How to Wash Pillows (Most People Have Never Done This and Should)

You spend about 56 hours per week on your pillow. That’s a lot of time.

And here’s something gross to think about: your pillows are collecting dead skin cells, sweat, oil, and dust mites every single night. Over time, they actually get heavier from all that buildup. Yuck, right?

The good news? Learning how to wash pillows is easier than you think. I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to keep your pillows fresh and clean.

Let me be straight with you. Most people wash their pillowcases regularly, but forget about the actual pillow inside.

Big mistake.

Your pillows need washing at least twice a year. I know that sounds like a lot, but trust me on this one.

Here’s what’s happening while you sleep:

• Your body sheds dead skin cells constantly
• Sweat and oil soak into the pillow fill
• Dust mites move in and leave their droppings (gross, I know)
• Fungus can start growing in damp conditions

If you have allergies or asthma, this buildup makes things worse. Those dust mite droppings? They’re major allergen triggers.

How often should you wash different items?

• Pillowcases: At least weekly (more if you’re sick or sweaty)
• Pillows: 1-2 times per year
• Protective covers: Once a month
• Throw pillows: Every 3-6 months

And here’s a reality check: you should replace your pillows every 1-2 years. Even with the best care, they won’t last forever.

Before you toss anything in the washing machine, stop.

Check that care tag on your pillow. It’s there for a reason.

You’ll see symbols that tell you exactly what to do:

• Machine-washable: You’re good to go
• Hand wash only: No machine for this one
• Spot clean only: Don’t submerge it in water
• Dry clean only: Take it to the professionals

The numbers inside those symbols? That’s the recommended washing temperature. A number outside or at the bottom tells you the wash cycle (2 = normal, 6 = gentle).

Don’t skip this step. I’ve seen too many people ruin perfectly good pillows by ignoring the care instructions.

Different pillow materials need different washing methods. Let’s break it down.

Down and feather pillows are the high-maintenance friends of the pillow world. But they’re worth the extra effort.

Here’s how to wash them:

1. Use cold or warm water (never hot—it damages the feathers)
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent (about 1 tablespoon)
3. Set your machine to the delicate cycle
4. Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap residue
5. Add an extra spin cycle to remove excess water

Important notes:

• Skip the fabric softener completely (it coats the down and makes it clumpy)
• Don’t use bleach
• Wash 2-3 pillows at once for a balanced load

The key with down pillows? Less detergent is more. Too much soap creates clumps that are impossible to rinse out.

Hold up. Before you wash that memory foam pillow, you need to know something important.

Solid memory foam should NEVER go in the washing machine.

Water breaks down the foam structure. It’ll crack, degrade, or break into pieces. And putting it in the dryer? That’s actually a fire hazard.

For solid memory foam:

• Spot clean only
• Use a damp cloth with mild detergent
• Air dry completely away from direct heat and sunlight

For shredded memory foam (if the manufacturer says it’s okay):

1. Fill your sink or bathtub with lukewarm water
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent
3. Squeeze the water in and out of the pillow gently
4. Rinse multiple times until the water runs clear
5. Air dry in direct sunlight

These are the easiest pillows to wash. They’re basically the low-maintenance friends you love.

Washing instructions:

1. Use warm water
2. Add regular detergent (small amount)
3. Set to gentle cycle
4. Wash 2-3 at a time for balance

That’s it. Simple, right?

These need hand washing only. The agitating action of a washing machine breaks the foam into pieces.

Use cool water and gentle detergent. Be patient and squeeze the water through carefully.

Wool is delicate. Treat it with care.

Hand wash only with:

• Cool water
• Gentle detergent
• No oxygen-based bleach (it makes wool deteriorate)

Ready to actually wash those pillows? Here’s your complete guide.

Before you start:

1. Remove all pillow covers and cases. Wash these separately.
2. Check for tears or holes. Fix them before washing or you’ll have a mess.
3. Treat stains first. More on this in a minute.

The washing process:

1. Load your machine
   • Put in 2-3 pillows for balance
   • Add a few white bath towels if needed
   • Use the highest water level setting
2. Add detergent
   • Use less than you think you need
   • Mild, chemical-free detergent works best
   • For down pillows, use detergent made for feathers
3. Select your settings
   • Gentle or delicate cycle
   • Warm water for most pillows
   • Cold water for down and feathers
4. Extra rinse cycle
   • This removes all soap residue
   • Leftover soap makes pillows stiff and clumpy
5. Extra spin cycle
   • Gets out as much water as possible
   • Makes drying faster

Pro tip: Front-loading washers or top-loaders without a center agitator work best. Pillows have more room to move around and get clean.

