How to Safely Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine—and Keep Them Fresh and Fluffy

If you're vigilant about regularly laundering your bedding—except your pillows—you're certainly not alone. The problem is, even when covered, unwashed pillows can harbor dead skin cells, sweat, and oils. This can turn your sleeping sanctuary into a breeding ground for bacteria, dust, and fungi. Yuck.

Fortunately, it's easier than you think to wash pillows, as many can be machine-cleaned. For step-by-step guidance, we went to textile and laundry experts. Ahead, how to wash pillows in your washing machine—plus, which types should only be cleaned by hand.

Safety Considerations for Machine-Washing Pillows

“Most pillows are machine-washable,” shares bedding and textile expert Barbara Stern. “However, the type and care indicated on the label matter."

Read care labels thoroughly before proceeding with cleaning, and pay careful attention to the pillow's material breakdown. In fact, the manner in which you wash—and whether or not it's safe to machine-wash—your pillow rests entirely on its construction materials. “The biggest thing is understanding the filling,” says Ashley Matuska Kidder, founder at Mountains of Laundry, “because that determines whether it’s safe and how gentle you need to be.” 

Once it's determined that you can safely machine-wash your pillows, there are a few guiding principles to adhere to. “I always recommend washing two pillows at a time to keep the machine balanced because this will prevent them from getting misshapen,” says Stern. This especially applies to a top-loading machine. For front-loaders, add a few towels to keep the drum stable.

“For all pillow types, avoid overloading the washer,” adds Christina Heiser, content director at Saatva. “Keeping the machine balanced with an extra pillow or towels ensures a thorough, safe clean.” 

How to Machine-Wash Down and Feather Pillows

“These actually wash beautifully,” says Matuska Kidder. “People are always surprised, but down responds really well to water—as long as you dry it fully.”

Washing Instructions:

• Setting: Gentle or delicate
• Water temperature: Warm
• Recommended cleanser: Mild detergent; no fabric softener
• Special considerations: Perform two rinse cycles. "Leftover soap can cause down clusters to clump,” notes Heiser.
  

Drying Instructions:

• Setting: Low heat or air-dry setting
• Special considerations: Throw in 2-3 clean tennis balls or dryer balls to break up any clumps and keep the filling evenly distributed. Ensure your pillow is completely dry, as down can hide mildew-causing moisture deep inside its fill.

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How to Machine-Wash Synthetic Pillows

According to Matuska Kidder, synthetic and polyfill pillows are probably the easiest to machine-wash. “They hold up well, and you don’t have to baby them as much as down,” she says. Synthetic pillows are also more resilient to heat and agitation, adds Stern.

Washing Instructions:

• Cycle: Normal
• Water temperature: Warm
• Recommended cleanser: Mild detergent

Drying Instructions:

• Setting: Medium heat
• Special considerations: Add clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help prevent clumping and restore loft, says Heiser. Also, check on your pillows every 15-30 minutes to ensure the filling dries fully, as any retained moisture can cause odor or mildew. “These dry faster than down, but still check for damp spots in the center,” says Matuska Kidder.

How to Wash Memory Foam and Latex Pillows

When it comes to washing memory foam or latex pillows, washing in the machine is a big "nope," according to our experts. "Memory foam soaks up water like a sponge and takes forever to dry, which can lead to mold,” Matuska Kidder explains. Additionally, the machine's agitation will likely tear the material, destroying the foam and leaving you with a drum full of clumps.

It is recommended that memory foam and latex pillows be spot-cleaned and deodorized only. “For foam pillows, sprinkle baking soda on the surface, let it sit for a couple of hours, and vacuum it up to remove odors,” recommends Heiser.

Cleaning Frequency

According to Heiser, pillows should be cleaned every three to six months to reduce the buildup of dirt, oils, bacteria, and allergens. Bear in mind, however, that allergy sufferers may benefit from more frequent cleaning.

Memory foam should be spot-cleaned as needed and its cover washed regularly. “Pillow covers or protectors should be washed more often—every couple of weeks,” adds Matruska Kidder.