- 1). Remove the pillowcase and the pillow protector from the pillow. Examine each of these articles carefully since mold has likely penetrated them, as well. Clean all these articles in the same manner, but clean them separately from one another.
- 2). Dry the pillow in direct sunlight. Pillows are extremely porous and require a lot of heat to dry properly. Do not place the pillow in your dryer, as the mold spores will spread and possibly contaminate other fabrics later. If no sunlight is available, use a hair dryer or another portable heating device to dry your pillow.
- 3). Vacuum the pillow with a soft hose extension attached to your vacuum cleaner, or vacuum using a hand-held vacuum cleaner. Vacuum every area of the dry pillow, pillowcase and pillow protector to remove as many of the spores as you possibly can.
- 4). Place the pillow in a washing machine. In addition to your regular detergent, add 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar directly to the wash, and use the gentle cycle. If your pillow is not machine-safe, spot-treat the mold by sponging it with 1/2 cup of sodium borate activated with 2 cups of hot water. Rinse the pillow.
- 5). Dry the pillow again. To remove the excess moisture, squeeze a terry cloth towel firmly against the pillow. Then, remove the remaining dampness in the sunlight, or use a heat source.
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