Can I Wash My Pillows in the Washing Machine

Yes, you can wash most pillows in the washing machine — but it depends on the filling type. Polyester, down-alternative, and some feather pillows handle machine washing well, while memory foam and latex pillows should never go in the washer. Always check the care label first, use a gentle cycle with warm water, and dry thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew.

Key Takeaways

• Check the care label first: The care tag on your pillow tells you whether it’s machine washable and what settings to use.
• Most synthetic pillows are safe: Polyester and down-alternative pillows handle machine washing very well.
• Memory foam and latex are not machine washable: These materials break down and lose their shape when submerged in water.
• Wash two pillows at a time: This keeps the washing machine balanced and ensures a more effective clean.
• Use a gentle cycle with warm water: Hot water can damage pillow fibers, while cold water may not clean effectively.
• Dry pillows completely: Damp pillows breed mold and mildew, so thorough drying is essential.
• Wash pillows every 3-6 months: Regular washing removes dust mites, sweat, dead skin cells, and allergens.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Can I wash all types of pillows in the washing machine?

No, not all pillow types are machine washable. Polyester, down-alternative, and feather pillows can generally be washed in the machine. However, memory foam and latex pillows should never be put in the washing machine because water breaks down their structure permanently.

How often should I wash my pillows?

You should wash your pillows every 3 to 6 months. If you have allergies, night sweats, or pets that sleep on your bed, consider washing them every 2 to 3 months for better hygiene.

What washing machine settings should I use for pillows?

Use a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water and a mild liquid detergent. Avoid hot water, bleach, and fabric softeners. Running an extra rinse cycle is also recommended to remove all soap residue from the pillow filling.

Can I dry my pillows in the dryer?

Yes, most pillows can be tumble dried on low heat. Add clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the filling and break up clumps. Make sure the pillows are completely dry before using them again to prevent mold and mildew.

What happens if I wash a memory foam pillow in the machine?

Washing a memory foam pillow in the machine will destroy it. The foam absorbs water, breaks down, crumbles, and loses its supportive structure. Memory foam pillows should only be spot cleaned and aired out.

Can I Wash My Pillows in the Washing Machine?

Let’s be honest — when was the last time you washed your pillow? If you’re drawing a blank, you’re not alone. Most people wash their pillowcases regularly but completely forget about the pillow itself. Over time, pillows accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites, oils, and allergens. That’s not exactly what you want your face pressed against for eight hours every night.

So, can you wash your pillows in the washing machine? The short answer is yes — for most pillow types. But there are important exceptions and best practices you need to follow. Washing your pillows the wrong way can ruin them, damage your washing machine, or leave you with a moldy mess. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about washing pillows in the washing machine, step by step.

Which Pillow Types Can You Wash in the Washing Machine?

Not all pillows are created equal, and not all of them belong in your washing machine. Before you toss that pillow in, you need to know what it’s made of. Here’s a breakdown of the most common pillow fillings and whether they’re machine washable.

Polyester Pillows — Yes, Absolutely

Polyester-filled pillows are the easiest to wash. They’re durable, affordable, and handle machine washing like champions. If you have standard bed pillows from a department store, there’s a good chance they’re polyester. These pillows come out of the washer looking and feeling almost as good as new.

Down-Alternative Pillows — Yes, With Care

Down-alternative pillows, which are typically filled with synthetic fibers designed to mimic real down, are generally machine washable. Use a gentle cycle and warm water to keep the filling intact. They may clump a bit after washing, but a good tumble dry with tennis balls will fluff them right back up.

Feather and Down Pillows — Yes, But Be Gentle

Real feather and down pillows can be washed in the machine, but they require extra care. Use a front-loading washing machine if possible, as the agitator in top-loaders can damage delicate feathers. Wash on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. For a complete walkthrough, check out our guide on how to wash feather pillows.

Memory Foam Pillows — No, Never

Memory foam and the washing machine do not mix. Submerging a memory foam pillow in water breaks down its structure, causes it to crumble, and ruins its supportive properties. If you have a memory foam pillow, spot clean it instead or use a pillow protector to keep it fresh between washes.

Latex Pillows — No, Avoid It

Similar to memory foam, latex pillows should not be machine washed. Water degrades the latex material and can cause it to disintegrate. Stick to spot cleaning and airing these pillows out in the sun occasionally.

How to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine: Step by Step

Now that you know your pillow type is safe for the machine, let’s go through the actual washing process. Following these steps will give you the best results and help your pillows last longer.

Step 1: Check the Care Label

This is the most important step. The care label on your pillow contains specific instructions from the manufacturer. It will tell you the recommended water temperature, cycle type, and whether the pillow is machine washable at all. If the label says “dry clean only,” respect that instruction.

Step 2: Pretreat Any Stains

If your pillow has visible stains — yellow sweat stains are the most common — pretreat them before washing. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water and gently dab it onto the stained area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. You can also use a paste of baking soda and water for stubborn yellowing. For more detailed methods, see our article on how to clean yellow pillows with baking soda.

Step 3: Load Two Pillows at a Time

Always wash at least two pillows together. This keeps the drum balanced during the spin cycle, which protects your washing machine and ensures a more thorough clean. If you only have one pillow to wash, throw in a couple of towels to balance the load.

Step 4: Use the Right Settings

Set your washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water. Hot water can damage pillow fibers and cause shrinkage, while cold water may not effectively remove oils and allergens. Use a mild, liquid detergent — avoid bleach and fabric softeners, as they can break down the pillow filling and leave residue.

Step 5: Run an Extra Rinse Cycle

Pillows absorb a lot of water and detergent. Running an extra rinse cycle ensures all soap is thoroughly washed out. Leftover detergent can cause skin irritation and make your pillow feel stiff or crusty after drying.

