How to Get Rid of Smells on a Pillowcase

Pillowcases protect the pillow within from stains and dirt, which exposes this thin sheath of fabric to the wear and tear of heavy use. The cases absorb odors from skin, hair and the air. The pillowcase may also develop a stale smell during storage, especially if it wasn't washed or dried thoroughly after the last use. Most odors come out in the wash but the pillowcase may continue to absorb odors from the pillow inside, which requires more in-depth cleaning.

Scented sachet
Baking soda

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the pillowcase in the hottest water available that is safe for the fabric, using your preferred laundry detergent. Decorative pillowcases may require hand washing; refer to the tag for care instructions.
- 2
  Hang the pillowcase outside in bright, direct sunlight to dry. Sunlight lightens stains and also kills germs and bacteria, which can help eliminate or reduce odors.
- 3
  Wash the pillow in the machine if the material is suitable for machine washing. Feather pillows should not be machine washed.
- 4
  Hang the pillow outside to dry in the sun to eliminate most odors. Hang unwashed feather pillows outdoors for two to four hours to help eliminate smells.
- 5
  Store unused pillowcases in a drawer with a scented sachet or a small fabric bag of baking soda. The sachet or soda absorbs odors during storage so the cases don't develop a stale smell.

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