How to Wash Pillows

It’s easy to overlook the importance of washing your pillows. Pillowcases may keep pillows clean for a while, but over time, a pillow needs a deep clean. The longer you wait before cleaning your pillows, the more dust, dirt, sweat, and bacteria work their way in. This can aggravate allergies and give dust mites a cozy home. Follow these tips to clean just about any pillow, and then dry it all the way through so it stays fresh.

Best Way to Clean a Pillow

Start by checking the care tag. It tells you what the pillow is filled with and whether it can go in the washer and dryer. As a general rule, most down, feather, and polyester (fiberfill) pillows are machine washable, while memory foam and latex pillows are not. Aim to wash washable pillows every three to six months, and wash pillowcases weekly.

Can You Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine?

Yes, you can wash most pillows in the washing machine! However, we always recommend following the laundering instructions on the tag. Most pillows can be washed in warm or hot water on the gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent. Spot-treat any stains with a pre-treatment beforehand, then put the pillow in the machine. After the first cycle, run an extra rinse cycle to remove any remaining soap, since leftover detergent can leave filling stiff or clumpy.

A front-loading washer, or a top-loader without a center agitator, is gentlest on pillows. If your machine has an agitator, place the pillows vertically so they don’t wrap around it.

Can You Put Pillows in the Dryer?

Yes, you can put most pillows in the dryer on low heat. But again, we always recommend following the laundering instructions on the tag. If the tag says it’s safe, toss a few clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls in with the pillow to help fluff it and loosen any clumped-up stuffing. If the pillow isn’t dryer-safe, wrap the wet pillow in a dry towel and give it a big hug to squeeze out excess moisture. Then place it in a sunny, well-ventilated spot inside your home to dry.

Pro pillow-washing tip: Wash two pillows at once to keep the machine balanced.

How to Wash Foam Pillows

If you have foam pillows (memory foam, shredded foam, or latex), you must clean them with a different approach, as they should not be soaked or machine washed. Water can break down foam and is very hard to get back out.

• Remove the cover and wash it according to its own care tag.
• Use a damp cloth with a drop of mild detergent to spot-clean any stains. Blot rather than scrub.
• Use your vacuum with an upholstery brush to remove loose debris and dust.
• To freshen odors, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda, let it sit for an hour or two, and vacuum it off.
• Take the pillow outside and gently pat it to dislodge skin cells and dust, then let it air out in the shade.

How to Hand-Wash Your Pillows

If your pillows aren’t machine safe but also aren’t made of foam, wash them in a large utility sink or your bathtub. Fill it with warm water and add a few drops of your favorite clothing detergent. Only use a very small amount so you don’t leave residue behind. Submerge the pillow and allow it to soak for 10 minutes.

Next, knead the pillow fibers and fabric to mimic the action the pillow would get in the washing machine. Do this for about 10 minutes. Drain the tub or sink and run warm water over the pillow to rinse it. Saturate the pillow and press it firmly to remove soap residue. Repeat the rinsing process until there’s no sign of detergent. Then dry the pillow in a towel as explained above, followed by the drying steps below.

How to Dry a Wet Pillow Thoroughly

Drying is the step most people rush, and it matters more than the wash. A pillow that feels dry on the outside can still be damp in the center, and trapped moisture leads to musty smells, mildew, and clumped filling. Whether you just washed it or something spilled on it, here is how to dry a wet pillow all the way through.

1. Press out the water first. Squeeze (don’t wring or twist) the pillow, then roll it in a thick, dry towel and press. Repeat with a second towel if needed.
2. Use low heat and patience. High heat can scorch fabric, melt synthetic fibers, and damage down. Low heat over a longer time is safer.
3. Fluff and flip often. Every 20 to 30 minutes, take the pillow out, break up clumps with your hands, and turn it over.
4. Do the squeeze and sniff test. Squeeze the center of the pillow firmly. If it feels cool, heavy, or smells damp, it needs more time.
5. Finish with air drying. Even after the dryer, leave the pillow uncovered in a warm, airy spot for a few hours before putting the case back on.

Drying Down and Feather Pillows

Down takes the longest to dry, often two to three hours or more on low or no heat. Use dryer balls or tennis balls, and stop to pull apart clumps by hand. Down that stays damp can develop a strong odor, so keep going until the filling feels light and lofty again with no clumps in the center.

Drying Polyester and Fiberfill Pillows

Polyester pillows usually dry in one to two hours on low heat. Avoid high heat, which can flatten or melt synthetic fibers. Fluff them well between cycles so the filling dries evenly rather than settling into lumps.

Drying Memory Foam Pillows

Never put memory foam in the dryer. If a foam pillow gets wet, press out as much water as you can with towels, then let it air dry flat on a rack or clean towel in a well-ventilated room, turning it every few hours. A fan helps speed things along. Keep it out of direct, hot sunlight, which can make foam brittle over time. Full drying can take a day or more, so be patient.

Drying Latex Pillows

Latex should also stay out of the dryer and out of direct sun, since heat and UV light break latex down. Blot it with towels, then air dry it in the shade or indoors with good airflow, flipping it occasionally until it is completely dry.

When to Replace a Pillow

Washing extends a pillow’s life, but it doesn’t last forever. Try the fold test: fold the pillow in half. If it doesn’t spring back, or if it is lumpy, stained, or smells musty even after washing and drying, it’s time for a new one. A zippered pillow protector under the pillowcase helps keep new pillows cleaner for longer.

A Fresher Bedroom Without the Extra Chores

Clean pillows are one part of a healthier, more comfortable bedroom. If you’d like help keeping the rest of your home dusted, vacuumed, and fresh, our bonded and insured housekeepers follow a written checklist every visit through our regular recurring cleaning service. Request a free written estimate whenever you’re ready.