Key Takeaways
- Learn how to remove odor from pillows without washing using safe and effective home methods.
- Discover natural deodorizers like baking soda, essential oils, and sunlight.
- Explore techniques for different pillow types—memory foam, feather, and polyester.
- Find out how to prevent pillow odor with daily and weekly habits.
- Get practical, non-damaging solutions when machine-washing isn’t an option.
We’ve all been there—your pillow starts to smell a little funky, but you’re not quite ready to toss it in the wash.
Whether it’s due to sweat, pets, or just everyday use, knowing how to remove odor from pillows without washing is a game-changer. And let’s be honest, not every pillow can survive a trip through the washer.
From quick fixes to overnight refreshers, here’s how to keep your pillows smelling fresh between washes.
How to Get Odor Out of Pillows
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s look at what causes pillow odors in the first place:
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Sweat and body oils
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Saliva
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Dust mites and pet dander
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Accumulated moisture or mildew
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Trapped skin cells or residual hair products
Step-by-Step Deodorizing Routine:
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Sprinkle baking soda generously over the pillow surface to neutralize odors and absorb moisture.
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Let it sit for at least 30–60 minutes—or even overnight if the smell is especially strong or musty.
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Vacuum thoroughly using an upholstery attachment, making sure to reach corners and seams where debris tends to settle.
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For added freshness, mist with a diluted essential oil spray (lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon). Make sure the pillow isn’t soaked—just lightly refreshed.
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Air it out—place the pillow near a sunny window or outdoors on a dry, breezy day. Sunlight helps kill bacteria and acts as a natural deodorizer.
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Flip and repeat—turn the pillow over and follow the same steps to ensure both sides are treated evenly.
Adding this quick routine to your weekly or biweekly pillow care keeps odors at bay and extends the life of your favorite cushions without the hassle of full laundering.
This method has saved us after sleepovers and summer nights when our guest pillows really needed a pick-me-up. It’s become a go-to routine alongside the breathability we rely on from our Puffy Lux Mattress, which helps minimize overheating and excess sweat in the first place.
How to Remove Odor from Pillows Without Washing
If you can’t (or don’t want to) wash your pillows, try one or more of these methods depending on the pillow type and intensity of odor.
These options are quick, effective, and require minimal effort, making them perfect for busy households or delicate pillows.
Best No-Wash Odor Removal Techniques:
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Baking Soda Treatment: Works for all pillow types. Safe, affordable, and highly effective at absorbing both odors and moisture. For stronger results, add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling.
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Dryer Refresh: Toss pillows in the dryer with a couple of dryer sheets or dryer balls for 10–15 minutes on low heat. This helps fluff them up while infusing a fresh scent.
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Activated Charcoal Packs: Place near pillows in a breathable bag or pillowcase pocket to absorb odors naturally over time. These are great for ongoing maintenance.
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Essential Oil Spray: Mix 10 drops of oil with 1 cup of water and lightly mist. Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree add freshness and have natural antimicrobial properties. Use sparingly on feather or down pillows to avoid moisture buildup.
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Sunlight Exposure: A natural deodorizer and mild disinfectant. UV rays help kill bacteria and neutralize smells, while a light breeze aids in circulation. Place pillows in direct sunlight for a few hours on each side.
Bonus Tip:
Use a pillow protector to reduce future odors and keep pillows cleaner longer.
Choose breathable, washable protectors and wash them every 1–2 weeks with your sheets.
You can also add a fabric refresher spray between washes to keep your setup feeling freshly made.
Even with our dog sneaking into bed now and then, these tips keep our pillows fresh—and they’re the perfect complement to the hypoallergenic surface of our Puffy Cloud Mattress, which helps prevent dust buildup in the first place.
Natural Deodorizing Agents for Every Pillow Type
| Pillow Type | Best Odor Remover | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Foam | Baking soda, sunlight | Avoid water or steam |
| Feather/Down | Baking soda, dry air | Don’t saturate with sprays |
| Polyester | Baking soda, dryer method | Safe to refresh with fabric spray |
| Latex | Sunlight, essential oils | Avoid heavy moisture or vacuuming |
Preventing Odors Between Washes
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Always use pillow protectors—opt for breathable, moisture-wicking covers that are easy to remove and machine wash.
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Let pillows breathe—don’t stack or stuff in closets, and rotate them occasionally to prevent odor-prone pressure spots.
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Fluff pillows daily to disperse moisture and improve airflow, especially after long nights or hot days.
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Avoid sleeping on wet hair or applying oils before bed, as this can lead to trapped moisture and odors over time.
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Refresh weekly with baking soda or spray, and occasionally leave pillows out in the sun or near a window to naturally deodorize and dry out any hidden dampness.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to remove odor from pillows without washing makes it easier to maintain a clean, inviting sleep environment—especially when washing just isn’t practical.
Whether you’re freshening up memory foam, feather, or polyester pillows, these simple steps keep your space feeling fresh without the hassle.
And when paired with a breathable, odor-resistant base, your bed stays fresher longer.
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