How To Wash Pillows Correctly: 5 Easy Steps
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Pillows collect sweat, body oils, dust mites, and allergens over time, even when they’re covered with pillowcases. Regular cleaning helps improve hygiene, extends your pillow’s lifespan, and can even promote better sleep.
This guide explains how to wash pillows safely by hand or in a washing machine, along with care tips for different pillow materials.
1. Before You Start
Before learning how to wash pillows, take a few minutes to prepare. Different pillow materials require different cleaning methods, and skipping this step could damage the filling or fabric.
The first thing to do is check the care label. Most pillows include washing instructions from the manufacturer, such as whether they can be machine washed, hand washed, or spot cleaned only. Following these recommendations helps prevent shrinking, clumping, or unnecessary wear.
Next, identify your pillow type. Down, down alternative, polyester, memory foam, latex, and decorative throw pillows all have different care requirements. While many fiber-filled pillows can safely go in the washing machine, memory foam and some specialty pillows should usually be cleaned by hand or spot cleaned instead.
Always follow the care label before washing household fabrics to avoid damaging the material and ensure the best cleaning results.
Knowing your pillow’s material before you begin helps you understand how to wash pillows safely and choose the most appropriate cleaning method.
2. How To Wash Pillows In 5 Easy Steps (By Hand)
Hand washing is the safest method for delicate pillows or those that shouldn’t go in the washing machine.
If you’re unsure about the filling or the care label recommends hand washing, follow these simple steps to learn how to wash pillows safely without causing damage.
Step 1: Fill Sink Or Tub With Soapy Water
Fill a clean sink, bathtub, or large basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Mix the water gently until the detergent is evenly distributed.
Avoid using hot water unless the care label specifically recommends it, as excessive heat may damage certain pillow materials or fabrics.
Step 2: Soak The Pillows
Submerge the pillow completely and gently press it into the water so the cleaning solution reaches the filling. Allow it to soak for about 10 to 15 minutes to loosen dirt, body oils, and sweat.
Avoid twisting or bending the pillow aggressively, especially if it contains delicate filling.
Step 3: Scrub Gently
Use your hands or a soft cloth to gently massage areas with visible stains or discoloration. Focus on both sides of the pillow, paying extra attention to spots that absorb the most sweat and oils.
Gentle cleaning is usually enough, and excessive scrubbing can damage the fabric or cause the filling to lose its shape.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water and refill the sink or tub with clean water. Gently squeeze the pillow several times until all detergent has been removed.
You may need to repeat the rinsing process more than once. Leftover detergent can leave residue behind and make the pillow feel stiff after drying.
Step 5: Squeeze Out Excess Water & Dry
Press the pillow gently with both hands or wrap it in a clean towel to remove excess moisture. Avoid wringing or twisting the pillow, as this can damage the filling.
Lay the pillow flat on a drying rack or clean towel in a well-ventilated area. Turn it occasionally to help it dry evenly.
Learning how to wash pillows properly also means allowing them to dry completely before putting them back on your bed, since trapped moisture can encourage mold or mildew.
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3. How To Wash Pillows In The Washing Machine
Many polyester, fiberfill, and down pillows can be safely machine washed, making this the easiest option for routine cleaning. If the care label confirms machine washing is safe, following the correct process helps protect both the pillow and your washing machine.
Steps To Wash Pillows In A Washing Machine
Step 1: Treat Stains
Before placing pillows in the washer, apply a small amount of stain remover or liquid detergent to visible stains. Let it sit for several minutes before washing to help lift sweat, makeup, or body oil stains more effectively.
Step 2: Load The Washer Correctly
If possible, wash two pillows at the same time to help balance the washing machine during the spin cycle. Place them upright in a top-loading washer without an agitator, or side by side in a front-loading machine.
This is one of the most important tips for washing pillows in the washing machine, as balanced loads reduce strain on both the pillows and the appliance.
Step 3: Choose The Right Wash Cycle
Select a gentle or delicate cycle using warm or cool water and a mild detergent. Avoid using excessive detergent because it can be difficult to rinse out completely.
Using an extra rinse cycle whenever possible to remove any remaining detergent from the pillow filling.
