Pillow filling, fabric, and construction determine how a pillow can be cleaned. The care label—not a whitening mixture—should control the method.

Check before washing

Remove the cover and protector. Confirm whether the pillow can be machine-washed; many foam or specialty pillows cannot. Follow the permitted water temperature, detergent amount, machine capacity, and drying method. Do not add boiling water to a washer.

Wash without mixing cleaners

Use a laundry product approved for the pillow and follow its label. The earlier recipe combined laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, bleach, and borax; do not reproduce that mixture. Never mix bleach or disinfectants with other cleaners. If a care label permits a laundry bleach, use only the product’s labeled laundry procedure and compatibility instructions.

Rinse and dry thoroughly

Use an additional rinse only if the care and appliance instructions allow it. Balance the load as the machine requires. Follow the pillow’s drying directions; filling must dry fully before use. Do not assume air-only drying, low heat, or sunlight works for every filling. Replace a pillow that remains damp, smells musty, or has damaged filling.