How to wash pillows in washing machine
Learn safe, effective methods to wash pillows in a washing machine, including care label checks, proper settings, drying techniques, and troubleshooting for different pillow types.
By using a gentle cycle, warm or cold water, and a balanced load, you can safely wash many pillows in a washing machine. Start with reading the care label, choose a mild detergent, and run an extra rinse. This quick guide then walks you through exact steps, drying tips, and troubleshooting to keep pillows fresh without damage. Best Washing Machine shares practical, tested methods for homeowners and renters.
Why pillow care matters when washing pillows in a washing machine
Pillows accumulate sweat, oils, skin cells, and allergens that can affect sleep quality and trigger allergies. Regular cleaning helps refresh loft and extend pillow life. When you wash pillows in washing machine, you must balance weight and follow care instructions to avoid fabric fraying or clumping of fillings. According to Best Washing Machine, choosing the right cycle and detergent is essential. Different fillings respond differently: synthetic fill often tolerates machine washing well, while down and feather pillows may require gentler handling, spot-cleaning, or professional cleaning for best results. Memory foam or latex cores typically require non-machine approaches; check your label and consider hand-washing or dry-cleaning as recommended. By following these guidelines, you can maintain hygiene while preserving comfort and shape.
Pillow types and care labels
Pillow construction ranges from synthetic polyester fills to natural down, feather, memory foam, and latex cores. Each type has different care requirements and heat tolerances. Always examine the care label before washing. Synthetic pillows generally tolerate machine washing on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, while down and feather pillows benefit from gentler handling, balancers, and extra drying time. Memory foam and latex cores are usually not machine-washable; spot-cleaning the cover or outer fabric is preferred, and professional cleaning may be recommended for the inner fill. For any pillow you intend to machine wash, keep fillings evenly distributed and avoid overstuffed loads that can damage the drum or create loopy results.
Prep before washing
Before you start, strip the pillow of any removable covers and inspect for tears. Close zippers and fasteners to prevent snagging, and treat visible stains with a light pre-treat solution. Gather the items you will need: mild detergent, towels for balancing, and a drying space. It can be helpful to run a quick empty cycle to clear any residual debris from the drum. Finally, check that your machine is clean and free of mold or detergent residue, which can transfer to pillows during washing.
Choosing the right settings and detergent
Select a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or warm water, depending on the care label. Use a mild detergent in a small amount; stronger detergents or fabric softeners can leave residues and affect loft. If the pillow is heavily soiled, consider an extra rinse to ensure all detergent is removed. For heavily regulated allergies, choose fragrance-free detergent and run a second rinse to minimize irritants. If you are washing multiple pillows, balance the load with towels to prevent banging and unequal spinning.
Balancing the load and cycle choices
Balance is key when washing pillows. Place two pillows of similar size together with towels to fill the drum evenly; avoid stuffing the washer too full. Uneven loads cause excessive vibration and can shorten the machine’s life. In most cases, you can wash 2–4 standard pillows per cycle, depending on their size and your machine’s capacity. Rinse and spin cycles should be set to low to medium speed to protect fillings from agitation damage. If your machine has a built-in water heater, prefer cold or warm water rather than hot.
Drying pillows safely
Thorough drying is crucial to prevent mildew and odors. First, squeeze out as much water as possible without wringing. Tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls or clean tennis balls to prevent clumping of the filling; for down and feather pillows, a slower, gentler cycle helps restore loft. If your dryer lacks heat, air-dry pillows on a rack in a well-ventilated area. Periodically fluff the pillows to redistribute filling as they dry, which may take several hours. For memory foam, avoid machine drying altogether and air-dry only, with occasional flipping.
Troubleshooting common issues
If pillows come out damp or clumpy, run an extra rinse and consider an extended tumble on low heat to finish drying. Loud banging or unusual vibrations can indicate an unbalanced load or a creased seam. Pilling or fabric wear might be caused by over-drying or using too harsh a cycle—switch to a gentler setting and verify detergent amount. If odors persist after washing, rewash with a small amount of baking soda in the rinse cycle to neutralize smells. Always ensure pillows are completely dry before use to prevent mildew.
