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Pillows absorb sweat, oils, drool, dust, and allergens every night. Over time they can smell, turn yellow, or feel flat and lumpy. The good news is that many pillows can be cleaned in your washing machine, and when done right, they come out fresh and fluffy again. This guide walks you through which pillows are machine-washable, the safest way to wash and dry them, and how to deal with special materials like memory foam and buckwheat. The steps are simple and beginner-friendly, so you can feel confident cleaning your pillows at home.
Quick Answer: Which Pillows Can Go in the Washer?
Most synthetic fiberfill pillows (polyester and microfiber) and many down or feather pillows are machine-washable. Check the care label, but in general these two types do well in a gentle cycle with mild detergent and careful drying. Solid memory foam pillows and latex pillows should not go in the washing machine. They can tear or crumble. The covers can be washed, but the foam itself should be spot cleaned and air dried. Buckwheat pillows should never be machine-washed because the hulls absorb water and can mold. Empty the hulls first, wash the fabric shell, and refresh the hulls in the sun. Cooling gel inserts and specialty cores usually require spot cleaning only. Always remove inserts and wash the outer cover separately if the label allows it.
Read the Care Label First
The care label tells you how your pillow is built and what it can handle. Look for phrases like “machine wash cold, gentle cycle,” “tumble dry low,” or “spot clean only.” Symbols matter too. A crossed-out wash tub icon means no machine washing. If your label says “surface clean only” or “dry clean only,” do not put the pillow in the washer. Also check the seams and fabric. If you see ripped stitching, loose feathers, or a burst seam, mend it before washing. Weak seams can rip in the wash and spill the filling.
What You Need Before Washing
You will need a mild liquid laundry detergent that rinses clean, a stain remover or enzyme cleaner for sweat and body oils, and oxygen-based bleach if you want to brighten whites safely. If you have a mesh laundry bag for small throw pillows, that is helpful. For drying, have clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to help restore fluff. A large-capacity front-load washer is ideal, but you can use a top-loader if you balance the load well and choose a gentle cycle. If your home washer is small, using a laundromat’s large front-loader can help protect your pillow’s shape.
Pre-Treat Stains and Odors
Sweat and yellowing
Yellowing comes from sweat and skin oils. Apply an enzyme-based stain remover to the stained areas and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before washing. For white pillows that are safe to bleach, choose an oxygen bleach rather than chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach can weaken down feathers and may damage some synthetic fibers. Oxygen bleach helps lift body oils without harsh damage.
Blood or protein stains
Use cold water and an enzyme cleaner on blood or other protein stains. Hot water can set these stains. Dab, do not rub, and let the cleaner work before you wash. If the stain remains after washing, treat again and rewash rather than drying, because heat can set a stain permanently.
Musty or smoky odors
To fight odors, you can add a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse compartment of the washer if your care label allows it. Vinegar helps neutralize smells and breaks down residues. For down pillows, use vinegar sparingly and always choose an extra rinse to remove any scent and residue.
Universal Washing Steps for Machine-Safe Pillows
Start by removing any decorative covers, protectors, or zippered cases. Wash these separately according to their labels. Close zippers and mend any small tears in the pillow shell so filling does not escape. Load two pillows at a time if your washer allows, because this balances the drum and reduces strain on the fabric. If you have only one pillow, balance it with towels of similar weight. Choose a gentle or delicate cycle to reduce agitation. Use warm water for most synthetic pillows and cool to warm water for down and feather unless the label says hot is safe. Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Too much soap can be hard to rinse out of thick filling.
Start the cycle and then choose an extra rinse to remove all detergent. Leftover soap can clump filling and irritate skin. If your washer allows, use a medium to high spin to remove as much water as possible without deforming the pillow. A thorough spin cuts dryer time and helps prevent musty smells.
Water Temperature, Cycle, and Detergent Tips
Warm water is a good general choice for polyester pillows because it cleans oils better than cold without harsh heat. Cool water protects down and lowers the risk of shrinking shell fabrics. Hot water is useful for killing dust mites, but many pillows cannot handle hot cycles. If you need extra sanitizing, use dryer heat after washing instead. Use a gentle cycle with reduced agitation to protect seams and filling. Choose a mild liquid detergent. Powder can leave residue in thick filling. Avoid fabric softener because it can coat fibers and reduce fluff, and it is not helpful for down.
How to Wash Down and Feather Pillows
Down and feather pillows can be machine-washed when their shells and stitching are intact and the label permits. Use a front-load washer if possible. Load two pillows to balance the drum. Select a gentle cycle with cool or warm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent, and skip fabric softener. Use an extra rinse to remove soap. After washing, select a high spin to remove water, but do not use a spin so high that the pillow stretches out of shape. Down takes longer to dry, so the more water you remove now, the better. If feathers escape during the wash, stop and move the pillow to a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase for the next rinse and spin. This helps contain stray feathers.
