Can You Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine? A Practical Guide
Learn whether you can wash pillows in a washing machine, how to clean feather, down, polyester, and memory foam pillows safely, and tips to dry fluffy, mold-free results.
Yes—most pillows can be machine washed, but care depends on fill. Check the label and fill type (feather, down, polyester, or foam). Use a gentle cycle with cool or warm water, mild detergent, and ensure a balanced load by washing two pillows at a time. Dry on low heat with dryer balls for even loft. If memory foam or shredded foam is involved, consider hand washing or spot cleaning per the label.
Can you washing machine pillows? Why pillow care matters
In practical terms, can you washing machine pillows? Yes, for most pillow types, machine washing is safe when you follow proper steps. The decision hinges on the fill material and care labels. According to Best Washing Machine, pillow care begins with identifying the fill and any special warnings on the tag. Feathers and down are usually washable, while solid memory foam cores may require gentler handling or hand cleaning. Polyester-filled or microfleece pillows are generally machine washable but benefit from extra rinses to remove detergent residue. When you know the fill, you can pick the right cycle, water temperature, and drying method to preserve loft, prevent clumping, and avoid mold. In this guide we’ll walk through prep, washing, and drying to help you keep pillows clean and fluffy without compromising their integrity.
Preparing pillows for washing
Before you start, inspect each pillow’s care label and examine the fill. Remove pillow covers and zippered protectors, and wash them separately. If the pillow has a hidden zipper or loose stitching, secure it to prevent snagging in the drum. Use a mild detergent and measure accurately; overuse can lead to detergent buildup and odor. For white or lightly colored pillows, you can run an extra rinse to ensure all soap is removed. Finally, balance the load by washing two pillows at once or by adding towels to keep the drum stable. A well-prepped pillow will wash more evenly, dry faster, and resist bunching.
Wash by fill type: feather, down, polyester, foam
Different fills respond to washing differently. Feather and down pillows usually tolerate a warm wash on a gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent; run extra rinses if needed. Polyester-filled pillows are resilient, but can still trap soap; two rinses are often enough. For memory foam or gel-filled pillows, machine washing is generally discouraged unless the care label specifically allows it; spot-clean or hand-wash the exterior and use shallow rinses if permitted. If you must machine wash foam, use a short, delicate cycle with cool water and place the foam inside a pillow case or laundry bag to reduce stress on the core. Always avoid hot water for most pillow fills, as heat can warp materials and degrade loft over time.
Drying and fluffing pillow after wash
Drying is the most critical step to prevent mold and odor. Tumble dry on low heat, or air dry in a sunny, well-ventilated area. Add dryer balls or clean tennis balls to break up clumps and help restore loft as the pillow dries. Periodically stop the dryer to manually fluff the pillow and check for damp spots. Complete drying may take several cycles for thick pillows, especially memory foam hybrids; do not rush the process, or you risk mildew growth. If using a dryer, ensure the lint screen is clean and free of detergent residue.
Special cases: foam, latex, and shredded fills
Foam-based pillows require careful handling; shredded memory foam or latex blends are often sold as washable, but always read the label. If machine washing is allowed, place the pillow in a mesh bag and use a gentle cycle with cold water. For solid memory foam blocks, hand washing or surface cleaning is safer. Bottled water extraction or sun drying can help remove moisture. If you’re unsure, treat it as a delicate item and consider professional cleaning.
Common mistakes that ruin pillows (and how to avoid them)
Avoid using hot water, overloading the washer, or using too much detergent. High heat dries fabrics too aggressively, leading to cracking in foam and down leakage. Do not skip the drying step; damp pillows encourage mold and mildew. Avoid washing pillows with heavy items that can damage the drum or create an unbalanced load. Finally, don’t ignore care labels; they are there for a reason.
Maintenance and care between washes
To keep pillows fresh between full washes, use pillow protectors, wash covers weekly, and shake out pillows outdoors to remove surface dust. Occasionally fluff the pillow to redistribute fill and prevent permanent clumping. Rotate pillows on your bed to distribute wear evenly and extend loft. Regular care reduces the need for frequent washing while keeping pillows comfortable and supportive.
