The last thing anyone wants is to find mold and mildew in their homes. And while they can form in predictable spots, like your bathroom and basement, they can also be growing in places that you might not have even thought about, such as your pillows. This can be particularly dangerous, as you’re in close contact with it every single night, so here’s how to get rid of mold and mildew from your pillows!
What Causes Mold and Mildew on Pillows?
There are many ways mold spores can get into your pillows. Mold and mildew require moisture and dampness to grow and spread, and this can come from a few different sources:
- Bodily Fluids: Sweat, drool, and other fluids provide mold and mildew spores with ample enough moisture to grow, especially when they go unwashed for long periods of time.
- High Humidity: Increased moisture levels in the air can also promote mold and mildew growth. This can happen with pillows stored in poorly ventilated rooms or closets.
- Other Moisture Sources: There may be other sources of moisture and humidity in or near your bedroom that you aren’t aware of, such as leaks, areas of flooding, pipes, and puddles.
How to Know If Pillow Has Mold or Mildew
Here are a few signs that mold or mildew has started growing on your pillow:
- There are dark spots, stains, or discoloration on your pillow
- Your pillow has a distinct and musty smell
- Your pillow feels slightly moist or damp
- You’ve been experiencing some chronic health issues, such as difficulty sleeping, allergic reactions, skin reactions, and respiratory problems
How to Remove Mold and Mildew from Pillows
Washing Machine
- After checking the care label of your pillow and removing its pillowcase, bring it outside and shake off any loose dirt and debris.
- Pre-treat any visible stains on your pillow by adding a few drops of mild detergent or dish soap to some warm water. Dampen a cloth with a solution and gently rub away the stains.
- Fill your washing machine with hot water and add the recommended amount of detergent, preferably one that targets mold and mildew.
- Place the pillow inside the machine and let it run through a whole cycle.
- Once the cycle has finished, inspect your pillow for any remaining signs of mold or mildew. If there are still some spots, then repeat the washing process as many times as needed.
- Squeeze out any excess moisture before letting the pillow dry. You can do this by throwing it in a dryer that’s set to low heat, or by leaving it in a well-ventilated area. You can also leave the pillow outside under the sun.
- Wash the pillowcase separately.
White Vinegar
- Remove the pillowcase from the pillow and shake off any loose debris outside.
- In an empty spray bottle, combine equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Spray the affected areas with a generous amount of the white vinegar solution before leaving it for 15 minutes. For more serious cases, use a damp sponge to scrub the area.
- Rinse the pillow under clean water before drying it completely.
Direct Sunlight
- After identifying the affected pillows, bring them outside and leave them under direct sunlight until they’re completely dry.
- Once dry, use a stiff-bristled brush to remove the dried mold and mildew particles.
- If you feel that it’s necessary, you can wash your pillow in the washing machine or treat it with the appropriate cleaning solution.
Lemon
- Slice a piece of lemon and dip it in some salt.
- Rub the piece of lemon on the affected areas on the pillow.
- Repeat the previous step as many times as possible until the stain is no longer visible.
- Once the mold and mildew have been treated, wash the pillow according to the recommendations on the care label.
How to Get Mold and Mildew Smell Out of Pillows
Mold and mildew can leave behind an unpleasant smell, but the good news is that you can easily get rid of it with some baking soda by following these steps:
- After taking the pillow out of the pillowcase and removing all the loose debris, cover its entire surface with baking soda.
- Leave the baking soda to sit overnight.
- The next day, vacuum up the baking soda.
How to Prevent Mold and Mildew on Pillows
Here are some additional tips that can help prevent mold and mildew from growing on your pillows:
- Keep moisture, sweat, and oil away from your pillow by investing in a high quality pillowcase, preferably one that is waterproof or water-resistant.
- Always dry your pillows properly after washing them to eliminate any traces of moisture. The easiest way to do this is by leaving them under the sun.
- Keep the humidity in your bedroom under control by opening up some windows, or by using a dehumidifier.
- Make sure to regularly wash your pillowcases to eliminate any buildup that could promote the growth of mold and mildew.
Keep Mold Out of Your Home
Mold growing on your pillows may indicate that they are growing elsewhere in your home as well. Consider a full spring cleaning to prevent mold from growing back, especially if you're dealing with black mold. Introduce fresh air into your home by opening windows and using exhaust fans to ventilate your space. This will remove the humidity in the air, and keep your fabrics dry.
For a full, top-to-bottom cleaning service, Luce offers spring cleaning, deep cleaning, and everyday general cleaning that will keep your space pristine and mold-free! Cleaning is the best way to prevent mold growth in your home, especially in areas you don't usually notice.
For more home cleaning tips and tricks, visit our blog section!
