How do you disinfect pillows you can’t wash?

Can you clean pillows without washing them?

Yes, there are several effective ways to disinfect pillows that can’t be washed or thrown in the washing machine. The key is using products that will kill germs, bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens that build up on pillows over time. Some good options for disinfecting pillows include:

• Spraying them with a disinfectant spray containing bleach or alcohol
• Spot cleaning with diluted hydrogen peroxide
• Sprinkling them with baking soda and vacuuming after 30 minutes
• Using a steam cleaner to penetrate and sanitize the pillows
• Exposing them to direct sunlight, which has natural disinfecting properties

You’ll want to focus on disinfecting the surface of the pillows where your skin and hair make the most contact. Also pay attention to any stained or soiled areas. With the right products and techniques, you can eliminate most germs and allergens without fully washing.

Why can’t some pillows be washed?

There are a few reasons why certain pillows are not suitable for regular machine washing:

• Fiberfill pillows – The stuffed fiberfill material inside these pillows will clump up and be ruined in the washer.
• Feather or down pillows – Machine washing can damage the delicate feathers/down inside these pillows.
• Pillows with glued components – Some pillows have fabric coverings that are glued on. The glue can dissolve or lose strength when washed.
• Pillows with special coatings – Certain memory foam or microbead pillows have treated coatings that protect against dust mites. Washing can wear away this coating.
• Old or worn pillows – Pillows at the end of their lifespan may be too fragile for the agitation of machine washing.

So unless the pillow’s care tag specifically says “machine washable”, it’s best to clean it by other sanitizing methods instead of putting it in the washer.

How to disinfect pillows with bleach spray

One of the best ways to disinfect pillows is by using a bleach spray. Here are the steps:

1. Make a disinfecting solution of 3/4 cup bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water.
2. Fill a spray bottle with the diluted bleach solution.
3. Spray the solution liberally over the surface of the pillow, making sure it is fully dampened.
4. Let the bleach sit for at least 5 minutes to properly disinfect.
5. Blot and air dry the pillow in sunlight to remove any bleach smell.
6. Repeat this process weekly for thoroughly disinfected pillows.

The bleach solution kills germs, bacteria, mold, and dust mites that live on pillows. Just be sure to sufficiently rinse or air out the pillows to prevent bleach odor transfer to your skin and hair.

How to disinfect pillows with hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another chemical-based disinfectant that can sanitize pillows without washing them. Follow these steps:

1. Mix together 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with 4 parts water.
2. Lightly spritz or soak the pillow with the diluted peroxide.
3. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before blotting dry.
4. Spot treat any stubborn stains and let sit for longer before rinsing.
5. Allow the pillow to fully air dry before replacing the case and putting it back on your bed.

The oxidizing properties of hydrogen peroxide will naturally sanitize and deodorize your pillows. It’s a bit gentler than bleach if you have pillows prone to damage.

How to disinfect pillows with baking soda

For a non-chemical disinfecting method, baking soda is an effective and natural option. Here is the process:

1. Remove the pillow case and vacuum up any loose dirt or debris from the pillow.
2. Generously sprinkle baking soda all over the surface of the pillow.
3. Let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb odors and draw out dirt.
4. Vacuum up the baking soda from the pillow.
5. If needed, spot clean any remaining stains with a damp sponge or cloth.
6. Let the pillow air out until fully dry before putting the case back on.

The bacteria-fighting properties of baking soda will naturally deodorize and freshen the pillow. It also absorbs grease, sweat, and other grime that collects inside. Repeat the sprinkling process as often as needed.

How to disinfect pillows with steam

Steam is hot enough to kill most germs and allergens hiding in pillows. To disinfect with steam:

1. Remove the pillow case and vacuum up any loose debris or dust.
2. Fill a steam cleaner with distilled water and heat it up.
3. Run the steam cleaner nozzle over the entire surface of the pillow, going back and forth slowly.
4. Focus on holding the steam on stained or heavily soiled areas.
5. When finished steaming, allow the pillow to fully air dry.
6. If needed, spot clean any remaining stains before putting the fresh case back on.

The combination of hot steam and pressure penetrates deeply to sanitize inside and out. Steam cleaning can tackle dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and other allergy triggers.

How long can you keep pillows before needing to disinfect?

In general, pillows should be deep cleaned or disinfected every 3-6 months for optimal hygiene. Here are some signs it’s definitely time to sanitize your pillows:

• Noticeable yellowish stains on the pillow case
• Being able to smell the pillow (dirty or musty odor)
• Waking up with irritated eyes, runny nose, or breathing issues
• Increase in acne breakouts, likely from the buildup of oils and dirt
• Allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or asthma flaring up in bed

If you sweat heavily in your sleep or eat/drink in bed, you may need to clean pillows more frequently than every 6 months. Rotate between two pillows to prolong the time between deep cleaning.

How to maintain pillows between full disinfecting

To keep pillows fresher for longer between deep cleaning:

• Use pillow protectors to create a barrier against oils, sweat, and moisture
• Wash pillow cases once a week in hot water to kill germs and remove debris
• Flip and rotate pillows so each side gets equal wear
• Let pillows air out and fluff up in direct sunlight regularly
• Spot clean pillows as needed with an upholstery cleaner or diluted vinegar
• Sprinkle baking soda before bed to absorb odors and moisture overnight

Proper maintenance keeps pillows cleannger between disinfecting. But they still need that periodic deep cleaning every few months to remove the most embedded grime, dust mites, and allergens.

How to know when to throw out old pillows

It’s important to retire and replace pillows at the end of their lifespan for cleanliness and comfort. Here are signs it’s time to throw out a pillow:

• The pillow is over 2 years old. Most need replacing by this point.
• You notice lumps, flat spots, or uneven filling when pressing down.
• The pillow lacks support and feels almost totally flat.
• You see visible staining, yellowing, or soiling that won’t come out.
• The fabric has holes, tears, or rips making the filling visible.
• The pillow has a musty, mildewy smell from moisture buildup.
• You experience increased allergy symptoms like sneezing when using the pillow.

While it’s tempting to keep old pillows, using one past its prime can lead to poor sleep posture and worsened allergies. A new hypoallergenic pillow that fully supports your head and neck is a worthwhile investment for your comfort and health.

Conclusion

Disinfecting pillows regularly is important for cleanliness and limiting allergy triggers in your bed. While not all pillows can be washed and machine dried, there are several effective sanitizing options like bleach spray, hydrogen peroxide, steam, and baking soda. Deep clean pillows at least every 3-6 months, and wash cases weekly. Invest in new pillows every 1-2 years for optimal support and allergen barriers. With the right techniques and maintenance, you can keep the pillows you sleep on every night hygienic and irritation-free.