How to Clean Mold Off Pillows

Mold in pillows should be removed immediately.

Mold is part of the fungus family, and is composed of many cells that branch out and grow new spores. These mold spores thrive in moist, shady areas, and can be found in mattresses and pillows. For individuals with allergies and asthma, sleeping on moldy pillows can cause them to have an allergic reaction or an asthma attack. Regardless of health issues, pillows should be checked for mold regularly, and mold should be removed immediately to prevent health problems from developing.

Things You'll Need

• Washing machine
• Dryer
• Chlorine bleach, 1/8 cup
• Basin
• Oxygen-based bleach, 1/4 tsp.

Instructions

1. Look at the tag on the pillow to see if it can be washed in a washing machine and dried in a dryer. If the pillow is machine-washable, fill the machine with hot water and add 1/8 cup of chlorine bleach and 1/2 cup of laundry detergent. Wash the pillow and then put it in the dryer, using the delicate setting.

2. Soak the pillow in a basin with hot water and 1/4 tsp. of oxygen-based bleach, if the pillow is not washer-safe or white. Let the pillow soak for half an hour, and then squeeze out the water of the pillow and put it in the dryer, using the delicate setting.

3. Lay the pillow outside on a table or chair to dry in the sun for several hours. The heat from the sun will continue killing any remaining mold on the pillow. This should be done regardless if you washed the pillow in the washing machine or in the basin.

References

• NewsDial: Indoor Allergens: Beware of Mold and Dust Mites
• North Carolina State University: Cleaning Flooded Upholstered Furniture, Curtains, Bedding, Table Linens, and Other Household Textiles
• Back Designs Inc.: How to clean your bed pillows and mattress pads