wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If feathers are used, the odor of sweat, pet hair, and cigarette smoke may linger. Sweat and saliva can slip through your casing and eventually stay in contact with your pillow stuffing. For memory foam pillow that smells like sweat, you can hand wash them separately and follow the manufacturers care instructions or you can go after the list of how to clean them in this article. Unfortunately, over time these pillows are susceptible to dirt, dust, and grime. You can also try adding a few drops of essential oils to the pillows, as this can help to remove any unpleasant odors. To keep them fluffy, throw in a couple . On top of this, make sure not to put too much soap because you may have a more difficult time rinsing them later. You may wash 3 to 4 pillows if your washing machine can tolerate that capacity. Select the Sanitize mode on your dryer or . Before drying, fluff the pillows you want to wash out of the machine so theyre as fluffy as possible. We make high quality problem solving products to reduce the number of products you need to buy and throw away. Step 2: Place the pillows in the washing machine and set the timer to a hot temperature. You can also hand fluff the pillow and feel for damp spots. My domestic down pillows have always stunk to high heaven when wet. Is this normal? My bed smells nice so I cant sleep on it even though I dont sleep on it. You will be able to absorb moisture, which is frequently the source of unpleasant odors. It will mold and mildew as soon as you leave it on the pillow, and it will be ruined if you leave it on the pillow too long. However, things such as milk or soup will definitely produce a horrible smell. Before you begin the washing process, take a few minutes to examine the cover of the pillow. You can get rid of the smell by spraying the pillow liberally with baking soda for several hours. This is especially common in wet goose feces, which frequently smell like wet dog. All pillows have some type of filler: polyester, foam, down feathers to name a few. I therefore recommend prevention rather than trying to fix the smell with fabric refresher (too many potentially harmful or irritating chemicals) or removing odors by washing them. To keep your pillows smelling fresh, try these washing tips. Weve said that sweat, saliva, and dirt will all make your pillow smell. Different Options, How to Clean Shower Drain of Hair in a Hassle-Free Way, Best Way to Clean a Jetted Tub Easily [Added Bonus Method]. Inspect the pillow: Check your down pillows for rips, repair them before the wash cycle.. Pillow smells can range from pleasant to downright revolting. You may occasionally want to fluff and freshen your pillow in the dryer. ASSASSASSASSASSASS, I wanna sleep on that side, dude. 5.0 5.0. comfort. The good news is that this smell can be reduced with regular washing and drying, as well as using special detergents that are designed to eliminate bad odors. When cleaning a down or feather pillow, dry clean it first, then spot clean if necessary. Afterwards, make sure to thoroughly dry the pillow before using it again. It isnt a bad thing to eat or enjoy your favorite beverage in bed, only avoid creating a mess. Get The Crown Choice pillow mist spray here and have fun spraying it in every corner of your home. However, it may sometimes release a farmyard or poop smell after. 4. Make sure not to twist or wring them to avoid damages. Things can even be worse when saliva mixes with sweat, hair, and other things your pillow is likely to encounter. Sometimes it lingers after one wash cycle. Dont worry because weve got the trick to get rid of these foul odors. So, what could be behind that foul smell you just realized on your pillows? You love your pet, and thats what they deserve. Odors may not be strong, but sweat can give pillows a slightly sour or musty smell. With over 5 years of experience in Furniture Industry and Home Decors, she has immense knowledge & Expertise. 6. Its possible that feathers that havent been thoroughly dried are to blame for the odor. When you notice an unpleasant smell from your pillow even after washing, the only way is to get it back to the washer. Place the pillows in the dryer and select the lowest heat setting possible. Well, basically, that will depend on whats causing the smell. The feathers inside a down pillow have natural oils that wick away moisture, protecting the feathers from becoming dry and brittle. Unlike synthetic pillows, which have been shown to be less fluffy, the fibers in these pillows regenerate, making them as fluffy as when they were first used. For this method, place two towels between your pillows and gently press down to remove some moisture. In this article, we will discuss why your down pillow smells after washing and the best ways to prevent and remedy this issue. Washing your pillow at least two times in a year will be good to avoid a stinky pillow but you can always clean it depending on your usage and sleep habits. A feather pillow should be replaced every 18 months to three years on average. Once all the pillowcases are back on the pillows, place the feather pillows in a dryer on low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls. The feathers inside remain wet and tend to stick together, eventually emitting a barnyard or, worse, poop-like odour. To remedy this odor, you can simply wash the 'smelly' down bedding with a teaspoon of liquid Dawn or similar degreaser soap. The main reason why your down pillow smells bad after washing is that its feather stuffing aren't completely dry yet. As the feathers fall out, the pillow will flatten as well. When this happens, they may release farmyard or poop smells in your room. Wash more than one pillow at a time so that the filler inside the pillow will still be intact and can be cleaned more thoroughly. Step 1: Fill a large basin or bathtub