Let’s face it. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping. That means your face is pressed against a pillow for roughly eight hours every single night. Over time, that trusty cushion absorbs sweat, saliva, oil, dead skin, and dust mites.
It sounds gross because it is.
Fortunately, reviving your pillows is easier than you think. Whether you sleep on down, memory foam, or polyester, we have the routine you need. Here is exactly how to wash pillows to keep them fresh, fluffy, and supportive.
Key Takeaways
- Wash down, feather, and synthetic pillows in the machine on a gentle, warm cycle.
- Never machine wash memory foam, latex, or buckwheat pillows; vacuum and spot clean them instead.
- Clean your pillows every three to six months to prevent bacteria buildup and acne.
- Dry pillows completely with dryer balls or tennis balls to prevent mold and restore loft.
Can You Wash Pillows?
Yes, and you absolutely should. Most standard bed pillows (like cotton, down, fiberfill, and polyester) are machine washable. However, solid foam pillows (memory foam or latex) act like giant sponges and will fall apart in a washer. Always check the care label first.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
Aim for every three to six months. If you sleep with pets or have allergies, wash them closer to the three-month mark.
How to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine
This method works best for fiberfill, cotton, down, and feather pillows.
Take Note
1. Remove the Case
Strip the pillowcase and any protective covers. These can go in with your regular sheets.
2. Pre-Treat Stains
Inspect the pillow for yellow spots or makeup stains. Apply a small amount of stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water to the area. Rub it in gently with a soft brush and let it sit for 15 minutes.
3. Load the Washer
Balance is key. Always wash two pillows at a time. This keeps the washing machine drum balanced and prevents the pillows from getting thrown around violently.
Your Machine Matters
4. Add Detergent
Use a small amount of mild, low-sudsing detergent. If you use standard powder, dissolve it in warm water first so it does not leave gritty residue inside the pillow fibers.
For polyester or synthetic pillows, use about one tablespoon of liquid detergent. Less is more here; you want to avoid soap buildup.
Caution
5. Select the Cycle
Set your washer to a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Down, Feather, and Polyester: Use warm water.
- Wool: Use cold water to prevent shrinking.
6. Add an Extra Rinse
Pillows are thick. It takes a lot of water to flush the soap out of the center. Select the “extra rinse” option on your machine to ensure all detergent is removed.
7. Inspect and Spin
Once the cycle ends, check for suds. If you see soap bubbles, run another rinse cycle. You also want to ensure the spin cycle extracts as much water as possible to reduce drying time.
Is It Safe to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine?
For down, feather, cotton, and polyester, washing machines are safe as long as there are no rips in the fabric.
However, keep memory foam, latex, and buckwheat far away from the washer. The agitation breaks the foam structure, and water takes too long to dry deep inside the foam, which leads to mold.
How to Wash Memory Foam and Latex Pillows
- Remove covers: Wash the pillowcase and protective cover in the machine.
- Dust: Vacuum both sides of the pillow using the upholstery attachment to remove dust mites and dander.
- Spot clean: Mix a mild detergent with water. Dip a clean white cloth in the solution and wring it out until it is damp, not dripping. Blot stains gently. Do not scrub hard, or the foam may crumble.
- Air dry: Lay the pillow flat in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat. Ensure it is bone dry before using it again.
How to Clean Buckwheat Pillows
- Empty the pillow: Unzip the cover and pour the buckwheat hulls into a large container or bag.
- Wash the cover: Machine wash the empty fabric cover according to the tag.
- Refresh the hulls: Buckwheat hulls should not be soaked. Instead, spread them out on a clean towel or baking sheet in the sun. The sunlight helps kill bacteria and freshen the hulls.
- Reassemble: Once the cover is dry and the hulls are aired out, funnel them back in.
How to Dry Pillows
Drying is the most critical step. A damp pillow is a breeding ground for mildew.
- Check the label: Ensure the material is dryer-safe.
- Load the dryer: Place the pillows in the dryer along with two dryer balls or tennis balls tied inside clean socks. The balls bounce around and beat the pillows, which prevents clumps and restores fluff.
- Set the heat: Use low to moderate heat for synthetics. Use the “air fluff” or “no heat” setting for down and feather pillows to avoid scorching the feathers.
- Be patient: Run the cycle for an hour. Take them out, fluff them by hand, and check for moisture.
- Repeat: It often takes two or three cycles to dry them completely. Squeeze the pillow deeply; if you feel any cool dampness in the center, keep drying.
If you must air dry, hang the pillows on a clothesline on a breezy, sunny day. Rotate them every hour to ensure even drying.
FAQs on How to Wash Pillows
How Long Should Pillows Last?
You should replace standard sleeping pillows every one to two years (1). Fold your pillow in half; if it springs back instantly, it is still good. If it stays folded, the support is gone, and it is time to buy a new one.
How Do You Hand Wash Pillows?
Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and a small amount of detergent. Submerge the pillows and squeeze them gently to work the soapy water through the fibers. Let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the tub and refill with fresh water, squeezing the pillows to rinse. Repeat the rinse process until the water runs clear and no suds remain. Squeeze out excess water (do not wring or twist) and dry immediately.
How Do I Get Yellow Stains Out of Pillows?
Yellow stains are usually caused by sweat and body oils. To remove them, spot clean with a mixture of baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then wash the pillow as usual.
How Do You Reshape Pillows After Washing?
The dryer is your best friend here. Use tennis balls or wool dryer balls during the drying cycle to pummel the pillow back into shape. If you are air drying, massage the pillow with your hands periodically as it dries to break up clumps of fill.
Why Is My Pillow Lumpy?
Lumps happen when moisture or dirt causes the filling to stick together. Washing the pillow and ensuring it dries completely with agitation (dryer balls) usually fixes this. If the pillow remains lumpy after a good wash and dry, the fill has likely broken down, and you need a replacement.
Will Washing Pillows Fluff Them?
Yes! Oils and moisture weigh down the fibers, making pillows flat. Washing removes this heavy residue, and the tumbling action of the dryer introduces air back into the filling, restoring its loft.
How Long Do I Put My Pillow in the Dryer?
Plan for at least one hour, but often longer. Pillows are dense and hold water deep in the center. Check them every 45 to 60 minutes. It is better to over-dry them slightly than to leave them damp inside.
Can You Wash Throw Pillows Without a Removable Cover?
If the care label says “machine washable,” wash it on a delicate cycle with cold water. Place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect any decorative fringe or sequins. If the label says “dry clean only” or the fabric is delicate (like silk or velvet), spot clean only.
Sleep Tight
Reviving your sleeping routine starts with hygiene. A clean pillow supports your skin health and your sleep quality. By following these steps, you can banish the dirt and bacteria lurking in your bedding.
Just remember the golden rule: Check the tag. While your cotton pillows will love a bath in the washer, your memory foam needs a gentle spot clean. Now, go enjoy that fresh-pillow feeling!