Step 4: Dry Pillows Thoroughly
Transfer the pillows to a dryer on a low-heat setting or air-dry them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Adding a couple of clean dryer balls or tennis balls wrapped in socks can help restore the pillow’s shape while it dries.
Never store or use a pillow until it’s completely dry, as trapped moisture can lead to unpleasant odors or mildew.
Step 5: Fluff And Inspect The Pillows
Once dry, fluff the pillow with your hands to redistribute the filling evenly. Check for any damp spots before placing it back on your bed.
A properly cleaned and dried pillow should feel fresh, maintain its shape, and provide comfortable support.
4. Common Pillow Washing Mistakes for
Even when you know how to wash pillows, a few common mistakes can shorten their lifespan.
Some of the most common include:
- Ignoring the care label before washing
- Using too much detergent
- Washing only one pillow in the machine
- Drying at excessively high temperatures
- Putting pillows away before they’re fully dry
Avoiding these mistakes helps keep your pillows cleaner, fresher, and supportive for much longer.
5. Tips for When You Wash Different Pillow Types
Although the basic cleaning process is similar, different pillow materials require slightly different care. Understanding how to wash pillows based on the filling helps prevent damage and keeps them comfortable for longer.
Down Pillows
How to wash down pillows? Check these steps and follow:
- Always check the care label first. Most down pillows can be machine washed using a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, but harsh chemicals and excessive heat should be avoided because they can damage the natural feathers.
- Dry down pillows completely on a low-heat setting, adding dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help restore their loft and prevent the filling from clumping together.
Throw Pillows
If you want to know how to wash throw pillows, below are the main steps and tips:
- The best way depends on whether the cover is removable. If it is, remove the cover and wash it according to the care label. Decorative covers often require a gentle cycle or hand washing.
- If the cover can’t be removed, spot clean the pillow or hand wash it if recommended by the manufacturer.
- Pillows with delicate trims, embroidery, or embellishments should always be handled carefully to avoid damage.
Memory Foam & Specialty Pillows
Memory foam, latex, and other specialty pillows generally should not be placed in a washing machine because the agitation can damage the material.
Instead, spot clean stains with a damp cloth and mild detergent, then allow the pillow to air dry completely. Regular vacuuming can also help remove dust and allergens without affecting the pillow’s shape.
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5. Tips To Keep Pillows Fresh Longer
Cleaning is only part of proper pillow care. Once you know how to wash pillows, maintaining them properly between washes helps preserve their shape and freshness. Developing these habits is just as important as learning how to wash pillows correctly.
Wash Pillows Regularly
Even if your pillows don’t look dirty, they gradually collect sweat, skin oils, dust mites, and allergens. Washing them every three to six months, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions, helps maintain a cleaner sleeping environment.
Use Pillow Protectors
A zippered pillow protector provides an extra barrier against moisture, dust, and stains. Since protectors are easier to wash than pillows themselves, they help reduce how often deep cleaning is needed.
Replace Pillows When Needed
Even with proper care, pillows eventually lose their support and shape. If a pillow remains lumpy, flat, or uncomfortable after washing, it’s probably time for a replacement. Regular cleaning can extend its lifespan, but it can’t restore worn-out filling forever.
6. FAQs
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
Most pillows should be washed every three to six months, unless the care label recommends otherwise.
Can Memory Foam Pillows Be Washed?
Generally, no. Memory foam pillows should be spot cleaned rather than machine washed.
Can You Use Bleach To Wash Pillows?
It’s usually best to avoid bleach unless the care label specifically says it’s safe to use.
Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow?
Sweat, body oils, saliva, and moisture gradually cause pillows to develop yellow stains over time.
Can Pillows Go In The Dryer?
Many pillows can, but always check the care label and use a low-heat setting when recommended.
Final Words
Whether you prefer hand washing or washing pillows in the washing machine, following the correct method helps protect the filling and extend your pillow’s lifespan.
By choosing the right cleaning technique for each pillow type and washing them regularly, you can improve hygiene, reduce allergens, and enjoy better sleep with pillows that stay fresh for longer.
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