Can You Put Pillows in the Washing Machine: A Complete Guide
Learn which pillows you can machine wash, how to prep and wash them safely, and the best drying methods to keep pillows fresh, fluffy, and long-lasting.
Yes, you can wash many pillows in a washing machine, but it depends on the fill and care label. Use a gentle cycle with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent, wash two pillows to balance the load, and run an extra rinse if needed. Tumble dry on low or air-dry completely to prevent mold.
Why pillows deserve regular cleaning
According to Best Washing Machine, regular pillow cleaning is part of a healthy laundry routine. The Best Washing Machine team found that pillows accumulate skin oils, sweat, dust mites, and allergens, which can affect sleep quality and hygiene. This guide will help you determine which pillows are safe to machine wash, the right settings, and the best drying practices for different fills. Clean pillows also retain shape and loft longer, making every nap more comfortable and restful. Before you toss anything into the machine, understand that pillow care isn't one-size-fits-all; fill type, cover construction, and manufacturing dates all matter.
In general, washing regularly reduces odors and keeps stains from setting; it is especially helpful for households with pets or seasonal allergies. The goal is to remove contaminants without breaking down fibers. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach on most pillow fills; bleach can degrade padding and shorten life. Always start with the care label, which guides water temperature, cycle type, and whether the pillow is considered machine washable.
Pillows you can machine wash vs. which to skip
Not every pillow should go in the machine. Polyester and down‑alternative pillows are usually safe to wash on a gentle cycle, while memory foam cores, latex cores, or shredded foam types typically require non‑machine cleaning or cover washing only. If you see a caution about dry cleaning or a no‑wash symbol on the label, honor it. For uncertain pillows, test a small, inconspicuous area or perform a spot clean first. Remember that some fills may clump or lose loft if washed too aggressively. When in doubt, treat fragile pillows as non‑washable or wash only the cover.
Preparing pillows for washing
Begin by inspecting the care label and removing any covers. Close zippers and fastenings to prevent snagging. Place the pillows in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to cushion fibers and protect the zipper. Wash two pillows at a time when possible to balance the load and avoid unbalanced spin. If both pillows are different fills, wash them separately to avoid uneven cleaning. Optional but helpful: run a quick pretreatment on stains with a tiny amount of detergent, then skip it on the rest of the pillow. Always ensure covers are secure and remove embedded items that could damage the machine.
Wash settings, detergent, and technique
Set the washer to a gentle cycle with warm water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid heavy detergents or chlorine bleach, which can degrade fibers. Use an extra rinse if your machine tends to leave residues. If your pillow is memory foam or has a non-removable cover, consider washing only the cover and spot-cleaning the foam. Stop the cycle if you notice excessive agitation or heat and re-balance the load. After washing, check that the fabric looks evenly clean and that there are no clumps of filling left in corners.
Drying correctly: heat, fluffing, and times
Pillows need thorough drying to prevent mold and mildew. Tumble dry on low heat and add dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help fluff. Check the pillow every 30 minutes and stop drying when the pillow is completely dry and pliable. If the pillow still feels damp after dryer cycles, finish air-drying on a rack for several hours. Never leave a damp pillow in the dryer, as residual moisture can promote odor and mildew growth. For best results, air out the pillow daily for a few days after washing.
Special cases: memory foam, latex, and delicate fillings
Memory foam and latex cores typically should not be machine washed. If the cover is removable, wash the cover separately and spot-clean the foam with mild soap and water. Air dry completely before reassembling. For shredded or hybrid fills, confirm the manufacturer's recommendations, as some blends require special care or fabric protection. When in doubt, opt for professional cleaning for fragile pillows. Remember that repeated washing can shorten the life of some fills, so plan to rotate pillows on a schedule.
Long-term care: rotation, protectors, and rotation schedule
Use removable, washable pillow protectors to extend time between full washes. Rotate pillows seasonally to distribute wear evenly and maintain loft. Launder pillow covers and protectors regularly; this reduces overall washing frequency. Store pillows in a dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and heat sources. Replacing pillows every few years is normal, especially if they begin to lose support or show permanent creases. A simple care calendar can help you stay on top of maintenance.
