How to Get Smells Out of Pillows
Your pillow smells even with a clean case because drool, sweat, and hair oils soak through the case into the pillow over time, and the case alone does not stop it. Wash washable pillows and dry them fully, or air and deodorize memory foam, and the smell goes.
We make small-batch beeswax candles in Far Rockaway, so a room that truly smells clean is our whole focus, and that always starts at the source rather than the scent. Below is where the smell comes from, how to clear it step by step, and how to keep the space fresh afterward, with the full the MBur beeswax candle collection here as you read.
Why pillows hold smells
A pillow absorbs oils and moisture every night, and the smell, along with yellow stains, builds in the fill. A fresh case just covers a pillow that is still the source.
Over time it can also hold dust mites. Cleaning or replacing the pillow itself is what fixes it.
How to deal with it, step by step
- Check the care label. Most polyester and down or feather pillows are washable, but memory foam is not, and should only be spot-cleaned and aired.
- Wash washable pillows. Wash two at a time for balance, in warm water with mild detergent and a little vinegar or baking soda, and run an extra rinse.
- Dry them thoroughly. This step is critical. Tumble dry on low with dryer balls or clean tennis balls to fluff, until completely dry, since a damp pillow molds.
- Spot-clean and air memory foam. Wipe stains, sprinkle baking soda, vacuum it off, and air it out. Never soak memory foam.
- Replace old pillows. Pillows have a lifespan, often one to two years, and one that will not freshen up is due.
Full drying is the whole game with washable pillows. A pillow that goes back on the bed even slightly damp will smell worse than before, so dry it all the way through.
Keep it from coming back
Use a pillow protector under the case, and wash pillows a couple of times a year.
Replace them on schedule, and air them out now and then to keep them fresh.
Freshen the whole room once the source is gone
With the smell in the pillows handled, the air itself is the last step. A clean candle is the finishing touch here, best lit once the space is already clean. From there it is the fastest way to make the room read fresh rather than merely neutral.
For your bedroom, Touch Grass fits well. It is earthy and green, with fig, black currant, and cedarwood, and like every MBur candle it is poured from 100% beeswax with a wooden wick and phthalate-free non-toxic fragrance oils, so freshening the air never means adding soot on top.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash my pillows?
Most polyester and down pillows can be machine washed two at a time. Memory foam cannot, and should be spot-cleaned and aired instead.
Why does my pillow smell even with a clean case?
Oils and moisture have soaked into the fill, so the pillow itself is the source. Wash or replace it, not just the case.
How do I clean a memory foam pillow?
Spot-clean stains, sprinkle baking soda and vacuum it off, and air it out. Do not soak it or put it in the washer.
How often should I replace a pillow?
Many pillows last one to two years. If it stays smelly or lumpy after cleaning, it is time for a new one.
Ready to keep your space smelling clean once the source is handled? Explore the MBur beeswax candle collection and find the scent that fits the room.
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