Alternatives and long-term pillow care
If you are unsure about machine washing a particular pillow type, consider spot-cleaning or hand washing for delicate fillings. For down or feather pillows, consider drying with a low-heat setting and periodic reshaping to maintain loft. Regularly fluff and air out pillows between washings to reduce sweat buildup. If possible, rotate pillow use among guests and bedding to distribute wear evenly. For renters, follow the care guidelines in your lease and maintain clean pillows to improve sleep quality.
Quick tips for best results
- Always start with a care label and test a small area if you are unsure.
- Use a gentle cycle, mild detergent, and an extra rinse for thorough cleaning.
- Balance the load with towels and avoid overfilling the drum.
- Dry thoroughly, using dryer balls for synthetic fills or air-drying for memory foam.
- Do not machine wash memory foam cores or latex pillows without manufacturer guidance.
Tools & Materials
- Mild detergent (free of dyes/fragrances)(Liquid detergent works well; use a small amount)
- Two or more towels to balance the load(Place towels with pillows to cushion and balance)
- Washing machine with gentle cycle(Set to delicate or gentle wash; avoid heavy cycles)
- Pillow cases or pillow protectors(Optional for extra protection and to catch loose fibers)
- Drying space or rack for air-drying(Room with good airflow; avoid direct heat)
- Mesh laundry bags (optional)(Use for loose pillow covers or smaller pillows)
Steps
Estimated time: 30-60 minutes
- 1
Check care labels and pre-treat
Read the pillow’s care label and inspect for tears or loose seams. Pre-treat stains with a gentle solution suitable for the fill; avoid aggressive scrubbing that can wear fabric.
Tip: If the label says do not machine wash, do not proceed. - 2
Pre-clean and remove covers
Remove any removable covers and fasteners. Close zippers to prevent snagging, and spot-clean visible stains before washing.
Tip: Cover zippers with tape to prevent snagging during the cycle. - 3
Load and balance
Place two pillows of similar size with towels to balance the drum. Avoid overfilling; balanced loads reduce vibration and wear.
Tip: If you only have one pillow, add a similarly sized towel or another pillow to balance. - 4
Add detergent and set cycle
Add a small amount of mild detergent and select a gentle cycle with cold or warm water per the care label. No fabric softeners.
Tip: Opt for fragrance-free detergent to minimize skin irritation. - 5
Rinse and repeat if needed
Run an extra rinse to ensure all detergent is flushed from the filling. For very soiled pillows, a second wash may be appropriate.
Tip: A second rinse reduces detergent buildup that can irritate allergies. - 6
Gentle water extraction
Gently press to remove excess water; do not twist or wring the pillow to prevent deformation of the fill.
Tip: Use a towel to blot and absorb moisture before drying. - 7
Dry thoroughly
Choose low heat or air-dry on a rack. Add dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help redistribute the fill as it dries.
Tip: Ensure the pillow is completely dry before use to prevent mildew.
FAQ
Can all pillow types be machine washed?
Most synthetic-filled pillows are machine washable on a gentle cycle, but memory foam and latex cores usually require spot-cleaning or air-drying. Always check the care label before washing.
Most pillows can be machine washed, but memory foam and latex cores often need special care or air-drying. Check the label first.
How often should you wash pillows?
Pillows should be washed every 3-6 months, or more often for allergy sufferers or in households with pets. Regular washing helps reduce allergens and odors.
Most pillows benefit from washing every few months, especially if you have allergies or pets.
What temperature should I use when washing pillows?
Use cold to warm water depending on the fill and label. Cold water helps protect fabrics; warm water can improve cleaning for synthetic fills.
Cold to warm water is usually best, following the pillow's care label.
How do I dry pillows without mold?
Dry on low heat or air-dry in a well-ventilated area until completely dry. Fluff regularly to redistribute filling and speed drying.
Dry thoroughly on low heat or air-dry in a ventilated area and fluff often.
Can I wash feather or down pillows in a machine?
Yes, but use a gentle cycle, extra rinse, and ensure thorough drying. Consider washing two pillows at a time to balance the load.
Feather and down pillows can be machine washed with care, but dry them completely.
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The Essentials
- Check care labels before washing pillows in washing machine.
- Balance the load to minimize vibration and wear.
- Choose a gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent.
- Dry completely to prevent mildew and odors.
