You spend about 56 hours every week with your face pressed against your pillow, yet when was the last time you actually washed it? While most of us diligently wash our pillowcases weekly, the pillows themselves often go neglected, accumulating sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and dust mites that can trigger allergies and affect your sleep quality.
The good news? Most pillows can be safely washed in your washing machine with the right technique. Whether you're dealing with synthetic fill, down feathers, or wondering how to wash pillows in the washing machine without damaging them, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
In this article, you'll discover the proper washing frequency, step-by-step instructions for different pillow types, special tips for top-loading washers, and expert advice on maintaining fresh, clean pillows year-round.
Contents
Yes, you can wash pillows in washing machine! In fact, most standard bed pillows filled with synthetic materials, down, or feathers are perfectly safe for machine washing. This applies to polyester-filled pillows, cotton pillows, and most down alternative options that grace bedrooms across the country.
However, not all pillows are created equal when it comes to machine washing. Memory foam and solid latex pillows should never go in the washing machine as the agitation can break down their structure. These specialty pillows require hand washing or spot cleaning only.
Always check the care label first, but rest assured that the majority of traditional bed pillows can handle a gentle cycle in your washer when done correctly.
According to cleaning experts and organizations like the American Cleaning Institute, pillows should be washed at least twice a year, though many professionals recommend quarterly washing every 3-4 months for optimal hygiene.
Signs it's time to wash your pillows include:
Consider washing pillows more frequently if you sweat heavily at night, eat in bed, have pets that share your bed, or suffer from allergies. Guest room pillows that see less use can typically go longer between washes.
Follow these detailed steps to ensure your pillows come out fresh and maintain their shape:
Remove all pillowcases and pillow protectors. These should be washed separately with your regular bedding. Inspect pillows for any rips or tears - damaged pillows shouldn't go in the washer as filling may escape.
For visible stains, apply a small amount of laundry detergent or stain remover directly to the spot. Gently work it in with your fingers and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.
Always wash two pillows at once to keep the washer balanced. This prevents the machine from becoming lopsided during the spin cycle and ensures even cleaning. Position pillows on opposite sides of the drum.
Select the gentle or delicate cycle with warm water (unless the care label specifies otherwise). The gentle cycle protects the pillow's structure while still providing thorough cleaning. Avoid the bulky or heavy-duty cycle - these are too aggressive for pillows.
Use only 1-2 tablespoons of mild liquid detergent - about half what you'd use for a regular load. Too much detergent creates excess suds that are difficult to rinse out completely. Liquid detergent is preferred over powder as it dissolves better and leaves less residue.
Always select the extra rinse option if available. This ensures all detergent is thoroughly removed from the pillow's interior, preventing buildup that can make pillows feel stiff or attract dirt more quickly.
Washing pillows in a top-loading washer with an agitator requires special care to prevent damage and ensure proper cleaning.
For top-loading washers with agitators: Position pillows vertically around the agitator rather than laying them flat. This minimizes contact with the agitator and reduces the risk of the filling getting bunched up or the pillow cover tearing. Think of standing the pillows up like books on a shelf.
Balancing techniques for top loaders: Add 2-3 large bath towels between the pillows to prevent them from shifting to one side during the spin cycle. This helps maintain balance and prevents the washer from stopping mid-cycle due to an unbalanced load.
Special considerations: Run the agitator for only 1-2 minutes on the gentle cycle if possible. Some experts recommend using a laundromat's front-loading commercial washers for particularly valuable pillows, as these machines are gentler and have larger capacities.
Old or heavily soiled pillows need extra attention to restore freshness:
For pillows that haven't been washed in over a year or show significant discoloration:
If your pillow fails the "fold test" (fold it in half - if it doesn't spring back), has persistent odors after washing, or shows extreme yellowing that won't come clean, it's time for a replacement. Most pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years regardless of washing.
The optimal number is two standard-sized pillows per load. This creates perfect balance in the washer while allowing adequate water circulation for thorough cleaning.
Guidelines by pillow size:
Never overload your washer with more than 2-3 pillows, as this prevents proper cleaning and can damage both the pillows and your machine. For households with many pillows to wash, plan multiple loads rather than cramming them all in at once.
Different pillow materials require specific care to maintain their integrity and comfort:
Use cool to warm water on the gentle cycle with minimal detergent. These natural fills can clump if washed too aggressively. Add an extra spin cycle to remove excess water, as down retains moisture. Some luxury down pillows may require professional cleaning.
These are the easiest to wash and can handle warm water on a normal gentle cycle. They dry faster than natural fills and are less likely to clump. Use regular amounts of mild detergent and ensure thorough rinsing.
Never machine wash solid memory foam or latex pillows! Instead:
Empty the hulls into a large bowl and sun-dry them while washing only the outer shell according to its care instructions. Never wash the buckwheat filling itself.
Proper drying is crucial to prevent mildew and maintain pillow shape:
The key is patience - using high heat to speed drying can damage pillow materials and create hot spots that feel dry outside while remaining damp inside.
Protect your pillows and ensure effective cleaning by avoiding these common errors:
Extend the time between washes and keep pillows fresher with these expert strategies:
Skip the fabric softener when washing pillows. It can coat the fibers and reduce the pillow's ability to absorb moisture, making it less breathable. The coating can also attract more dirt over time.
For yellowed pillows, create a soaking solution with hot water, 1 cup of laundry detergent, 1 cup of powdered dishwasher detergent, 1 cup of bleach (for white pillows), and 1/2 cup of borax. Soak for 30 minutes before washing normally.
Musty smells indicate the pillows weren't dried completely. Rewash them and ensure thorough drying with good air circulation. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to eliminate odors.
No, solid foam pillows should never go in the washing machine. The agitation will tear the foam apart. Stick to spot cleaning and air drying for these pillow types.
Synthetic pillows typically dry in 1-2 hours on low heat. Down and feather pillows may take 2-4 hours with regular fluffing. Always check the center of the pillow for dampness before considering it fully dry.
While not mandatory, washing new pillows can remove manufacturing residues and odors. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, washing before first use is recommended.
Washing your pillows doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right technique, you can easily maintain fresh, hygienic pillows that contribute to better sleep and overall health. Remember to wash pillows every 3-6 months, always balance your load with two pillows, use minimal detergent, and ensure complete drying.
By following this comprehensive guide, you'll extend your pillows' lifespan while creating a cleaner, healthier sleep environment. Ready to transform your bedroom into a fresh sanctuary? Start by washing those pillows today, then explore our paint colors for bedrooms to complete your bedroom refresh.
Your journey to better sleep begins with clean pillows - make pillow washing a regular part of your home care routine and enjoy the benefits of truly fresh bedding night after night.