Key Takeaways
- Learn how to get oil out of pillows quickly and safely using home-friendly techniques.
- Understand which ingredients and household products work best on oil stains from hair, face, or body products.
- Explore preventative tips to stop oil from soaking into your pillows in the first place.
- Discover when it’s time to replace vs. refresh your pillow.
Ever woken up to find a greasy patch on your pillowcase—or worse, the pillow itself?
Whether it’s from hair oils, skincare, or natural body sweat, oil buildup on pillows is all too common. And once it sets in, it can feel nearly impossible to clean.
The good news? You don’t have to toss your favorite pillow just yet. This guide walks you through how to get oil out of pillows, from quick-fix solutions to deep-cleaning methods that really work.
How to Get Oil Out of Pillows
Start by identifying the type of pillow you have—because washing techniques vary depending on whether your pillow is synthetic, down, memory foam, or another material.
1. Spot-Treat the Stain First
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Blot the area with a paper towel to absorb excess oil (don’t rub!).
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Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch generously over the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out oil.
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Gently brush off the powder with a clean cloth or vacuum using a soft brush attachment.
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Apply a small amount of dish soap or mild laundry detergent to the stain and gently massage it in.
2. Wash According to Pillow Type
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Synthetic or Down Pillows: Machine wash on a warm cycle with an extra rinse.
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Memory Foam Pillows: Spot clean only—do not saturate.
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Latex Pillows: Wipe with a damp cloth and a bit of mild soap.
3. Dry Thoroughly
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Dry synthetic and down pillows on low heat with dryer balls.
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Foam or latex pillows should air dry completely in a ventilated area.
We ran into this issue last summer when one of the kids fell asleep with coconut oil in their hair. Our backup plan? A combination of baking soda, spot cleaner, and a breezy day on the deck—it worked better than expected!
Best Products to Remove Oil Stains from Pillows
If you want to go beyond pantry basics, here are a few reliable options to keep on hand:
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OxiClean or similar enzyme cleaners: Great for breaking down organic stains like oils.
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Dawn dish soap: A go-to for greasy messes.
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Hydrogen peroxide (3%): Mild bleaching effect for light-colored fabrics (always patch test first).
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Use Case | Safe for Delicate Fabrics? | Effective on Set-in Stains |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda | Absorbs fresh oil | Yes | No |
| Dawn Dish Soap | Cuts through grease | Yes | Yes |
| OxiClean | Enzyme-based stain remover | With caution | Yes |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Lifts discoloration | No (test first) | Yes |
How to Prevent Oil Buildup on Pillows
Cleaning is one thing—preventing the mess in the first place saves you time and stress.
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Use a pillow protector: A zippered protector under your pillowcase can shield the pillow itself.
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Shower or wash your face before bed: Removes excess oils and product residue.
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Rotate pillows: If one side gets used more, flip or rotate weekly.
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Wash pillowcases every 2–3 days: More often if you use oily skincare or hair products.
Pairing our sleep setup with the Puffy Cloud Mattress made upkeep easier too—their cover zips off for easy washing, and the surface doesn’t trap as much heat and oil, unlike our old bed.
How to Get Hair Oil Out of Pillows
Hair oils like argan, coconut, or jojoba can be especially stubborn. Here’s a focused approach:
Targeted Steps:
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Blot the fresh oil with a towel.
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Apply a thick layer of cornstarch or baby powder.
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Let it sit for at least 30–60 minutes.
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Gently remove powder and apply dish soap.
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Launder according to fabric care label.
This method helped us rescue a favorite guest room pillow after a family member visited with a hair mask treatment overnight.
How to Get Body Oil Out of Pillows
Body oil is more subtle but can yellow pillow surfaces over time. Here’s how to tackle it:
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Soak removable covers in a mix of warm water and vinegar (1:1 ratio) for 30 minutes.
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Rinse and wash with regular detergent.
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Spot treat any residual stains with baking soda and dish soap.
Repeat monthly to avoid discoloration and buildup.
How to Know When to Replace Your Pillow
Sometimes, even the best cleaning routines can’t save a pillow that’s too far gone.
Signs It’s Time:
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Persistent odor even after washing.
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Visible yellowing or greasy stains that keep returning.
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Loss of shape or support.
Most pillows should be replaced every 1–2 years, depending on material and use.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get oil out of pillows means you can refresh, reuse, and extend the life of your favorite sleep accessories.
With the right approach and a few household helpers, you can tackle everything from hair oil spills to general buildup without breaking a sweat.
Consistency is key—regular spot checks and weekly washes go a long way in keeping your sleep space clean and healthy.
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