You spend roughly one-third of your life with your face pressed against a pillow. Unfortunately, while you sleep, that pillow acts like a sponge for dead skin cells, sweat, saliva, and dust mites. If it smells funky or has visible stains, it is definitely time for a wash.
Washing pillows might sound intimidating, but it is easier than you think. Most synthetic and down pillows can go straight into your washing machine.
We tested the best methods to get them fresh, fluffy, and allergen-free without ruining the filling. Here is our six-step guide on how to wash pillows in the washing machine.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule regular cleanings: Wash pillows every 3 to 6 months to kill bacteria and remove allergens.
- Check the label: Polyester, cotton, and down feather pillows are usually machine washable; memory foam is not.
- Balance the load: Always wash two pillows at a time to keep the washing machine balanced.
- Dry thoroughly: It is critical to dry pillows completely using low heat and dryer balls to prevent mold growth.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
We recommend washing your pillows at least every three to six months. If you live in a humid climate or suffer from allergies, you might want to wash them more frequently to keep dust mites at bay.
If you notice lingering odors, yellow stains, or if your skin feels irritated in the morning, do not wait for the six-month mark. Wash them immediately.
Can You Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine?
Yes, you can wash many types of pillows in the washing machine, but it depends entirely on the material. Putting the wrong pillow in the washer can destroy it instantly.
Here is a quick breakdown of which materials handle machine washing and which ones need a gentle hand wash.
| Pillow Material | Cleaning Method |
| Polyester / Synthetic | Machine wash on gentle cycle with warm water and mild detergent. |
| Down / Feather | Machine wash on gentle cycle with cool/warm water. Requires extra care during drying. |
| Cotton | Machine wash on gentle cycle with warm water. |
| Memory Foam | Do not machine wash. Hand wash or spot clean only. |
| Latex | Do not machine wash. Hand wash or spot clean only. |
| Buckwheat | Remove hulls and wash the cover only. Do not wash hulls. |
| Wool | Cold delicate cycle with wool-safe detergent, or hand wash. |
Expert Advice
Always check the care tag on your specific pillow. Manufacturers know their products best, and some synthetic blends may have specific heat restrictions.
How to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine
This is the most effective method for cleaning polyester, cotton, and down pillows. It removes deep-set grime and restores fluffiness.
Warning: Do not use a top-loading washing machine with a central agitator (the tall pole in the middle). Agitators can wrap around the pillow and tear it open. Use a front-loader or a top-loader without an agitator (high-efficiency model). If you have an agitator, visit a laundromat or use the hand-wash method.
Gather these supplies before you start:
- Time: 2 hours (plus significant drying time)
- Difficulty: Easy
What You Will Need
- Gentle laundry detergent (liquid is better than powder to avoid residue)
- Wool detergent (if washing wool pillows)
- Two tennis balls or dryer balls
- Stain remover (optional)
1. Inspect and Pre-Treat
Before water touches your pillow, check for rips or open seams. The spinning cycle will turn a small hole into a washing machine full of feathers or fluff. Stitch up any holes first.
If there are specific stains (like blood or saliva), spot-treat them with a stain remover or a dab of detergent. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
2. Load the Machine
Always wash two pillows at once. This balances the washing machine drum so it can spin effectively. If you only wash one, the machine may become off-balance and bang around loudly during the spin cycle.
Place the pillows vertically on opposite sides of the drum.
3. Add Detergent and Wash
Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent (about one tablespoon). Using too much soap is a common mistake that leaves sticky residue inside the filling, which attracts more dirt later.
Select the “Gentle” or “Delicate” cycle. Use warm water for polyester and cotton; use cool water for down or feathers to prevent the natural oils from stripping away.
Add an “Extra Rinse” option if your machine has it. This ensures every bit of soap is washed out of the thick filling.
4. The Drying Process
Drying is the most critical step. If the pillow stays damp inside, it will grow mold.
Transfer the pillows to the dryer. Add two tennis balls (inside clean socks) or dryer balls. These bounce around to break up clumps and re-fluff the pillows.
Set the dryer to Low Heat or Air Dry. High heat can melt synthetic fibers and scorch down feathers.
Check the pillows every 30 to 60 minutes. Fluff them by hand and put them back in.
5. Confirm Dryness
Pillows take longer to dry than clothes. It might take several cycles. To test, squeeze the pillow deeply. If you feel any cool moisture or clumps in the center, it is not dry yet. Keep drying.
How to Wash Pillows Without a Washing Machine
Memory foam, latex, and delicate pillows cannot handle the agitation of a machine. The foam can crumble or snap. Instead, use the “dip and squeeze” method in a bathtub or large sink.
Here is how to deep clean delicate pillows by hand:
- Time: 45 minutes (plus 12-24 hours drying time)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
What You Will Need
- Bathtub or deep sink
- Mild detergent
- Clean towels
- Vacuum with upholstery attachment
1. Prepare the Pillow
Remove the pillowcase and protective cover. If you have a memory foam pillow, vacuum it thoroughly on both sides using an upholstery attachment. This pulls out dust mites and skin cells trapped in the foam pores.
2. Create a Bath
Fill your tub with lukewarm water. Add about a teaspoon of gentle detergent and mix it until suds form. You do not need a lot of soap.
