Pillow Smell Like Fish? (Reasons & 5 Poven Solution) 2023

If your pillow smell like fish and wanted to get rid of that sour smell then don’t worry, we got you covered.

The main reason why your pillow smell like fish is because your pillow is old and accumulated lots of bacteria, sweat, and dust mites.

An average American sweats 1 liter of sweat every night and your bedding including a pillow, mattress, sheets, and blankets accumulates this sweat.

And at the end, it causes mold, bacteria, and germs growth inside your bedding.

When this happens, then bacteria and mold can smell like sour smell like fish.

In this article, we will discuss ways to remove the fish smell from pillows and also how to protect your pillow and other bedding in the future.

Let’s get started.

Why Does Your Pillow Smell Like Fish?

Bacteria, Mold, dust mites, and germs growth can result in a sour smell like fish so as soon as you notice that your pillow is smelling like fish then you need to act immediately before its too late.

You need to remove the moisture from your pillow and freshen up your pillows and blankets.

Let’s see some proven ways to remove the fish smell from pillows.

Also Read: Pillow Smell Like Vinegar? (7 Ways to Remove) 

How to Remove Fish Smell From Pillow (5 Ways)

There are lots of ways to remove the fish smell from your pillow but you need to only choose depending on your preference and the availability of the product.

Here are some proven and tested ways to remove the fish smell from pillows.

Way 1: Baking Soda

I can’t tell how much baking soda can do when your pillow has sour smell.

Because baking soda will not only neutralize the smell of bacteria but also removes moisture away from your pillow.

And this is the easiest and cheapest way to remove the fish smell from your pillow.

Take a box of baking soda, and sprinkle baking soda on the pillow, but before that make sure you remove the pillow case and throw it into the washer with mild detergent on a gentle cycle.

After that sprinkle baking soda on the pillow and let it sit for a few hours, after that vacuum up all baking soda particles from your pillow.

Once it’s done, there is an 80% chance that the smell of your pillow will be gone.

For 20%, the odor can be strong and bacteria growth can be more so for that we need to use a stronger solution.

Way 2: White Vinegar

Just like baking soda white vinegar also have numerous benefits including removing bad odor from your bedding.

You need to create a solution of white vinegar for removing this sour smell from your pillow.

Mix equal parts of water into the equal parts of white vinegar and mix them well, pour this solution in the spray bottle.

Do not shake the spray bottle, and spray the solution all over the pillow.

Let the solution sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then take a clean cloth and absorb the excess solution from your pillow.

Now, sprinkle baking soda on your pillow and wait for a few hours then vacuum up all baking soda particles.

So this is how you can remove the sour fish smell from your pillow with vinegar and baking soda.

Way 3: Laundry Detergent

Believe me, this is can be the strongest solution for removing bad smells from your pillow.

Because laundry detergent and baking soda can be a killer combination for removing the fish smell from your pillow.

Mix baking soda and laundry detergent and create a paste.

This paste not only removes the smell but also removes any stains which are on your pillow.

Apply this paste to the affected areas of your pillow and leave it until it gets completely dry.

Once it’s dry, wipe out this paste with a wet towel and let it air dry for a few hours.

After that, the smell will be gone for good.

Way 4: Vodka Method

I know this method sounds silly but you can also remove the sour smell from your pillow with vodka but this method can be expensive.

Mix half parts of the pure vodka into half parts of the water, mix them well, and pour this solution into a spray bottle.

And spray this solution on your pillow and let it sit for 15 minutes, and then soak up excess vodka with a dry cloth.

Once it’s done, air-dry your pillow for a few hours.

You will be amazed to see the sour smell will be gone now.

Way 5: Essential Oil

I can’t say how much essential oil can create a difference and freshen up all your bedding.

Because essential oil not only removes the sour smell from your bedding but also gives a nice and fresh smell to your bedding.

There are lots of different fragrances in an essential oil like lavender, Roseberry, and other but choose your favorite one.

But remember essential oil alone won’t solve your problem because you need to combine this with other methods.

For example vinegar and essential oil, baking soda, and essential oil.

This can create a killer combination solution that not only kills bacteria and neutralize the smell but also freshen up your pillow with an amazing scent.

You can just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil into baking soda or vinegar.

How to Protect Pillow From Sour Smell Like Fish

If you want to protect your pillow against this bacteria growth caused due to sweat, body oils, and fluids then you need to use a pillow protector.

Use a waterproof pillow protector so your pillow can’t accumulate any moisture.

Using a waterproof pillow protector not only protects your pillow but also increases the lifespan of your pillow.

Final Words

The main reason why your pillow smell like fish can be because of the growth of bacteria in your pillow due to moisture, sweat, and body fluids.

Because a pillow can accumulate more sweat than your overall body.

And the constant accumulation of sweat, body oils, and moisture can result in bacteria growth which can smell like fish.

So once you notice that your pillow and bedding is smelling like fish then you need to kill the bacteria first, disinfect and give a good smell with essential oil.