Can You Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine? Here's What Laundry Experts Say

A shocking number of items can be safely cleaned in a washing machine, like shoes, stuffed animals, and backpacks. But can you add pillows to the list? We consulted with two laundry and cleaning experts to find out if your common bed pillow can be thrown in the washing machine as casually as your favorite t-shirt.

The answer? Well, it’s complicated. Some pillows can safely be washed in a machine, while others need delicate handwashing to maintain their composition. Want to know where your pillows fall? Find out below. 

What Kind of Pillows Can Go in the Washing Machine

Matt O’Connor, co-founder and CEO of the laundry service NoScrubs, says that your pillow’s fill type matters when determining if it can be put in a washing machine. 

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines; you should always check your pillow’s care tag for specifics before flinging it in the machine. (And remember to take off the pillowcase, too!)

Latex: No

Pillows with a latex fill, which is a type of foam, should not be put in a washing machine. O’Connor says the pillow will fall apart due to the agitation during the cleaning cycle. You’re better off hand-washing these. 

Synthetic: Yes

Ashley Kidder, a laundry expert at Mountains of Laundry, says pillows with synthetic fill can traditionally be washed in a washing machine. She recommends washing these types of pillows in warm water on a normal cycle. 

Memory Foam: No

Similar to latex, memory foam pillows cannot be washed in a washing machine as the foam will be destroyed and likely crumble with agitation. Kidder recommends sparingly handwashing these pillows to maintain their shape.

Down: Yes

Have a down pillow? You’re in luck. Kidder says these types of pillows can be thrown in the washing machine. She recommends washing them with cold water and on a gentle cycle. 

Buckwheat: No

O’Connor advises against washing a buckwheat pillow in the washing machine, as the fill can become a giant mess.

Cleaning Non-Machine Washable Pillows

If your non-machine-washable pillow requires more help than a light spot clean, follow these easy instructions from Kidder to get it squeaky clean:

1. Fill a bathtub with warm water and a small amount of detergent.
   
2. Gently press on the pillow while it is in the water to get the soapy water absorbed.
3. Rinse the pillow thoroughly to remove any detergent.
4. Allow the pillow to dry completely.
5. Sprinkle baking soda on the pillow (once it is dry) to absorb odors and let it sit for an hour.
6. Vacuum the pillow to remove all the baking soda. 

7 Tips for Cleaning Pillows in a Washing Machine

Once you’ve determined your pillow can be put in a washing machine, take a look at these tips from our experts for getting the best clean.

• Check for tears in your pillow before washing: Tears and rips can get worse when a pillow is washed in the washing machine (and can even make the pillow open up entirely, exposing all the filling).
  
• Put two pillows in the washing machine to balance the load: If you put two pillows in the washing machine rather than just one, it’ll keep the drum from becoming unsteady.
  
• Use half the detergent that you usually would: Pillows (and their fill) can get bogged down with too much detergent, which can be hard for a washing machine to get out during the rinse cycle.
  
• Set a reminder on your calendar to clean your pillows regularly: It’s easy to forget when you last cleaned your pillow, so set up a recurring alert on your phone every three to six months. 
  
• Make sure they are thoroughly dry: If your pillows aren’t thoroughly dry before you put them back on your bed, you’re inviting mold and mildew to sleep with you (and potentially ruin your pillow).
  
• Do an extra rinse cycle: Getting any excess detergent out is key to a clean and fluffy pillow.
• Wash regularly: O’Connor and Kidder recommend washing your pillow every 3-6 months. If you’re a particularly hot sleeper or tend to sweat during the night, Kidder says you may want to wash your pillow every two months.