Can You Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine and Dryer? A Practical Guide
Learn whether pillows can be machine washed and dried, with a step-by-step method, care tips, and safety notes from Best Washing Machine.
Yes—many pillows can be safely washed in a front- or top-loading washer and dried on a low heat setting. Always check care labels, balance the load with towels, and use a mild detergent. If you’re wondering, can you wash pillows in the washing machine and dryer? In most cases the answer is yes for cotton, synthetic, and some down pillows, but memory foam and shredded foam may need special care.
Pillow Cleaning Basics
Can you wash pillows in the washing machine and dryer? The short answer is often yes, but it depends on the pillow’s filling and the care label. This is where Best Washing Machine emphasizes following each pillow’s instructions rather than applying a one-size-fits-all rule. Most cotton and synthetic fill pillows tolerate a gentle wash and a low-heat tumble dry, which helps restore loft and remove sweat and oils that accumulate with use. Start by inspecting the pillow for loose seams, rips, or detached covers, and ensure the cover is removable if you want to treat the pillow cover separately. A well-balanced load prevents banging against the drum and yields a more uniform cleaning result. Remember to use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can leave residues that trap moisture.
The core question many homeowners ask is can you wash pillows in the washing machine and dryer? In practice, the answer tends to be yes for many common pillow types, provided you avoid high heat and run extra rinses to remove soap. Proper drying is equally important, because damp pillows can develop mold or odors if left in a warm, closed dryer. The Best Washing Machine team recommends a gentle cycle, thorough rinsing, and periodic checks for moisture until the pillow is completely dry. This holistic approach helps maintain pillow shape and hygiene over time.
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Tools & Materials
- Front- or top-loading washing machine with large capacity(Aim for at least 3.0 cu. ft. to allow pillows to move freely)
- Mild, fragrance-free detergent(Liquid detergent is often easier on bulky items; avoid heavy scents if sensitive skin)
- Towels or drying lie-cushions(Place two towels to balance the load during washing and to help with spin efficiency)
- Pillow protectors or removable covers(Wash covers separately if applicable to reduce wear on the pillow itself)
- Dryer with low-heat setting(Tumble dryer recommended unless the pillow is labeled otherwise; avoid high heat)
- Dryer balls or clean tennis balls(Helps fluff and prevent clumping during drying)
- Pillow rake or comb (optional)(Used to fluff slightly after drying for even loft)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-120 minutes
- 1
Inspect and prep pillows
Inspect every pillow for tears and detach any zippered covers. Remove covers if possible and pre-treat stains with a small amount of mild detergent. This step prevents dirt from redepositing on the pillow during washing and helps with even cleaning.
Tip: If a pillow shows signs of crumbling foam or is beyond repair, skip machine washing to avoid damage. - 2
Balance the load
Place the pillows in the washer with a couple of towels to balance the load. Bulky items need space to move; the towels provide ballast and reduce drum banging.
Tip: Avoid overloading; space allows for effective cleaning and rinsing. - 3
Choose cycle and detergent
Select a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water if the care label permits. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can leave residues.
Tip: Use the shortest appropriate cycle to minimize wear on pillow fillings. - 4
Rinse and spin
Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed. Use a high-speed spin if the pillow supports it to minimize drying time.
Tip: Soap residues can irritate skin and promote odors if not fully rinsed. - 5
Drying prep
Transfer pillows to the dryer with low heat; add dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help fluff and prevent clumping. Check that the pillow is not bunched up on one side.
Tip: If your pillow remains damp after 30 minutes, run a refresher dry cycle in 10–15 minute increments. - 6
Monitor drying progress
Periodically stop the dryer to check loft and feel for residual dampness. You want the pillow to be fully dry to prevent mold growth.
Tip: If the pillow starts to smoke or feel unusually hot, stop and remove it immediately. - 7
Final fluff and verification
Once dry, remove the pillow and fluff by hand. If needed, run a brief air-dry period to remove any heat—excess heat can degrade fabric over time.
Tip: A completely dry pillow lasts longer and reduces odor risk.
FAQ
Can all pillows be machine washed?
No. Foam cores, memory foam, and some specialty pillows require hand washing or spot cleaning. Always read the care label.
Not all pillows can be machine washed. Check the label for foam cores and specialty pillows.
How often should you wash pillows?
Pillows should typically be washed every 3–6 months, or sooner for allergy sufferers or high-odor use. Always follow the care label.
Usually every few months, but adjust for use and allergies.
Can memory foam or shredded foam pillows be machine washed?
Memory foam and shredded foam often require spot cleaning or air drying because moisture can affect structure. Check the label and consider professional cleaning when in doubt.
Memory foam pillows usually need spot cleaning or air drying.
What detergent should I use?
Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Harsh detergents can leave residues and irritate skin.
Use mild detergent without strong fragrances.
How do I know when a pillow is fully dry?
Feel for warmth and dryness across the pillow; there should be no damp spots inside the core. A longer air-dry or extra tumble dry session may be needed for thick pillows.
Make sure there’s no dampness before reuse.
What if the pillow comes out lumpy?
Fluff the pillow by hand and run a short dryer cycle with dryer balls to redistribute fill. Consider washing again with extra rinses if needed.
Fluff by hand and re-dry with dryer balls.
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The Essentials
- Wash only washable pillow fillings
- Balance the load with towels
- Dry on low heat until thoroughly dry
- Avoid high heat to prevent damage
- Check for complete dryness before reuse
