How to Wash Pillows

Pillows soak up sweat, oils, and dust night after night, and a pillowcase only catches part of it. Most pillows can be washed at home a couple of times a year, but the right method depends on what’s inside.

Read the Care Label First

The label tells you what the filling is and whether it can go in the washing machine. As a general rule:

• Down and feather: usually machine washable on a gentle cycle.
• Polyester fiberfill: usually machine washable.
• Solid memory foam and latex: not machine washable. Spot clean only.
• Shredded foam: varies by brand, so follow the label closely.

Machine Wash Down and Fiberfill Pillows

1. Check each pillow for rips or loose seams and mend them so filling doesn’t escape in the wash.
2. Wash two pillows at a time to keep the washer balanced. In a top-loader with a center agitator, stand them upright on either side of it.
3. Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Too much leaves residue that’s hard to rinse out of the filling.
4. Choose a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water, unless the label says otherwise.
5. Add an extra rinse and an extra spin to remove soap and as much water as possible.

Dry Them Completely

Thorough drying is the most important step, so set aside a few hours and start early in the day. Damp filling can grow mildew and develop a musty smell that’s hard to get rid of.

1. Tumble dry on low heat. High heat can damage down and scorch synthetic fill.
2. Add two or three clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to break up clumps and restore loft.
3. Stop the dryer every 30 minutes or so to fluff the pillows by hand and redistribute the filling.
4. Keep going until they’re completely dry inside, which can take a few hours for down. Squeeze the center and sniff; any dampness means they need more time.

Clean Memory Foam Pillows

1. Remove the cover and wash it according to its own label.
2. Vacuum the foam with an upholstery attachment.
3. Spot clean stains with a cloth dampened in a mild detergent solution, blotting gently without soaking the foam.
4. Rinse by blotting with a cloth dampened in plain water.
5. Air dry fully in a well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight, which can break down foam over time.

Pillow Care Tips

• Use zippered pillow protectors under your pillowcases so the pillows themselves need washing less often.
• Fluff pillows daily to help them keep their shape.
• Wash pillowcases weekly along with your sheets.
• Between washes, toss pillows in the dryer on an air-only or low setting for 20 minutes to freshen them and fluff the filling.
• Replace a pillow if it stays flat after fluffing or no longer supports your neck. A quick test for fiberfill: fold it in half, and if it doesn’t spring back, it’s past its prime.