Tools & Materials
- Front-loading washing machine with a large drum(Two pillows should fit comfortably to avoid crowding)
- Mild detergent (fragrance-free preferred)(Use a small amount; over-sudsing can leave residue)
- Pillow protectors or zip covers(Protects pillows and helps maintain shape)
- Dryer with low-heat setting(Will help fluff; add dryer balls or clean tennis balls)
- Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase(Useful for foam cores)
- Measuring cup for detergent(Optional)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Check labels and prep pillows
Read care labels; remove covers; place inside pillowcase to minimize snag. Inspect seams for damage and secure loose parts. This prep reduces soap absorption issues and drum wear. If you have multiple pillows, plan to wash two at once for balance.
Tip: Secure zippers and remove loose threads to prevent snagging during the wash. - 2
Balance the load
Wash two pillows of similar size or add towels to balance the drum. An unbalanced load can cause excessive vibration and leak soap into the gasket. Balanced loads improve cleaning efficiency and reduce drying time.
Tip: If washing just one pillow, add a folded towel to balance the drum. - 3
Choose cycle and detergent
Set a gentle cycle with cool to warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid hot water and heavy fragrances that can irritate skin or leave residue. Consider an extra rinse if you used a larger amount of detergent.
Tip: Rinsing twice helps remove all soap and prevents stiffness. - 4
Start and monitor the wash
Run the cycle and listen for unusual sounds. If the pillow shifts, pause and rearrange to keep an even distribution. Check the drum after 15 minutes to ensure pillows aren’t bunched together.
Tip: Pausing mid-cycle to adjust can prevent clumping and ensure even cleaning. - 5
Post-wash check
Open and inspect for soap residue; run an extra rinse if needed. Ensure the pillow is fully rinsed before moving to drying. Wicking moisture out of the fill helps prevent odor.
Tip: Detergent residue can reduce fluff and irritate skin. - 6
Drying prep
Transfer to a dryer with low heat and add dryer balls or clean tennis balls. High heat can damage certain fills, so err on the side of gentleness. Check for damp spots and recirculate if needed.
Tip: Clean the lint screen to maintain air flow and drying efficiency. - 7
Fluff and finish
When dry, fluff the pillow by hand or in short bursts in the dryer to restore loft. If the pillow remains flattened, air-dry for a few more hours or repeat a brief tumble cycle.
Tip: Fluffing midway helps distribute fill evenly and prevents clumping.
FAQ
Can all pillows be machine washed?
Most pillow types can be machine washed, but memory foam and latex cores may require hand cleaning or spot cleaning depending on the label.
Most pillows can be machine washed, but memory foam and latex cores often need special handling.
What settings should I use when washing pillows?
Use a gentle cycle with cool or warm water and a mild detergent; avoid hot water and harsh chemicals.
Gentle cycle with cool water works best for most pillows.
How many pillows should you wash at once?
Wash two pillows of similar size to balance the load; single pillows can be balanced with towels.
Two pillows at a time balances the drum nicely.
How do you dry pillows completely?
Dry on low heat with dryer balls; check for damp spots and repeat if needed to prevent mold.
Dry on low heat with dryer balls and check until fully dry.
Can pillow protectors be washed with pillows?
Yes, wash pillow protectors with the pillows to protect the covers and extend loft.
Wash protectors along with the pillows for best results.
What about foam pillows?
Foam pillows generally require hand washing or spot cleaning; some labels allow gentle machine washing in a bag.
Foam pillows often aren’t machine washable unless the label says so.
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The Essentials
- Check fill type and care labels before washing
- Balance the load by washing two pillows at once
- Use gentle cycle and mild detergent with extra rinse if needed
- Dry thoroughly on low heat with dryer balls to restore loft
- Follow care labels for special cases like foam or latex
