How to Wash Pillows in Your Bathtub: A Simple Guide

Kara Boatner
March 16, 2025

Keeping your pillows clean is essential for a healthy sleep environment. While most people regularly wash their pillowcases, the pillows themselves often get neglected. If your custom photo pillows or regular bed pillows are due for a cleaning but won't fit in your washing machine, don't worry! Washing them in your bathtub is a great alternative that has even become a popular cleaning trend on TikTok.

What You'll Need

First, gather your supplies: mild detergent, a clean bathtub, warm water, and some towels. For monogrammed or decorative pillows, you might want to use a gentler detergent to preserve the embellishments.

The Washing Process

Start by filling your bathtub with warm water and adding a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the pillows completely in the water. Gently squeeze them to allow the soapy water to penetrate through all layers. According to cleaning experts, you should spend about 15-20 minutes working the detergent through each pillow.

Rinsing and Drying

Drain the soapy water and rinse the pillows thoroughly with clean water. You might need to repeat this process several times to ensure all soap residue is removed. This is especially important for travel pillows that you'll be using close to your face.

Removing Excess Water

After rinsing, gently press the pillows to remove excess water. Don't wring or twist them, as this can damage the filling. If you're unsure about the best cleaning method for your specific pillows, consider reaching out to our design consultation team for expert advice.

Wrapping Up

Once you've completed the washing process, lay your pillows flat to dry in a well-ventilated area, preferably in direct sunlight. Fluff them occasionally during drying to prevent clumping. This process might take a day or two, but the result will be fresh, clean pillows that are ready for many more nights of comfortable sleep.

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