Most pillows—including down, down alternative, and polyester fiberfill—can be safely washed in the washing machine. Knowing how to wash a pillow in the washing machine properly involves using a gentle cycle with warm water and a small amount of liquid detergent. Always wash two pillows at once to keep the machine balanced, and dry on low heat with two clean tennis balls or dryer balls to restore fluffiness.
Pillows should be washed every 3-6 months. They absorb sweat, dead skin cells, and allergens over time – even with a pillowcase. Regular washing extends their life and keeps your sleep environment clean.
Step-by-Step: Washing Machine Method
Step 1 – Check the care label: Most pillows are machine washable. Memory foam and latex pillows are NOT – they must be spot cleaned or hand washed only.
Step 2 – Remove the pillowcase and protector: Wash these separately.
Step 3 – Load the washer: Put two pillows in at once to balance the drum. A single pillow throws the machine off balance and can cause damage.
Step 4 – Use a small amount of detergent: About half the amount you’d use for a normal load. Too much soap leaves residue that attracts dirt and can be hard to rinse out.
Step 5 – Select the right cycle: Warm water, gentle or delicate cycle. Add an extra rinse cycle if possible to remove all detergent.
Step 6 – Dry thoroughly: This is the most important step. Pillows must be completely dry to prevent mold and mildew inside. Use low heat and add two dryer balls or clean tennis balls to break up clumps and refluff the filling. This can take 2-3 dryer cycles.
Washing Instructions by Pillow Type
| Pillow Type | Machine Washable? | Water Temp | Notes |
| Polyester fiberfill | Yes | Warm | Wash 2 at a time, gentle cycle |
| Down / feather | Yes | Warm | Use down-safe detergent, extra rinse |
| Down alternative | Yes | Warm | Handle gently, don’t wring |
| Memory foam | No | N/A | Spot clean only, never soak |
| Latex | No | N/A | Hand wash surface only, air dry |
| Buckwheat | No | N/A |
Drying Tips – Don’t Skip This Step
- Use low heat – high heat can damage filling and fabric
- Add 2 tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps of filling
- Run 2-3 full drying cycles and check the center of the pillow for dampness after each
- If still damp, hang outdoors in the sun to finish drying – sunlight also kills bacteria
- Never store or put on the bed a pillow that isn’t completely dry
How to Tell If Your Pillow Needs Replacing
Even with regular washing, pillows don’t last forever. Time to replace if:
- You fold it in half and it doesn’t spring back to shape
- It’s lumpy or flat in the center
- It has yellowing that won’t wash out
- You wake up with neck pain more often than before
Final Thoughts
Washing your pillows in the washing machine is straightforward – the main rules are to always wash two at a time, use less detergent than you think you need, and dry completely on low heat with dryer balls. Check the care label first if you’re unsure of the fill type, and never put memory foam or latex in the machine.
