How to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to wash pillows in the washing machine safely with tips for synthetic, down, and other fills. Step-by-step, plus drying, care labels, and troubleshooting.
Yes—most pillows can be cleaned in the washing machine when you follow a gentle cycle, mild detergent, and proper drying. Always check the care label first. This guide explains how to wash pillows in the washing machine safely, whether they’re synthetic, down, or memory foam cover—plus tips to balance the load and prevent clumping.
Pillows 101: Types and care labels
Understanding pillow fillings helps you choose the right wash approach. Synthetic pillows, down and feather pillows, memory foam, and blend fills each respond differently to water, agitation, and heat. Start by reading the care label because some pillows are not machine washable. According to Best Washing Machine, following the label guidance reduces the risk of shrinkage and feather loss. This section outlines what each fill typically tolerates in a standard household washer and how to decide whether to wash a pillow at all. If your pillow has a removable cover, remove it and wash covers separately to avoid unnecessary wear on the inner fill.
What machine washing can and cannot do
Most common pillows tolerate machine washing when treated gently. Synthetic fills generally withstand cold water and gentle agitation, while down and feather pillows benefit from extra rinsing and proper drying to maintain loft. Memory foam pillows, or pillows with unusual cores, are often not recommended for machine washing unless the care label approves it. Best Washing Machine notes that imprudent washing can damage loft, cause clumping, or shrink delicate fibers. If in doubt, spot-clean or hand-wash the outer fabric and wash only the cover.
Pre-wash prep and load balancing
Before washing, inspect the pillow for rips or loose seams and repair them if possible. Close zippers and remove removable covers. Wash a second pillow or several towels in the drum to balance the load; an imbalanced load causes excessive vibration and can wear the drum over time. Use cold to warm water as recommended by the label, and avoid hot water which can weaken fibers. Finally, gather your supplies: mild detergent, a drying plan, and a flat, clean surface to air-dry the pillow after washing.
Detergent, water temperature, and cycles
Choose a mild, fragrance-free detergent in a small amount; excess detergent can leave residue that irritates sensitive skin and collects in the filling. Set the machine to a delicate or gentle cycle with a slow spin, and select cold or warm water depending on the pillow type. For stubborn odors, run an extra rinse to remove any remaining soap. Do not use bleach on most pillow fillings unless the label explicitly allows it.
The washing process: step-by-step guidance (in-machine)
Follow a conservative, fill-safe approach. Start by verifying the care label to identify any restrictions for machine washing. Place the pillow in the drum with a balancing item such as a second pillow or two towels. Use a small amount of mild detergent and run a delicate cycle with cold water; avoid hot water which can damage fibers. If your machine offers an extra rinse, enable it to ensure all soap is removed. After washing, gently press out excess water (do not wring) and prepare for drying. This approach minimizes fiber shifting and helps maintain loft.
Drying and loft restoration
Dry pillows thoroughly to prevent mildew and odors. Synthetic and down pillows can typically be tumble dried on low heat with dryer balls or clean tennis balls to fluff the fill; stop cycles to redistribute loft halfway through. If you don’t have a dryer, lay the pillow flat on a clean surface in a warm, dry area and turn it every few hours until completely dry. For memory foam or latex cores, air-drying or gentle warming is safer; check the label for specific guidance. Remove any remaining moisture by squeezing gently and padding the pillow to restore shape before reusing.
Troubleshooting and safety tips
If you notice clumping after washing, run an extra rinse and run a short drying cycle with dryer balls. If a pillow develops a musty smell after washing, rewash with a bit less detergent and ensure it dries completely within 24–48 hours. Never leave damp pillows stacked; store them in a dry, airy place. Always unplug and clean your washer’s gasket regularly to prevent odor transfer.
Alternatives for special pillows and quick fixes
Some pillows are best cleaned by spot-cleaning or outer fabric washing only. Removable pillow covers can be washed as a separate step, often more frequently. If you own memory foam pillows that label allows washing, use a front-loading washer, avoid agitators, and consider hand-washing the core if possible. For pillows with removable covers, laundering the cover more often helps maintain hygiene without risking the inner fill.