How to Wash Polyester and Microfiber Pillows
Polyester pillows are the easiest to wash. They handle warm water, and they are less delicate than down. Use a gentle cycle, warm water, and a small dose of mild detergent. Choose an extra rinse. For very oily or yellow areas, pre-treat before washing or add oxygen bleach if the label allows. Spin well to reduce dry time. Polyester can trap detergent easily, so if the pillow still feels slick or soapy after one rinse, run an extra rinse cycle. Proper rinsing prevents clumps and keeps the pillow soft.
What About Memory Foam and Latex Pillows?
Do not put solid memory foam or latex pillows in the washing machine. Agitation and spinning can tear or crumble the foam, and soaking can trap water deep inside, causing mildew. Instead, remove and wash the outer cover. For the foam, vacuum both sides with a clean upholstery tool to remove dust. Spot clean stains with a small amount of mild detergent mixed with water. Dab the stain gently, then wipe with a damp cloth to remove residue. Do not saturate the foam. Dry the pillow flat in a well-ventilated area. Aim a fan at it and allow several hours before using. Never wring foam or put it in a dryer, because heat can warp it and friction can break it apart.
Buckwheat, Microbead, and Specialty Cooling Pillows
Buckwheat pillows contain natural hulls that must stay dry. Unzip the cover and pour the hulls into a clean bin or bag. Wash the empty fabric shell according to its label, then fully air dry it. Refresh the hulls by spreading them on a clean sheet in the sun for a few hours. The sun helps remove odor and moisture. Never wash or soak the hulls. Microbead pillows vary. Many require hand washing or a delicate cold cycle in a mesh bag, followed by air drying. Check the label closely. Cooling gel pillows and pillows with water or gel inserts generally cannot be machine-washed. Remove the insert and wash only the cover, then wipe the insert with a damp cloth and mild soap if allowed. Dry the insert with a towel and let it air dry fully before reassembling.
Drying Pillows the Right Way
Down and feather
Dry down and feather pillows on low to medium heat. Add two or three clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to break up clumps and restore loft. Expect a long dry time. Pause the dryer every 20 to 30 minutes to break up clumps by hand and feel for damp spots. Down can feel dry on the surface while moisture hides deep inside, so continue until the pillow feels light and evenly dry. If you smell a faint wet-feather odor, it usually fades as the pillow dries completely. Never store a down pillow while even slightly damp, or it can develop mildew.
Polyester
Dry polyester pillows on low to medium heat with dryer balls to help fluff. Polyester dries faster than down, but check often to avoid overheating. High heat can cause clumping or a melted feel. Stop the cycle a few times to massage the filling and redistribute it. When the pillow feels dry, let it cool completely and check for hidden moisture. If it cools and still feels damp or heavy, add more dry time on low heat.
Foam and latex
Air dry foam and latex pillows only. Place them flat on a drying rack or a clean towel, then flip them every hour or two. Speed drying with a fan. Do not put foam in direct hot sun for long, since intense heat can degrade some foams. Make sure the pillow is completely dry before putting on the cover.
Air-drying tips
If you prefer to air dry down or polyester pillows, choose a warm, breezy day. Place pillows on a rack so air reaches both sides. Shake and rotate often. Air drying takes longer than machine drying, but it is very gentle and reduces the risk of heat damage. Sunshine also helps with odor, but avoid long exposure if the fabric is colored and may fade.
How to tell it is fully dry
A fully dry pillow feels light and fluffy, not cool or heavy. Press the center with your palm. If it feels cool or if you sense dense spots, there is still moisture inside. Smell the pillow. Any lingering damp smell means you need more drying time. When in doubt, give it another 20 to 30 minutes on low heat or more time in fresh air with a fan.
Front-Load vs Top-Load Washers
Front-load washers are gentler on pillows because they do not have a central agitator. If you have a top-loader with an agitator, choose a gentle cycle and keep the load balanced. Place two pillows vertically around the agitator and add a couple of towels to even the weight. If your washer is small or the pillows are king size, it may be safer to use a large front-loader at a laundromat to prevent stress on seams and filling.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
Wash pillowcases weekly and use a zippered pillow protector under the case. Wash the protector every one to two months. Wash the pillow itself every three to six months. If you sweat heavily, have allergies, or are recovering from illness, wash every two to three months. For foam or latex pillows, wash covers and protectors on the same schedule, and vacuum and spot clean the core as needed. Replace pillows every one to three years for polyester and every two to five years for down, depending on quality and care. If a pillow stays flat after washing and drying, or if it fails to spring back when folded in half, it is time to replace it.
