How to store pillows when they’re not in use

Store pillows only after they are clean and completely dry, then place them in breathable cotton or canvas bags or, if dust is a concern, in a clean container suitable for that pillow and storage environment; never seal in residual moisture. Keep them in a cool, dry interior closet away from damp basements or hot attics, and avoid long-term compression or vacuum sealing. Follow each pillow’s care label first. Turmerry: How to store pillows; Ace Self Storage: Storing pillows and blankets

Prepare pillows: clean, dry and sort

Put nothing into storage dirty or damp. Residual moisture and body oils can lead to odors or mildew in storage. Wash or spot clean based on the care label, and dry until the core feels fully dry before packing. Many solid foam and latex cores must not be immersed, while other constructions have different care rules. Check the exact core and removable-cover instructions separately; do not assume all pillows with the same filling name are washable in the same way. Turmerry: How to store pillows

If you tumble-dry pillows that allow it, dryer balls help keep loft; if you prefer not to use tennis balls, see our guide to alternatives: What to use instead of tennis balls to dry pillows.

For throw pillows, remove covers from inserts, launder covers if allowed, and store covers folded separately to save space. Keeping one insert per size and stacking covers by size makes seasonal swaps faster. Southern State of Mind: Organizing throw pillows

Pick the right container and location

• Best for breathability: cotton or canvas storage bags and pillowcases allow airflow and help prevent trapped moisture. Turmerry: How to store pillows
• For dust control: a clean bin can protect fully dry bedding, but its suitability depends on the pillow and environment. A cotton lining does not make a sealed plastic bin breathable or prevent condensation. Ace Self Storage: Storing pillows and blankets; Turmerry: How to store pillows
• Avoid long-term compression: vacuum bags save space but are not advisable for pillows or down-filled items long term because loft can be lost. Use compression only when the pillow maker explicitly permits it; a short move is not an automatic exception. Ace Self Storage: Storing pillows and blankets
• Choose a stable spot: an interior closet or linen cabinet with climate control is ideal. Avoid damp basements, hot attics, and garages. Turmerry: How to store pillows

Storing pillows with a spare duvet

Keeping guest pillows alongside a spare duvet is common. Use these steps so the duvet does not crush your pillows:

• Pack separately inside the same bin: place the duvet in its own breathable bag or cotton-lined section; place pillows on top or upright along the side so they are not compressed by the duvet.
• Skip vacuum bags for down and pillows: down and synthetic fills can lose puffiness when compressed for long periods. Ace Self Storage: Storing pillows and blankets
• Label by room and size: for a guest set, label “Guest room: 2 standard inserts + light duvet,” so everything is ready for quick setup next time.

Worked example: a compact guest closet kit

One cotton-lined clear bin holds: two clean, fully dry standard pillow inserts in cotton bags; two folded decorative covers in a zip fabric pouch; one spare lightweight duvet loosely folded in a cotton bag; no added fragrances or repellents. The container sits in a dry interior closet, with nothing heavy compressing the bedding. Choose the container and closure according to the actual pillow instructions and conditions, not a claim that cotton lining controls moisture. Turmerry: How to store pillows; Ace Self Storage: Storing pillows and blankets

Short-term, easy-access options

When you rotate pillows weekly or seasonally, opt for breathable under-bed bins, baskets, or an ottoman so pillows stay off the floor but within reach. Keep stacks low to avoid flattening and air them briefly before reuse. Turmerry: How to store pillows

If stored linens sometimes smell stale when you take them out, see our explainer on causes and quick fixes: Why bed sheets smell after being stored.

Quick pre-storage checklist for pillows and a spare duvet

• Check each care label; clean as directed and dry inserts to the core
• Remove throw pillow covers; fold and store covers separately
• Choose suitable storage and confirm the pillow is dry before closing any container
• Place duvet and pillows so nothing heavy compresses the pillows
• Store in a cool, dry interior closet; avoid basements/attics
• Label by room and size for fast setup later

FAQ

Can I store pillows in plastic?

Plastic bins can help exclude dust, but the pillow must be completely dry and the container appropriate for its material and environment. A fabric liner does not prevent trapped moisture; follow the maker’s storage instructions. Ace Self Storage: Storing pillows and blankets; Turmerry: How to store pillows

Is vacuum sealing OK?

Use vacuum storage only if the maker permits compression of that exact pillow. Filling types and constructions differ, and even a short move is not a blanket exception. Ace Self Storage: Storing pillows and blankets