Quick care routine you can adopt
Develop a simple monthly routine: wash two identical pillows on a gentle cycle, use mild detergent, and dry thoroughly. Keep a spare pillow protector ready and wash it weekly to limit buildup on the pillow itself. When sleeping needs or allergies are present, increase the wash frequency to every 2-3 months. With a regular schedule, your pillows stay cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable night after night.
Tools & Materials
- Washer(Front-load or top-load (no central agitator); set to gentle cycle)
- Mild liquid detergent(Use a small amount; fragrance-free if possible)
- Two pillows(Equal size and fill; balance the load)
- Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase(Protects covers and zippers during agitation)
- Drying option: low-heat dryer or drying rack(Low heat or air dry; ensure complete dryness)
- Dryer balls or clean tennis balls(Promotes loft and even drying)
- Towels (optional)(Absorb excess moisture if needed)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Check care label
Inspect each pillow’s care label for washability and any restrictions. If the label prohibits washing, choose spot cleaning or professional cleaning. This step saves you from damaging a pillow and avoids voiding a warranty.
Tip: If unsure, test a small area or wash only the removable cover first. - 2
Balance the load
Place two pillows of similar size and fill into the washer to balance the drum. Balanced loads reduce vibration and help the cycles run evenly.
Tip: Use a mesh bag or pillowcase to cushion delicate surfaces and protect zippers. - 3
Load and protect
Zip or cover pillows and place them inside a mesh bag or pillowcase. This prevents snagging and keeps fillings from shifting excessively.
Tip: Avoid overfilling the bag; a little space helps agitation do its job gently. - 4
Add detergent and settings
Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Run on a gentle cycle with warm water and consider an extra rinse if your water is hard or you notice residue.
Tip: Avoid heavy fragrances that can irritate sensitive sleepers. - 5
Rinse and balance again
If your machine has an extra rinse option, use it to ensure all detergent is removed. Check for any lumping of filling and run another short cycle if needed.
Tip: Open the drum and feel for residue before proceeding to drying. - 6
Prepare for drying
Remove pillows from the bag, gently reshape them, and transfer to a dryer with low heat or set up an air-drying rack for non-dryer options.
Tip: Add dryer balls or clean tennis balls to maintain loft during drying. - 7
Drying process
Tumble dry on low heat, checking every 30 minutes. Stop when completely dry and fluffy. If still damp, finish with air drying to prevent heat damage.
Tip: Be patient—proper dryness prevents mold and odor. - 8
Final check and storage
Inspect for dryness, fluff, and even loft. Store in a dry, ventilated area with appropriate pillow protectors to extend cleanliness between washings.
Tip: Fluff daily for the first week after drying to restore loft.
FAQ
Can all pillows be machine washed?
Not all pillows are machine washable. Polyester and down‑alternative fills usually are, while memory foam and latex cores often are not. Always read the care label and treat uncertain pillows with caution.
Most pillows can be washed, but some types like memory foam can't. Check the label first.
How often should I wash my pillows?
A general guideline is every 3-6 months for regular use, with more frequent cleaning if you have allergies, pets, or heavy sweating. Use protectors and wash the covers more often to cut down on full pillow washes.
Every 3 to 6 months is a good baseline, more often for allergies.
What detergent works best for pillows?
Choose a mild liquid detergent and use a small amount to prevent residue. Avoid heavy scented or whitening formulas that can irritate skin or leave residues.
Use a mild detergent and rinse well.
How do I dry pillows without damaging them?
Dry on low heat with dryer balls to fluff and help circulation. Check regularly and stop when completely dry. If damp, finish air-drying on a rack to avoid heat damage.
Dry on low with balls; ensure full dryness.
What about memory foam pillows?
Most memory foam cores should not be machine washed. If the cover is removable, wash the cover and spot-clean the foam. Always air-dry completely.
Avoid washing memory foam; just wash the cover.
Can pillow protectors be washed with pillows?
Yes, most pillow protectors can be washed with pillows on a gentle cycle. This helps keep the pillow itself cleaner longer and reduces the frequency of full washes.
Protectors can usually go with pillows on gentle cycles.
The Essentials
- Check care labels before washing to protect pillow integrity
- Balance the load by washing two similar pillows together
- Use gentle cycles and mild detergent for best results
- Dry thoroughly on low heat with balls to maintain loft
- Some pillows (memory foam) require air-drying or cover-only washing
