How to wash your pillow to kill bacteria & keep them fluffy in hot weather with 35p hack

The Sun

20-06-2025

WHILE you likely wash your bedding regularly, chances are you aren't cleaning your pillow often enough.
A budget-friendly hack can help to kill bacteria and leave your pillow feeling fluffier than ever in the hot weather.
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Experts recommend washing your pillows a few times a year as they can accumulate everything from sweat and oils to dead skin cells and dust mites.
And with the current bout of scorching weather, now is an ideal time to give them a freshen up.
TikTok user Anna Louisa (@anna_louisa_at_home) shared the tip with her followers, revealing the budget item she uses to fully tackle bacteria.
She explained that someone told her "half the weight of people's pillows is dead skin cells".
The reason why your pillow may be getting heavier over time recently shocked This Morning viewers.
And while the statistics of bacteria on pillows varies by case, this was still enough to kick the cleaning pro into action.
"Apparently pillows should be washed at least [every] three to six months to keep them fresh and free of bacteria, skin cells, dirt, oil, and dust mites," she told her followers.
She shared her go-to method for anyone who was also inspired to take immediate action.
Anna recommended keeping your pillows in a pillowcase or pillow protector when putting in the washing machine.
She explained that this can help to protect them during the cycle and avoid ripping.
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To keep the washing machine balanced and guarantee an all-round clean, the TikToker suggested only washing two pillows at a time.
For the best results, Anna advised her audience to select a delicate or gentle cycle when washing.
She also suggested using a small amount of normal detergent and replacing fabric conditioner with vinegar to "make your pillows fluffy and to neutralise any odours".
You can pick up a bottle of distilled vinegar for just 35p from Tesco.
And you can even speed up the drying process by adding an extra spin to the washing cycle.
Laundry tips
Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol shared her laundry tips.
How often should you be remaking your bed?
When it comes to your bed, maintaining a hygienic sleep setup can actually improve your sleep quality, helping you start every day better.
Most people shed 500 million skin cells per day and a lot of that ends up in bed for dust mites to feed on. And those with asthma or allergies might see symptoms worsen by sleeping on dirty sheets!
You want to be washing your sheets once a week - or every 10 days if you don't suffer from allergies and wear nightclothes. Bedding builds up with sweat, skin cells and oils quickly, even if it doesn't look dirty.
Using an effective detergent like smol's will still give you a great clean on a 20°C cycle - that's better for the planet and your energy bills!
What temperature do smol recommend then?
For your regular weekly washes I recommend washing most loads at 20°C for 30 minutes. It's gentler on fabrics, slashes energy use, and still delivers excellent stain removal with the right detergent. A colder wash can actually be more effective if you opt for a bio detergent as its enzymes need cooler water; too hot and they lose their ability to digest stains. A wash at 60°c (unless you have silk sheets) every now and again can help kill off dust mites and other nasties.
What's the difference between bio and non-bio detergent?
Bio detergents contain enzymes, which are especially good at breaking down tough stains like food, grass, or sweat. It's best used in mid to low temperature washes (ideally between 20-40°C) as anything hotter can cause them not to work effectively.
Non-bio skips the enzymes, which in turn makes it more suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Although non-bio doesn't contain enzymes, it's still great at removing stains and keeping your clothes clean, you just may need to use a slightly higher temperature setting to aid with the cleaning process.
Make sure you allow the pillows time to fully dry to avoid any bacteria or mould growing.
And remember to always check your pillow's care label and follow the directions accordingly when it comes to washing and drying.
According to Anna, most pillows can be washed in the washing machine using this method, including scatter cushions.
A laundry expert revealed the top ways to wash each type of pillow at home.
There is also a step-by-step guide available for washing your pillows and duvets.
Or you can opt to wash your pillows without putting them in your machine.