Should New Pillows Be Washed Before Use? And How To Wash Them?

You should wash a new pillow before using it, especially if it is unsealed. However, if you buy a new pillow with a seal, you may not need to wash it, but drying a new pillow in the sun is still recommended to eliminate any chemical odors

Should New Pillows Be Washed Before Use

I wash everything before I use them. You name it: plates, pots, linens, underwear, blankets, towels. But I never thought to wash a new pillow before using it. After all, it appears to be clean and has never been used, and I’ll cover it with a pillowcase anyway. But after visiting a friend and witnessing her wash a new pillow shortly after getting it, I realized it is worth considering. So I started asking questions.

Well, she gave me some good reasons for washing her pillows before using them. But I didn’t stop there; I went on to ask sellers, makers, and even health professionals if it was necessary to wash a new pillow before using it. 

So if you ask the question too, it shows you genuinely care about your health and personal safety. Read along to find out whether you should wash your new pillow and how to wash a pillow and pillow cover.

Should You Wash A New Pillow?

Wash A New Pillow

Most manufacturers guarantee their customers that the pillow is clean and ready to use immediately after purchase. But how true is their claim? Well, I’m not going to give you a direct answer. Rather, I’ll explain why you should or shouldn’t wash your new cushion.

After reading this part, you should be able to determine what to do with your new pillow; whether or not to wash it before usage. 

Harmful agents are sometimes invisible, and even if your new pillow appears squeaky clean, it may not be completely free of germs. It might have been contaminated with dirt and germs during transportation from the factory to the warehouse and while on the store shelf.

You also don’t know how many hands touched it while it was on the shelf, perhaps spreading germs and microscopic insects to the pillow. Contamination may have also come from the cab when you were bringing your new pillow home.”

I quite agree with these things, and to be safe, I believe it is advisable to wash a new pillow and pillow cover before using it, especially if it is unsealed.

So, how can you know whether your new pillow needs cleaning? The fragrance would suggest it. Place the pillow close to your nose; does it smell good? If it doesn’t, you should wash that new pillow to avoid skin irritations.

But, my new pillow is sealed, and I didn’t remove it until I got home. Do I still need to wash it? Maybe not.

However, here are a few observations from sellers and health professionals that I consider noteworthy

  • Manufacturers cover the pillow’s outer layer with chemicals to prevent dampness and wrinkles. If this chemical smell is inhaled, it might be hazardous or induce allergic responses. As a result, health experts recommend that you wash your new pillow before using it because you will be sleeping on it all night and taking in any odors emitted by the new unwashed material. 

  • Cleaning your new pillow can help you notice any defects immediately. That way, you can return the pillow and get a replacement within the warranty period.

  • If you don’t have time to wash your new pillow, you can disinfect the pillow by drying it in the sun. The heat will drive away any microscopic insects that may have infested your pillow, and the fresh air will eliminate any chemical odors from the pillow.

  • Also, you can spray your new pillow with baking soda, vinegar, or an alcohol solution. They are good at eliminating bacteria and chemical odors. 
How to wash a new Pillow

How To Wash A New Pillow

Now that you know why you should wash your new pillow before using it, you’re probably wondering how to wash it. Unlike other bedroom linens that are flat, light, and machine washable, Pillows are large and fluffy.

To wash your pillows;

  • Before tossing your new pillows in the washing machine, check the label or the company’s website for specific washing instructions. For example, a synthetic pillow should not be washed in a washing machine unless the labeling specifies that it is dry and clean-friendly. 
  • If the pillow is not machine washable, just dunk it in the bathtub and handwash it with warm water. 
  • Also, before tossing your dirty pillows in the washing, determine the type of stuffing and examine the fabric for rips or tears.
  • If there are obvious stains on the pillow, add a cleaning solution to the stain and scrub with your bare hands. 
  • After washing, rinse the pillow thoroughly to remove soap residue and squeeze hard to reduce dampness.
  • To dry your pillow, hang it on a cloth line under direct sunshine.
  • Allow the pillow to dry completely before using it. Never sleep on a saturated pillow since the excess water can cause mold growth.

How Often Should You Wash Your Pillow And Pillow Covers?

Wash Your Pillow And Pillow Covers

Pillows come into close touch with your head and hair, absorbing oil and sweat from your skin. If not properly cared for, the pillow can grow stinky and make sleeping unpleasant. More so, a dirty pillow and pillow case harm your health. As a result, it is important to know how to care for your pillow and pillow covers.

  • Generally, you should wash your pillow at least twice a year. Cleaning can be done more often, depending on how frequently you use the pillow and the weather in your area. So, if you live in a hot climate, you may need to wash your pillow 3-4 times a year.
  • Wash your pillowcase at least twice a week. And, if you have many pillowcases, I recommend that you remove and wash each one after three nights of use. However, you tend to sweat more when sleeping in the warmer summer months. As a result, you may need to wash your pillowcase after two nights. 
  • Also, if you sleep with pets, wash your pillowcase every two nights.
  • Finally, if you have particular allergies, you may need to change your pillowcase daily and wash your pillow more frequently to prevent sweat, dirt, and unpleasant odor accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take To Dry a Pillow?

Drying your pillows might take many hours, anything from 4 to 6 hours. To help your pillow dry quicker, squeeze it thoroughly after washing to eliminate as much water as possible.

How Long Should I Use a Pillow Before Replacing it?

If you have a high-quality pillow, you may use it for up to 5 years before it becomes worn and unusable. To determine whether your pillow needs to be replaced, fold it. If it folds in half without your help, it is time to replace it. You should also consider purchasing a new pillow as soon as the old one begins to smell bad, even after washing them, or when it begins to grow mold.

Do I need to Use a Pillow Cover?

Pillow covers provide comfort for resting your head. They also prevent mildew by blocking sweat, oil, and stains from being absorbed into your pillow. Pillow coverings also assist in keeping off bed bugs from your pillow.