with warm water and 1 to 2 tablespoons of mild laundry detergent.Step 2: Place the memory foam in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to ensure that the foam stays intact.Step 3: Submerged the pillow completely in the water.Step 4: Gently squeeze the pillow and swoosh it around under the water so that the water and detergent can work their way to the pillow.Step 5: Drain the water and repeat the process but this time with no detergents only warm water.Step 6: Gently squeeze the pillow into the water to rinse and push any detergents out.Step 7: Drain the water from the tub or basin to get the detergents out from the pillow.Step 8: With the pillow lying on the tub, use a dry towel and gently push against the pillow with the towel absorbing excess moisture or water. You can use a lesser amount of detergent than you would normally have on a full load.Step 4: Set the washing machine to a gentle or delicate wash cycle and start it up.Step 5: Select a second rinse cycle once the wash cycle is complete to ensure that all detergents are completely removed.Step 6: Dry your pillows. I like to put two pillows in at once, one on each side. Its quite common for people to have a new down pillow and have a bad reaction. Once youve prepared everything, its now time to give your down pillows a good wash. To do this, bring your top-loading or front-loading machine into a gentle cycle and set its temperature to warm. Use pillow protectors to reduce the amount of dirt, dust, and other elements that may come in contact with your pillows. I need to drag my ass out of bed and take Mr. McClingy to the potty alone because he refuses to go potty on his own. Some people are sweatier than others at night, but we all sweat at least a bit, even if not every night. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Down pillows are typically made of goose or duck feathers. Make sure your pillows are fully dry before you put them back on your bed, as mold and mildew can grow in a damp pillow. Make sure to check your dryer every 15 minutes. You should do this as soon as possible because natural airflow will help to remove the odor more quickly. If you use too much detergent, the clothes will not be cleaned. Sweat usually produces a pungent odor with time. Finally, make sure to wash and fluff the pillows regularly to keep them fresh and smelling nice. The procedure remains much the same as the first, only remember to dry it completely this time. Unfortunately, for those who dont regularly wash their bedding, pillow smells can become quite unpleasant. References. If you over-dry your pillow, it can go horribly wrong. So, how can you get your pillow smelling just as fresh as youd want it? 1. Read More How to Clean Pearls to Reveal Its BrillianceContinue, Cleaning the house sure is a lot of work. You can either hand wash it or machine wash it. Hang them over a clothesline or rack if they are still damp to air dry. Having down pillows can make any home look stylish and luxurious. You can consider using spare pillowcases and sheets and then throw the affected beddings into a washing machine. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Step 1: Remove the pillowcase and pillow protector and place them in the washing machine. Step 5 is to add a rinse cycle to the washer or top-loading or front-loading machine. However, a night of quality sleep doesnt come easily, at least not with stinky pillows. If you think that the issue with your pillow can get resolved without having to clean it, using an odor-neutralizing spray is another way to get things back to normalcy. If you suspect that your down pillow smells like poop, its important to take it outside and thoroughly clean it. Removing odor from pillows without washing is possible with a few simple steps. To guide you on how to do this simple process, this article will walk you through on the steps on how to wash your pillows properly that wont ruin your delicate pillows. Instead, avoid the odors of new synthetic memory foam pillows, which are also odorous. The only way to get rid of this distressing smell is to clean your pillows periodically. Alternatively, you can also use towels to balance them inside your washing machine. Insert two pillows at a time in your washing machine and wash with water that exceeds 140 degrees F. Down and man-made fiber fill pillows are often machine washable, though silk and cotton are . It could be accomplished by repeating two (2) or three fifty-minute dry cycles. And just so you know, sweat majorly consists of water. Some dog species are even smelly naturally, for instance, Saint Bernards, Shar Peis, and English Bulldogs. For musty smells, you can try airing out the pillow outdoors or in a well-ventilated room. Place your pillow in the water, and move it around the bit to help the detergent to work its way in. The chemicals used in the manufacturing process can as well make it just as smelly as it is. But at the same time, it can be frustrating is down pillow smells after washing. Theres no place for a stinky pillow in a house. Just be very careful. Where not, you have no option than go the traditional way. Stuffing materials such as memory foam usually come with a chemical smell. (And Spider Eggs? In this case, it may not neutralize everything, but it will make things a little more bearable. Should You Take the Plastic Off a New Mattress? Remember to use mild detergent and warm water in order not to damage its material. How to Keep Pillows From Falling Behind Bed? Check for rips or holes in the pillow. . But besides this main culprit, there are other minor reasons why your down pillow may be smelly. Steam (100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit) is used in spot cleaners, but latex and polyester pillows should not be used. The Crown Choice natural tropical eucalyptus oil spray is NON-toxic to children, pets, and the environment. Remove its pillowcase and protector first and check for loose stitching or rips. If the pillows surface smells bad, bacteria and body odor have already permeated it. It is common for pillows to retain an unpleasant smell after being washed. Filled with white goose down, this pillow features a 450 thread count cover that 100% cotton.. If the feather pillow is repeatedly washed, it will deteriorate and become sharper, as the protective coating will be removed from the feathers. 