Maintenance habits to extend loft and odor control
Keep pillow loft by rotating pillows between seasons and during laundry days. Use breathable pillow protectors and wash them regularly. After washing, ensure complete dryness before storage; damp pillows can harbor mildew. Regularly inspect for wear and tear, especially seams and zippers, and follow care labels to prevent damage. According to Best Washing Machine, consistent care extends pillow life and maintains comfort.
Tools & Materials
- Mild detergent (liquid)(Use a small amount; avoid heavy or scented detergents.)
- Second pillow or towels to balance the load(Balance prevents drum vibration and wear.)
- Washing machine with delicate cycle(Set to gentle/delicate; ensure capacity is adequate.)
- Cold or warm water setting(Avoid hot water to prevent fiber damage.)
- Dryer with low heat or drying rack(Fluff with dryer balls; ensure complete dryness.)
- Dryer balls or clean tennis balls (optional)(Help lift and distribute filling during drying.)
- Mesh laundry bag (optional)(Use for delicate pillow covers or blended fills.)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Check pillow type and care label
Identify the fill (synthetic, down, memory foam, or blend) and read the label for wash instructions. Memory foam generally requires caution or spot-cleaning only. If uncertain, treat the pillow as non-washable and clean the cover instead.
Tip: If the label allows only spot-cleaning, focus on the outer fabric and wash the cover. - 2
Balance the drum with a companion item
Place a second pillow or two towels in the drum to balance the load and reduce vibration during agitation. This protects the washer and improves washing efficiency.
Tip: Avoid overpacking; aim for the drum to feel evenly loaded. - 3
Add detergent and choose cycle
Add a small amount of mild detergent. Select a delicate cycle with cold or warm water, depending on the pillow type. Avoid hot water that can ruin fibers and loft.
Tip: Enable an extra rinse if your machine offers it to remove all soap residue. - 4
Run and monitor the wash
Let the machine complete the cycle, then check for even moisture distribution. If the pillow feels very wet, you can run a secondary short cycle with a gentle spin.
Tip: Do not twist or wring the pillow; this can deform the fill. - 5
Remove excess water and prep for drying
Gently press out excess water without wringing. Lay the pillow on a clean surface or rear edge of a dryer to begin drying.
Tip: Pat the surface to redistribute loft before drying. - 6
Dry on low heat or air-dry fully
Tumble dry on low with dryer balls or tennis balls until fully dry, or air-dry in a sunny, well-ventilated area. Ensure there is no residual moisture to prevent mildew.
Tip: Check midway through drying and redistribute fill to maintain loft.
FAQ
Can memory foam pillows be machine washed?
Memory foam pillows are usually not machine washable; check the label. If you must, use a delicate cycle and protect the foam, or spot-clean.
Memory foam pillows are usually not machine washable, so check the label. If you must, use a delicate cycle and protect the foam, or stick to spot-cleaning.
How often should pillows be washed?
Wash based on use and odor; typical guidance suggests periodic cleaning, but always rely on the care label and your senses.
Wash when you notice odor or loss of loft. Follow the label for best results.
What water temperature is safe for most pillows?
Cold or warm water is safe for most pillows; hot water can damage fibers or cause shrinkage.
Cold or warm water works for most pillows; avoid hot water.
Is it safe to dry pillows in a dryer?
Yes, on low heat with dryer balls; ensure the pillow is completely dry before use.
Use low heat and dryer balls to fluff, and make sure it's completely dry.
Can pillow covers be washed separately?
Yes, pillow covers can be washed separately and are often cleaned more frequently for hygiene.
Yes—wash covers separately to keep the inner fill clean longer.
Why does a pillow lose loft after washing?
Washing can cause clumping; redistributing during drying and using dryer balls helps restore loft.
Washing can flatten loft; fluff during drying to restore volume.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Check care labels before washing.
- Balance load to prevent drum strain.
- Dry thoroughly to prevent mildew.
- Choose cycle by fill type and avoid hot water.
- Spot-clean or wash covers if uncertain about the fill.
