To disinfect hotel pillows, hotels use thermal disinfection (washing at 60°C/140°F or higher) or chemical disinfection with special detergents, often combined with protective covers, but for personal travel, you can use UV vacuums, steam cleaners, or alcohol/disinfectant sprays, though proper washing is ideal for deep cleaning and checking care labels is crucial, as some pillows can't be machine washed.
Travel with a Fabric-Safe Sanitiser
For an added layer of protection, lightly mist pillows and bedding with a gentle, fabric-safe sanitising spray. We love Euclove's Linen & Bedding Spray, made with natural essential oils that are safe on skin and powerful against germs.
Hotel Pillows: Lifespan and Hygiene
Hotel pillows are usually encased in protective covers and pillowcases that are laundered as often as the sheets. However, the pillows themselves are rarely washed. This may not bother you since your face and head only make contact with a pillowcase.
Some materials, such as memory foam, should only be hand-washed. However, many others, including those with microbeads, can be washed in the washing machine. Use cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent on a delicate cycle.
Wash with regular laundry soap then soak in a mix of water and hydrogen peroxide bleach. Use gloves and a stick to stir and squish the pillows to circulate the solution. Leave overnight then wash again. Dry and fluff. Remember to use pillow covers when in use.
The vinyl surface of the pillow was swabbed with a sterile, polyester-tipped applicator and placed in a sterile tube of sodium chloride solution.
Bleach or disinfectant: If your pillow is made of a material that can tolerate bleach, you can use a bleach solution for disinfection. Alternatively, you can use a disinfectant spray or wipes recommended for fabric surfaces. Washing machine: A washing machine will be needed to launder your pillows properly.
Disinfecting your pillows doesn't have to be expensive. You can use household ingredients like baking soda and vinegar to normalize smells and destroy bacteria. First, gently mist the pillow with a spritz of vinegar (don't worry, the baking soda will absorb the vinegar scent).
The 2-2-1 pillow rule is a popular interior design formula for arranging five pillows on a sofa or bed, creating a balanced, layered look: two large pillows (often squares/euros) anchor each end, two slightly smaller pillows nestle inside them, and one unique, smaller statement or lumbar pillow goes in the center as the focal point, adding texture and color. This method provides symmetry and visual interest by using graduating sizes and contrasting textures, making furniture look polished and inviting.
Sweat and body oils: As you sleep, your body naturally produces sweat, which seeps into your pillow over time. The buildup of moisture and natural oils can create yellow stains that become more prominent with repeated use.
Higher-end hotels have better pillow hygiene practices, but even then, pillows are not washed after every guest. Protect yourself by bringing a pillow cover, using your own travel pillow, or staying at hotels that prioritize cleaning transparency.
Additionally, according to a 2024 survey of 1,376 hotel managers by Wellness Heaven, which asked them which items are most commonly stolen, towels top the list, with 79.2 percent reporting guests nipping the cozy threads. They were followed by bathrobes, hangers, pens, and cosmetics, rounding out the top five.
Hotels may be comfortable and convenient, but they're also one of the more likely spots to run into bed bugs. The steady flow of guests means there's always the potential for bugs to hitch a ride in bags, clothing, or other items, which can lead to infestations. Even the most pristine hotels aren't immune.
I would also wipe down the drapery pull and the ac/heat controls as well as spray Lysol on the bedding. I consistently carry Lysol wipes and Lysol spray with me, but I tend to use the spray more frequently.
4 Easy Ways to Sanitize and Deodorize Clothes Without Washing
According to Lysol's website, you can spray their disinfectant spray directly on your mattress. Take care not to oversaturate the area, which can cause long drying times. If you're spraying Lysol directly onto your mattress, make sure it is completely dry before reapplying your mattress protector and sheets.
You'll also want to avoid placing your pillow too low. You don't want it underneath your shoulders because this can also lead to pain.
Spiegel says that people who sleep with two pillows are at risk of having a dowager hump on their backs. A dowager's hump is a slightly rounded hunch that forms at the base of the neck. It's caused by a chronic forward-leaning posture, which is becoming a bigger problem due to computers and smartphones.
REASONS TO STYLE YOUR PILLOWS WITH A CHOP: It adds variety: Chopping a few pillows and not chopping others adds interest to the room without feeling too manicured. The space feels lived-in: A soft pillow chop gives the look of a loved and lived-in space. The room will look neat and approachable.
“Certain types of viruses, including the flu, can live on hard surfaces like counters for up to 48 hours, and on soft surfaces like pillows for up to 12 hours,” says Susan Werner, MD, a family medicine provider at Geisinger Nanticoke. “Bacteria, like the one that causes strep throat, can live on surfaces for months.”
Its acidity makes it effective at cutting through grease, removing soap scum, and dissolving mineral deposits. Create a general cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Use this to clean kitchen surfaces, bathroom fixtures, and windows.
Pillows can harbor bacteria, dust mites, and allergens even if they look clean. Sanitizing pillows without washing is possible using methods like sunlight, steam, and baking soda. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your pillows and improve sleep quality.
All my years of thrifting if I ever had an issue with bed bugs or lice or anything like that but if that is a concern for you, you take them straight inside in the plastic bag directly into a hot washing machine. I've got these inserts out.
The most common culprit behind yellow stains on pillows is the natural oils your body produces while sleeping. When you rest your head on your pillow, oils from your hair and face, along with sweat from your scalp, seep into the fabric. These oils can accumulate and oxidize, turning the pillow yellow.