2023 The Crown Choice - All Rights Reserved, Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Terms and Conditions | Website Accessibility, Shower Cleaning Hacks How to Clean Shower Like a Pro, How to Clean Pearls to Reveal Its Brilliance, How to Clean White Gold Ring and Best Tools and Cleaner to Use, 3 Alternatives to Toxic Chemical Cleaners: Make Your Own Green Cleaning Products, Product successfully added to you shopping cart, Bathroom Air Freshener Vanilla Cinnamon, Hard Water Stain Remover Best for Calcium, Lime & Minerals. The Pros And Cons Of Sleeping With A Pillow: Is It Right For You? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 30,571 times. When storing your down comforter, make sure it is kept dry. The tutorial below will walk you through how to wash and maintain their softness. Last Updated: October 30, 2022 If the cover is made of silk, make sure to air dry the cover instead of putting it in your dryer or it may shrink or get damaged. Anyone who has bought a down orfeather blend pillow knows that natural down products can also come with a natural odor. It is best to wash down and feather pillows gently. And while its possible to get rid of the smell and restore things to normal, its best to avoid anything that could cause your pillow to smell at first. This also applies to your couch pillows. Please read our fulldisclosure pageto learn more about it. Down pillows are made from the soft feathers on the underside of a goose. Watch this video to know how you can wash your pillow and remove the smell easily: If for instance, you have a pillow that is not machine washable like memory foam pillows and silk pillows, washing it by hand is the way to go. Now, if you have a smelly pillow and dog at the same time, it could be that the smell your pillow has is coming from your canine. Do not wring or twist the pillow because you can destroy the feathers. Don't mix other clothes: During the wash, never mix other clothes with the pillow.. Ourhotel bedding is processed within the United States and domestically integrated into numerous bedding items, including the most popularpillows andcomforters. Down or feather: Most down pillows can be put in the washing machine. Thats normal, and its commonly known as off-gassing. After repairing your pillow, place it vertically into your top-loading or front-loading machine. You can also add a 1/2 cup (118.294 ml) of oxygenated bleach to your laundry machine to make your pillows even whiter. Below, well tell you the number one reason why your down pillow smells bad after a good wash. Well also give you a step-by-step tutorial on what to do when this happens. But before you can do that, ensure that your canine isnt accessing your bedroom. When this happens, they may release farmyard or poop smells in your room. Meanwhile, getting down pillows to stink after washing can be frustrating. This is because down is made of tiny feathers and oils that are naturally released when it is wet. Feather pillows are a luxurious way to rest your head, but over time, they can become musty and uninviting. What are some of the reasons your clothes smell after washing? Nevertheless, in the section below, we will be suggesting some of the ideas on how you can get rid of the smell. To avoid this, it is important to make sure that you regularly wash your bedding and pillows in order to keep them smelling pleasant and clean. Place the pillows on a flat surface and sprinkle with baking soda to allow them to breathe. You can wash them over and over again without worrying about their consequences. One of the simplest methods is to sprinkle baking soda on the pillow, leaving it for a few hours to absorb the odors. If your clothes smell damp after washing, you may need to take them out more quickly. If the smell persists, you can try washing the pillow in the washing machine using a mild detergent and warm water. (High temperatures can damage the down.) (Answered), Will Vinegar Dissolve Paper Towel? If properly cared for and maintained, down and feather pillows can last for years to come. As a part of Amazon Affiliate for every qualifying purchase, we make some money. Heres How To Fix. Flip to the other side of the pillow and repeat the process.Step 9: Let the pillow air dry by hanging it. - Here is How To Do It Right, Top Spiritual Benefits of Sleeping on the Floor, How to Get Furniture Dents out of Berber Carpet? [8] 2 Fill your bathtub with warm water. Set your washing machine to the gentle or delicate cycle, place your pillows in the machine, and then add the vinegar and baking soda. The Crown Choice and Dish Scrubbie was born in the Pacific Northwest. Heres a guide to how to wash them properly. When pillows are in need of a bit of a breeze, add baking soda and place them outside on a hot day. If you are the kind of person who loves eating and drinking the stuff in bed, then you could have spilled something on your pillow someday. Make sure to set it high enough. So, if youre ready to get rid of that foul odor from your down pillow, then make sure to continue reading. We'll give you a short rundown of these things below. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Clean-a-Down-Pillow-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Down-Pillow-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Clean-a-Down-Pillow-Step-1.jpg\/aid8756577-v4-728px-Clean-a-Down-Pillow-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"