Got yellow stains or funky smells? I’ve got you covered.

Pre-treat before washing:

1. Mix a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
2. Apply to the stain
3. Work it in with a soft-bristled brush
4. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes
5. Wash as normal

For stubborn yellow stains:

• Add 1 cup hydrogen peroxide and ½ cup vinegar to the drum
• Set to soak cycle
• Then wash normally

The baking soda method:

1. Sprinkle baking soda generously on one side
2. Let it sit for at least 1 hour (longer is better)
3. Vacuum using the upholstery brush attachment
4. Flip and repeat on the other side

This pulls out odors and freshens things up without washing.

Here’s the truth: drying is just as important as washing. Maybe more important.

A pillow that’s not completely dry will grow mildew. And that’s worse than the original problem.

Settings:

• Low or medium heat
• Low-tumble setting
• Longest time setting

The process:

1. Put pillows in the dryer
2. Add 2-3 clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls (they break up clumps)
3. Stop every 15-20 minutes
4. Take pillows out and fluff them by hand
5. Redistribute the filling
6. Put them back in

How long does it take? It varies by dryer model. But plan on several hours. Yes, really.

The outside might feel dry, but the inside filling takes much longer. Don’t rush this.

For down pillows: Use the no-heat or air-fluff cycle if you have it. It takes longer, but it’s safer for the feathers.

For solid memory foam:

• Place flat on a ventilated surface
• Keep away from direct heat and sunlight
• Put near a fan to speed things up
• Could take a full day

For shredded memory foam:

• Air dry in direct sunlight
• Fluff occasionally
• Make sure it’s completely dry before using

Those tennis balls or wool dryer balls aren’t optional. They’re essential.

They bounce around and break up clumps as the pillow dries. Without them, you’ll end up with lumpy, uncomfortable pillows.

Just make sure the tennis balls are clean. You don’t want to transfer dirt or dye to your fresh pillows.

Washing is important. But daily maintenance makes your pillows last longer between washes.

Daily habits:

• Fluff and reshape pillows when you make your bed
• This redistributes the filling and prevents permanent flat spots

Weekly tasks:

• Change pillowcases at least once a week
• More often if you’re sick or sweating a lot
• Never sleep on pillows with wet hair (causes mildew)

Monthly care:

• Wash protective covers
• Hang pillows outside on a bright, breezy day
• Or run them through the dryer on air-fluff/no-heat for 20 minutes

Seasonal maintenance:

• Vacuum memory foam pillows and your mattress
• Check for signs of wear
• Treat any new stains right away

Use protective covers: This is the best thing you can do. A good pillow protector keeps out dust, dust mites, and moisture. Anti-allergy covers work even better if you have sensitivities.

Even with perfect care, pillows don’t last forever.

The fold test:

1. Fold your pillow in half
2. Let go
3. Does it spring back to its original shape?

If it stays folded, it’s time for a new pillow. The support structure is gone.

Other signs you need new pillows:

• They don’t fluff up after kneading or massaging
• You wake up with neck or shoulder pain
• They’re lumpy and uncomfortable
• They smell musty even after washing

General timeline:

• Most pillows: Replace every 1-2 years
• High-quality pillows with great care: Up to 5 years
• Down pillows: Can last longer with proper washing

Remember, you’re spending 56 hours a week on these things. Don’t cheap out on your sleep quality.

Let me save you from some painful lessons I’ve learned.

Don’t:

• Use too much detergent (causes residue and clumps)
• Wash just one pillow (unbalances the machine)
• Skip the extra rinse cycle
• Use fabric softener on down pillows
• Put memory foam in the dryer (fire hazard!)
• Use hot water on down or feathers
• Rush the drying process
• Ignore the care tag

Do:

• Check the care label first
• Wash 2-3 pillows at once
• Use mild detergent sparingly
• Dry completely before using
• Fluff regularly between washes
• Use pillow protectors

Learning how to wash pillows isn’t complicated. But it does require attention to detail.

The right method depends on your pillow type. Memory foam needs different care than down. Polyester is more forgiving than wool.

But the basics are the same:

• Wash at least twice a year
• Use gentle settings and mild detergent
• Dry completely to prevent mildew
• Maintain daily for longer life

Your pillows support your head and neck every single night. They deserve a little TLC.

Start with checking those care tags. Then pick a day to wash your pillows. Your allergies (and your sleep quality) will thank you.

And remember: if your pillows fail the fold test, no amount of washing will bring them back. Sometimes you just need to start fresh.

Sweet dreams start with clean pillows. Now you know exactly how to keep yours in great shape.