How to Dry Pillows After Washing

Washing is only half the battle. Drying your pillows properly is just as important — maybe more so. A damp pillow is a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause health problems and create an awful smell.

Tumble Dry on Low Heat

Place your pillows in the dryer on a low heat setting. High heat can damage synthetic fibers and cause feather pillows to lose their loft. Toss in two or three clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help break up clumps and restore fluffiness. The tennis balls bounce around inside the dryer and physically separate the filling.

Be Patient — Drying Takes Time

Pillows take significantly longer to dry than regular laundry. Expect 2-3 hours or more in the dryer, depending on the filling type and your machine. Check periodically to make sure the filling is dry all the way through. Even a small damp spot in the center can lead to mold growth. For more details on timing, read our guide on how long to dry pillows in the dryer.

Air Dry as an Alternative

If you don’t have a dryer or prefer not to use one, you can air dry your pillows. Lay them flat on a clean, dry surface in a well-ventilated area. Flip them every few hours to ensure even drying. Keep in mind that air drying can take 24-48 hours depending on humidity and airflow.

How Often Should You Wash Your Pillows?

Most sleep experts recommend washing your pillows every 3 to 6 months. However, certain factors might mean you need to wash them more frequently:

• Allergies or asthma: If you suffer from allergies, washing pillows every 2-3 months can significantly reduce dust mite exposure.
• Night sweats: Heavy sweaters should wash pillows more often to prevent buildup of moisture and bacteria.
• Pets in the bed: Pet dander accumulates quickly, so more frequent washing is a good idea.
• Illness: Wash your pillows after recovering from a cold, flu, or skin infection to eliminate lingering germs.

Using a pillow protector underneath your pillowcase is one of the best ways to extend the time between washes. These zippered covers create a barrier against sweat, oils, and allergens, keeping the pillow itself much cleaner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Pillows

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when washing pillows. Here are the most common ones to watch out for:

Using Too Much Detergent

More soap doesn’t mean a cleaner pillow. Excess detergent gets trapped in the filling and is nearly impossible to rinse out completely. Use about half the amount you would for a normal load of laundry.

Washing One Pillow Alone

A single pillow in the washing machine creates an unbalanced load. This causes excessive vibration, can damage your machine, and results in a poor wash. Always pair pillows together.

Skipping the Extra Rinse

As mentioned earlier, an extra rinse cycle is crucial. Pillows hold onto soap more than clothing does, and residual detergent leads to stiffness, odor, and potential skin irritation.

Putting Memory Foam in the Machine

We can’t stress this enough — never put memory foam or latex pillows in the washing machine. The water destroys the material’s structure permanently. Spot clean these pillows instead.

Not Drying Completely

Putting a slightly damp pillow back on your bed is one of the worst things you can do. Trapped moisture leads to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors. Always make sure your pillow is 100% dry before using it again.

When to Replace Your Pillows Instead of Washing Them

Washing can extend the life of your pillows, but it can’t work miracles forever. Here are signs it’s time to replace rather than wash:

• The pillow doesn’t bounce back: Fold your pillow in half and let go. If it stays folded instead of springing back, the filling is worn out.
• Persistent odor: If your pillow still smells bad after a thorough wash, bacteria and mold may have set in permanently.
• Lumps and flat spots: When the filling has permanently clumped or flattened and no amount of fluffing helps, it’s time for a new pillow.
• Age: Most pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years, regardless of how well you maintain them.
• Allergy symptoms: If your allergies worsen at night despite regular washing, your pillow may be harboring allergens that washing can’t remove.

If you’re in the market for a new pillow, our guide on how to choose the right pillow can help you find the perfect replacement based on your sleep style and preferences.

Conclusion

So, can you wash your pillows in the washing machine? Absolutely — as long as you know what type of pillow you have and follow the right steps. Polyester, down-alternative, and feather pillows all do well in the machine with a gentle cycle and warm water. Memory foam and latex pillows should never be submerged.

The key takeaways are simple: check the care label, wash two at a time, use mild detergent, run an extra rinse, and dry thoroughly. Wash your pillows every 3-6 months to keep them fresh, hygienic, and comfortable. And when your pillows have reached the end of their lifespan, don’t hesitate to replace them. Your sleep quality — and your health — will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my pillows in the washing machine if they don’t have a removable cover?

Yes, you can wash pillows without a removable cover. Just make sure to check the care label first and use a gentle cycle. Washing without a cover means the pillow filling is directly exposed to water, so be extra careful with the spin cycle to avoid damage.

Is it safe to wash feather pillows in a top-loading washing machine?

It’s safer to wash feather pillows in a front-loading machine without a central agitator. If you only have a top-loader, use a gentle cycle and place the pillow in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection. The agitator can be rough on delicate feathers.

Why do my pillows smell bad after washing?

Pillows may smell bad after washing if detergent wasn’t fully rinsed out or if they weren’t dried completely. Residual soap creates a musty odor, and trapped moisture breeds mold. Always run an extra rinse cycle and ensure the pillow is 100% dry before putting it back on your bed.

Can I use baking soda when washing my pillows?

Yes, adding half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle can help neutralize odors and boost cleaning power. It’s especially useful for pillows with yellow sweat stains. Baking soda is gentle on most pillow fillings and helps freshen them up naturally.

How do I know if my pillow is dry enough after washing?

Press firmly on the center of the pillow and feel for any coolness or dampness. You can also weigh it — a dry pillow will feel significantly lighter than a wet one. When in doubt, run the dryer for another cycle. It’s better to over-dry than to risk mold.

Should I wash new pillows before using them?

It’s a good idea to wash new pillows before first use. Manufacturing chemicals, dust from packaging, and residual odors can irritate sensitive skin and airways. A quick wash on a gentle cycle will freshen them up and make them more comfortable to sleep on.