3. Submerge and Clean
Submerge the pillow completely. Gently squeeze the pillow to force the soapy water into the material, then release so it sucks the water in. Repeat this kneading motion for about 10 minutes.
Important: Do not twist or wring memory foam. Twisting will tear the foam. Just press down.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with fresh, clean water. Squeeze the pillow to push out the soap. Repeat this rinsing process until the water runs clear and no suds appear when you squeeze.
5. Air Dry
Gently press the pillow against the bottom of the tub to remove excess water. Do not wring it out.
Place the pillow flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up with the pillow inside and press down to absorb moisture.
Lay the pillow flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area. Do not place memory foam in the dryer and keep it out of direct sunlight (which can degrade the foam). It may take up to 24 hours to dry completely.
How to Spot Clean Stains on Pillows
If you cannot do a full wash, spot cleaning helps manage small spills or marks.
Mix one teaspoon of gentle detergent with a cup of warm water. Dip a clean white cloth into the mixture and wring it out so it is damp, not dripping. Dab the stain gently, do not scrub aggressively, as this drives the stain deeper.
Top Tip
Match your cleaner to the stain. For biological stains like sweat or saliva, an enzymatic cleaner is best. We recommend Seventh Generation, which uses enzymes to break down organic matter.
Tips for Caring for Your Pillows
Want to wash your pillows less often? Use these preventative tips to keep them cleaner for longer:
- Use a pillow protector: This is the single best thing you can do. A zippered protector goes under the pillowcase and blocks sweat, oils, and bacteria from entering the pillow filling. You can just wash the protector with your sheets.
- Daily fluffing: Give your pillow a quick fluff every morning when you make the bed. This circulates air through the filling and prevents it from becoming a flat, hard brick.
- No pets in bed: We know it is hard to say no, but pets bring dander, dirt, and microscopic pests into your bed. Keep them off your pillows to reduce allergens.
- Sunlight and air: On a dry, sunny day, hang your pillows on a clothesline for a few hours. UV rays help kill bacteria and the fresh air removes odors.
When to Replace Your Pillows
Even with great care, pillows have a lifespan. Using a pillow past its prime can lead to neck pain and poor sleep quality.
Here are the general replacement timelines:
- Polyester/Synthetic: Every 1 to 2 years.
- Memory Foam: Every 2 to 3 years.
- Down/Feather: Every 1 to 3 years (depending on quality).
- Latex: Every 3 to 4 years.
The Fold Test
Not sure if your pillow is dead? Fold it in half. If it springs back instantly, it is still good. If it stays folded or unfolds slowly, the support is gone, and you need a new one.
FAQs
Why Does Your Pillow Turn Yellow?
Pillows turn yellow primarily due to moisture absorption. While you sleep, your pillow absorbs sweat, saliva, and oils from your skin and hair. Over time, this organic matter oxidizes and creates yellow discoloration. While regular washing helps, using a pillow protector is the only way to prevent this completely.
Caution
Avoid using chlorine bleach on yellowed pillows. Bleach degrades synthetic fibers and destroys down feathers, leading to clumps and tears. Use an enzyme-based stain remover or oxygen bleach instead.
How Do You Wash Pillows Without Clumping?
To prevent clumping, dry your pillows with tennis balls or dryer balls. The balls bounce around the dryer drum, hitting the pillows and breaking up wet clusters of filling. Additionally, take the pillows out every 30 minutes to fluff them by hand before finishing the cycle.
Can You Put Pillows in the Dryer on High Heat?
No, you should avoid high heat. High temperatures can melt synthetic polyester fibers and make natural feathers brittle. Always use a low-heat or no-heat (air fluff) setting. It takes longer, but it protects the integrity of your pillow.
How Do You Wash Couch Pillows Without Removable Covers?
For couch cushions or throw pillows without zippers, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum first. Then, surface clean them using a sponge dampened with foam from a mild detergent mixture. Do not soak them. Wipe away soap with a clean damp cloth and let them air dry completely.
Why Do My Pillows Smell After Washing?
If your pillows smell musty after washing, they are likely still damp inside. Thick fillings like memory foam or feathers retain moisture deep in the center even if the outside feels dry. This moisture breeds mold and mildew. Put them back in the dryer or in a sunny spot immediately.
What Is the Best Way to Store Pillows?
Store pillows in a cool, dry environment with good airflow. Ideally, place them in a breathable cotton storage bag or a pillowcase. Avoid plastic bags or airtight bins, as trapped moisture can lead to mold growth on natural fibers.
Is Liquid or Powder Detergent Better for Pillows?
Liquid detergent is generally better for washing pillows. Powder detergent can sometimes fail to dissolve completely in the gentle cycles required for pillows, leaving behind a chalky, irritating residue on the fabric. If you must use powder, dissolve it in a cup of warm water before adding it to the drum.
Pristine Pillows
Washing your pillows doesn’t have to be a chore you dread. By tossing your synthetic or down pillows in the washer every few months, you eliminate dust mites, bacteria, and oils that cause acne and allergies.
Just remember the golden rules: check the label, use gentle detergent, balance the load, and dry them until they are 100% moisture-free. A clean pillow means a healthier sleep environment and a better night’s rest.
