How to Get Dust Out of Pillows: A Simple Guide

If you’ve ever fluffed your pillow and seen a cloud of dust rise—or sneezed your way through the night—you’re not alone. Pillows are magnets for dust, dead skin cells, pet dander, and more.

Knowing how to get dust out of pillows isn’t just about comfort—it’s essential for your health, especially if anyone in your family has allergies.

Let’s explore effective ways to clean and maintain your pillows so you can enjoy fresher sleep, fewer sniffles, and peace of mind.

How to Remove Dust from Pillows

Regular cleaning is the key to removing dust and keeping your pillows hygienic. Whether they’re synthetic, down, or memory foam, each type needs a slightly different approach.

1. Washing Machine Method (For Synthetic and Down Pillows)

• Check the care label to make sure your pillow is machine-washable.

• Use warm water and a gentle cycle.

• Add a small amount of mild detergent.

• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

• Dry completely using low heat and tennis balls or dryer balls to prevent clumping.

• For extra freshness, consider adding half a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to help neutralize any lingering odors.

• After drying, fluff the pillow thoroughly to restore shape and check for any damp spots—repeat the drying cycle if necessary.

2. Vacuum and Spot-Clean Method (For Memory Foam and Delicate Pillows)

• Vacuum both sides of the pillow using an upholstery attachment.

• Mix a solution of water and gentle detergent.

• Lightly dab the surface with a cloth (do not soak).

• Air dry in a well-ventilated area.

• Rotate the pillow a few times during drying to ensure even airflow.

• For additional freshness, lightly mist the surface with a water and essential oil blend (like lavender or tea tree) and allow to dry fully.

When we upgraded our bedroom setup, we also introduced the Puffy Lux Mattress, which includes a hypoallergenic cover that doesn’t trap dust or allergens the way older materials do—making it easier to maintain a clean sleeping environment overall.

How to Get Dust Out of Throw Pillows

Throw pillows add personality to any space, but they’re often overlooked during cleaning. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Step-by-Step for Fabric or Decorative Throw Pillows

1. Remove covers: If removable, wash the covers separately according to label instructions.

2. Vacuum the insert: Use the upholstery tool to pull dust from seams and folds.

3. Shake it out: Take the insert outdoors and shake vigorously to loosen and expel internal dust.

4. Spot clean: For non-washable inserts, use a damp cloth and mild soap.

Tips for Delicate Embellished Pillows

• Avoid water exposure—opt for dry brushing with a soft-bristled brush.

• Air them out regularly in sunlight (UV rays can help kill bacteria).

• Store unused pillows in breathable cotton bags.

We’ve got a few seasonal pillows on our living room couch, and they gather dust faster than you’d think—especially when the kids like to toss them around during movie nights.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pillows?

Keeping a routine helps prevent dust buildup.

For anyone dealing with allergies, more frequent cleaning or using protective pillow covers can be a game-changer.

How to Keep Pillows Dust-Free Longer

Being proactive can extend the cleanliness of your pillows:

• Use zippered, washable pillow protectors. These act as a barrier between your skin, hair, and the pillow itself, reducing the amount of dust, oils, and particles that settle into the fill.

• Keep pets off the bed (even if it’s hard!). Pet fur and dander are among the biggest contributors to pillow dust, and even occasional visits can quickly undo a week’s worth of cleaning.

• Regularly change pillowcases—every 3–4 days is ideal. This simple habit traps a lot of dust and sweat at the surface, making it easier to launder away before it sinks deeper.

• Air out pillows in the sun when weather permits. A few hours of sunlight not only freshens up pillows but also helps kill surface bacteria and dry out lingering moisture that could attract dust.

• Avoid overstuffing your bed with layers of decorative pillows that rarely get cleaned—they tend to harbor dust for longer.

• Consider rotating and fluffing pillows weekly to prevent compaction, which can trap more dust and reduce airflow over time.

Switching to a Puffy Cloud Mattress has also helped us reduce dust overall in our bedroom—its breathable design promotes airflow, which means less moisture and fewer allergens settle into fabrics.

Can You Use a Dryer to Remove Dust?

Yes! Even if you’re not doing a full wash:

• Toss pillows in the dryer on an air-only or no-heat setting.

• Add a dryer sheet to help reduce static and freshen up scent.

• Include dryer balls to agitate and release trapped dust.

• Toss in a clean, dry towel to help absorb additional moisture and improve tumbling efficiency.

• Let the cycle run for 15–20 minutes, then immediately fluff and inspect for lingering dust or mustiness.

This method is especially useful between deep cleans, especially in busy households where time and convenience are key.

Natural Remedies to Refresh and Deodorize

If you’re not a fan of harsh chemicals or want something safe for kids and pets:

• Baking Soda: Sprinkle over pillows, let sit for 30 minutes, and vacuum. For deeper deodorizing, repeat weekly and combine with a few drops of essential oil before vacuuming.

• Essential Oils: Add a few drops (lavender or eucalyptus) to a spray bottle of water and lightly mist. Not only does this provide a calming scent, but some oils like tea tree also have mild antimicrobial properties.

• Sun Exposure: UV light helps kill bacteria and neutralize odors. A few hours of direct sunlight can do wonders, especially for pillows that have absorbed humidity or pet smells.

• White Vinegar Mist: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist pillows and let them air dry; the vinegar scent dissipates quickly and helps neutralize strong odors.

We use a combo of baking soda and sunlight every few weeks on our outdoor pillows. It’s simple and keeps everything feeling fresh.

I’ve also tried the vinegar mist trick when the kids spilled juice on a couch pillow—and it worked surprisingly well without leaving a strong scent.

Conclusion

Understanding how to get dust out of pillows makes a huge difference in the cleanliness and comfort of your home.

From bed pillows to decorative throws, consistent care and smart habits will help keep your pillows fresh, allergen-free, and long-lasting.

A little maintenance goes a long way, especially when paired with smart bedding choices and breathable materials.

With a solid routine, your sleep setup can stay fresh and dust-free all year round.