detergent booster baking soda powder, using cool or warm water per the pillow’s care label.
- Optionally mist the pillow with a pillow deodorizer spray baking soda base 16 oz after the wash for extra freshness; avoid over-wetting.
- Dry according to pillow type: tumble dry low with dryer balls for down or fiberfill, or air-dry completely in a sunny spot with good airflow for foam pillows.
- Fluff the pillow regularly during drying to maintain shape and prevent clumping of fibers.
- Test for odor and firmness; repeat the process if odors persist, focusing on the area that retains the most moisture.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pillow still smells after washing | Odor trapped in foam or fibers | Repeat washing with extra rinse; consider extending drying time | Regular deodorizing between washes |
| Pillow becomes lumpy after washing | Overloading the washer or uneven drying | Use a larger load or add a few towels; redistribute during drying | Choose appropriate pillow type for machine washing |
| Pillow cushion lost shape | Heat exposure or aggressive drying | Use low heat or air-dry; re-fluff during drying | Follow care label; avoid high heat |
| Foam pillow damaged by moisture | Excess water exposure | Spot clean; avoid fully soaking foam | Prefer surface cleaning for foam |
Common Mistakes
- Using hot water on pillows that should be washed cold or warm
- Overloading the washing machine, which prevents thorough rinsing
- Skipping the drying phase, risking mold and mildew
- Applying too much baking soda, which can leave residue and stiffness
By avoiding these missteps, pillows stay fresher longer and washing becomes more effective.
Tips For Best Results
- Test a small area first when using a stain remover compatible with baking soda.
- Combine baking soda with a gentle detergent booster to enhance cleaning power.
- For feather or down pillows, use a delicate cycle and extra rinse to remove detergent buildup.
- Schedule a monthly refresh using baking soda to control odors between full washes.
- Keep a dedicated pillow washing bag to protect inserts and maintain shape during machine washing.
Call A Professional
Stop and seek professional help if pillows have persistent mold, persistent odors despite cleaning, or visible staining from unknown substances. If a pillow contains memory foam that shows signs of degradation, contact the manufacturer or a specialist instead of attempting DIY washing, especially if the care label advises against it.
FAQ
Can I use baking soda on all pillow types?
Most standard pillows respond well to baking soda, but foam or memory foam may require surface cleaning and careful drying according to the care label.
How often should I clean my pillows?
Aim for a full wash every 3–6 months, with monthly deodorizing to maintain freshness between deeper cleans.
Is baking soda only for deodorizing, or does it remove stains too?
Baking soda helps neutralize odors and can assist in lifting light stains when paired with a compatible stain remover.
What should I avoid when cleaning pillows?
Avoid hot water on delicate fills, avoid high heat in drying, and never exceed the pillow’s care instructions.
Do I need to dry pillows completely?
Yes, ensure thorough drying to prevent mold growth; air drying or low heat drying is recommended depending on fill type.
Can I use fabric softener with baking soda?
Fabric softener is generally not necessary and can build up on some pillow fills; skip or test on a small area first.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right pillow for cleaning with baking soda involves several factors. Size matters: standard, queen, or king pillows require different drying space and washing capacity. Noise level and energy efficiency are important for those who run machines late at night or with energy-conscious settings. Consider the pillow fill (feather, down, memory foam, polyester) and how it responds to moisture. Look for a pillow with clear care instructions that allow surface cleaning or machine washing when appropriate. Controls such as cycle options and rinse levels influence cleaning effectiveness and drying outcomes. Placement matters too—air-dry pillows in a well-ventilated area to prevent mildew and ensure even drying. For buyers seeking the easiest maintenance, prioritize pillows labeled machine-washable with mild cleaning additives compatible with baking soda, and pair with the recommended deodorizing products to maintain freshness between washes.