How to Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine Without Ruining Them
Knowing how to wash pillows in a washing machine can save you money and make your bed feel brand new. Over time, pillows collect sweat, skin oils, dust mites, and allergens, and they slowly turn yellow and flat. The good news is that most pillows can be washed at home. The catch is that the wrong cycle, too much detergent, or a rushed drying job can leave you with a lumpy, soggy mess. This guide walks you through exactly how to wash pillows the right way, for every pillow type. Quick answer: Most down, feather, and polyester pillows can be machine washed. Wash two pillows at a time to balance the load, use a gentle cycle with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent, run an extra rinse, then dry on low heat with dryer balls until fully dry. Memory foam and latex pillows should never go in the washing machine. In this guide Can You Wash All Types of Pillows in a Washing Machine? Short answer: no. Whether you can wash pillows in the washing machine depends on what is inside them. Always read the care label first, since it is the most reliable guide for your specific pillow. Pillow type Machine washable? Notes Down Yes (usually) Gentle cycle, mild detergent, dry thoroughly on low heat Feather Yes (usually) Same as down; can be heavier and slower to dry Polyester / fiberfill Yes Easiest to wash; check the label for temperature limits Memory foam No Spot clean or hand wash only; air dry flat Latex No Spot clean only; keep away from direct heat Buckwheat / microbead No (wash cover only) Remove the filling and wash the cover separately How Often Should You Wash Your Pillows? A good rule of thumb is to wash your pillows every 3 to 6 months. If you have allergies, sleep hot, eat or drink in bed, or share your bed with pets, wash them closer to every 3 months. A simple routine keeps pillows cleaner for longer: Pillowcases: weekly Pillow protectors: every 1 to 2 months Pillows: every 3 to 6 months Before You Start: What You Need Your pillows and their care labels Mild liquid detergent (free of bleach and heavy fragrance) A front-loading washer, or a top-loader without a center agitator Two or three clean dryer balls or tennis balls A stain remover or white vinegar for yellow patches (optional) Tip: Check the seams and fabric before washing. If you see tears or loose stitching, mend them first or the filling can leak and clog your machine. How to Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine: Step by Step Read the care label. Confirm the pillow is machine washable and note the maximum water temperature. Remove pillowcases and protectors. Wash these separately. Pre-treat stains. Dab a small amount of detergent or stain remover onto stained areas and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Load two pillows at once. This balances the drum so the machine does not shake or go off-balance. If you only have one pillow, add a couple of clean towels to even out the load. Add a small amount of mild detergent. Use about half of what you would use for a normal load. Too much soap is hard to rinse out and leaves pillows stiff or clumpy. Choose a gentle cycle. Use warm water unless the label says otherwise. Run an extra rinse. Pillows hold on to detergent, so a second rinse helps remove all of it. Run an extra spin. This removes as much water as possible and speeds up drying. Dry thoroughly. See the drying section below. Never use a pillow that is still damp inside. What Temperature Should You Wash Pillows At? For most pillows, warm water on a gentle cycle cleans well without damaging the filling or fabric. Cold water is a safe choice for delicate pillows or when the label recommends it. Hot water can shrink some fabrics and damage certain fillings, so only use it if the care label allows it. Some synthetic pillows tolerate hotter water, which can help reduce dust mites. Best Detergent for Washing Pillows Look for a mild, liquid detergent that rinses clean. For down and feather pillows, a gentle or down-specific wash helps protect the natural oils in the feathers. Avoid: Bleach: it can weaken fabric and damage filling. Fabric softener: it coats fibers and can make pillows flat and less breathable. Heavy fragrances and harsh additives: these can linger and irritate sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula. How to Wash Pillows by Type How to Wash Down Pillows Down pillows are delicate but wash well when handled gently. Use a mild detergent, a gentle cycle with warm water, and an extra rinse. Dry on low heat with dryer balls, and expect drying to take a while. Down must be completely dry or it can develop a musty smell. How to Wash Feather Pillows Feather pillows follow the same process as down. They tend to be heavier and may need more drying time. Fluff them by hand every 30 minutes during drying to prevent clumping. How to Wash Polyester and Fiberfill Pillows Polyester pillows are the most forgiving. A warm gentle cycle with mild detergent and an extra rinse works well. Dry on low to medium heat with dryer balls. Because synthetic fill can flatten over time, these pillows usually need replacing sooner than down. How to Wash a Memory Foam Pillow Do not machine wash memory foam. The agitation can tear the foam, and the foam soaks up water and may never dry properly, which leads to mold and odor. Instead: Remove the cover and wash it according to its own care label. Spot clean the foam with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent. If it needs a deeper clean, hand wash in lukewarm water and gently press (do not wring or twist) to release dirt. Rinse by pressing out soapy