Extra Sanitizing for Allergies and Dust Mites
Very hot water can kill dust mites, but many pillows cannot handle hot wash cycles. Instead, use dryer heat where allowed. After washing, dry on medium to high heat for at least 15 to 20 minutes for synthetic pillows if the label allows. For down pillows, use low to medium heat for longer overall time. You can also freeze removable covers overnight in a sealed bag before washing to reduce mites, though washing and drying are usually enough. The best long-term solution is a high-quality pillow protector that is tightly woven and zippered. It blocks mites, reduces sweat transfer, and cuts down on how often you need to wash the pillow itself.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not overload the washer. Pillows need space to move so water and detergent can reach the filling. Avoid using too much detergent because it can be hard to rinse out and can cause clumps. Do not skip the extra rinse. Avoid high heat on foam or delicate shells. Do not wash memory foam or latex in a machine. Do not use chlorine bleach on down or feather pillows. It can weaken natural fibers and cause a harsh smell. Never store a pillow damp or seal it in a bag before it cools and dries completely. Moisture trapped inside leads to mildew and odors.
Fixing Lumps, Clumps, and Flatness
Clumps often come from trapped moisture or detergent. Run an extra rinse and spin to clear residue if you notice soapy feel or clumps. Dry with dryer balls on low to medium heat, pausing to break up clumps by hand. For down pillows, snap the pillow by the corners to help redistribute feathers. For polyester pillows, knead and massage lumps to spread filling evenly. If the pillow remains flat after washing and drying, it may have reached the end of its life. High-quality down often rebounds better than very cheap fiberfill. Protectors, regular washing, and careful drying extend the life of any pillow, but even the best pillow will eventually lose loft.
Storage and Daily Habits That Keep Pillows Cleaner
Use pillow protectors under your pillowcases. They block oils and dust and are easy to wash. Let your pillow air out each morning by pulling back the duvet or blanket for a few minutes. Avoid going to bed with wet hair or heavy hair products because moisture and oils transfer to your pillow. If you use skincare that can stain, allow it to absorb before lying down. Air pillows in sunlight occasionally to freshen them, but limit long exposure for colored fabrics. Vacuum fabric pillows gently if dust is a concern, especially for foam or latex that cannot be washed.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
If feathers keep poking out, inspect for seam gaps or worn fabric. Consider adding a tightly woven protector or mending seams. If a sour smell remains after washing, run another warm wash with an extra rinse and dry longer with better airflow. If your pillow turned yellow after washing, that often means old oils were not fully removed. Treat with an enzyme cleaner and oxygen bleach if safe, then wash again. If your washer is too small, try a laundromat machine with more room. If your pillow distorted, reshape it during drying and avoid aggressive spin speeds next time. If memory foam feels crumbly after spot cleaning, it may be breaking down due to age and should be replaced.
Special Cases: Throw Pillows, Travel Pillows, and Pregnancy Pillows
Throw pillows with removable covers are easy. Wash the cover according to the label, then spot clean or wash the insert only if the insert label allows. Many inserts are polyester and can be washed gently. Decorative trims, beads, or embroidery can be delicate, so hand wash covers when in doubt. Travel pillows vary widely. Inflatable ones need only a wipe-down and a washed cover. Microbead travel pillows may allow cold, gentle washing in a mesh bag with air drying. Pregnancy and wedge pillows often have removable covers. Wash the cover and check the insert label. Foam wedges should be vacuumed and spot cleaned, not machine washed.
A Simple Step-by-Step Example
Imagine you have two standard polyester pillows with yellowing from sweat. First, check the labels and confirm they are machine washable. Pre-treat the yellow areas with an enzyme cleaner and let it sit. Load both pillows in a front-load washer. Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Choose warm water and a gentle cycle. Select an extra rinse and a high spin to remove water. Move the pillows to the dryer with two wool dryer balls. Dry on medium heat, pausing every 20 minutes to fluff and redistribute filling. When they feel dry, let them cool and check for hidden dampness. If they are cool and light, put on clean protectors and pillowcases. They will feel fresher, smell clean, and look brighter.
When to Choose Professional Cleaning
If your pillow is very expensive, heirloom quality, or made from delicate materials you cannot identify, consider professional cleaning. Also consider a pro if the pillow has deep stains you cannot remove at home or if there is a strong musty odor that suggests mildew inside. In some cases, replacing the pillow is more cost-effective than deep restoration, especially if the filling is degraded.
Environment and Energy Tips
Wash pillows only as needed and rely on pillow protectors to space out full washes. Use cooler water for down when possible, and dry on the lowest effective heat. Cleaning two pillows at once saves energy because they share a single cycle. Air drying with a fan is energy efficient and also gentle on fabrics. If you live in a dry climate, outdoor air drying can be fast and effective.
Conclusion
Yes, you can wash many pillows in the washing machine, and doing it right keeps them comfortable, clean, and long-lasting. Always start with the care label. Pre-treat stains, use a gentle cycle with mild detergent, and choose the right water temperature for your pillow type. Rinse well, spin thoroughly, and dry carefully with enough time and airflow to remove hidden moisture. For foam, latex, buckwheat, and cooling inserts, wash covers and spot clean or air dry the cores instead. With the right steps and a bit of patience, your pillows will come out fresh, fluffy, and ready for better sleep.