Knowing how to wash and dry a pillow is essential for a healthy, comfortable sleep. It’s a task many of us overlook, but clean pillows free of dust mites and allergens can make a big difference.
Over time, pillows collect sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and dust mites. This can lead to odors, stains, and even worsen allergies. Regular washing restores freshness and extends your pillow’s life. It’s easier than you might think, and we’ll guide you through every step.
How to Wash and Dry a Pillow
This main guide covers the universal steps for washing most pillows. Always start by checking your pillow’s care label—it’s the ultimate authority. If the label is missing or faded, the methods here are generally safe for synthetic, down, and feather pillows.
What You’ll Need
- Mild laundry detergent (avoid bleach or fabric softener)
- Two tennis balls or dryer balls (clean, please!)
- Large capacity washing machine and dryer
- Optional: A stain remover for pre-treating spots
Step-by-Step Washing Instructions
1. Check the Care Label
This is your first and most important step. The label will tell you if the pillow is machine washable and recommend water temperature and drying methods. Symbols for machine wash (a tub of water) and tumble dry (a square with a circle) are good signs.
2. Pre-Treat Any Stains
Spot-clean any visible stains with a dab of mild detergent or a gentle stain remover. Gently rub it into the fabric and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing. Don’t soak the whole pillow.
3. Load the Washing Machine Correctly
Wash two pillows at a time to balance the load. If you only have one, add a couple of bath towels for balance. Use a front-loading or large top-loading machine without an agitator if possible. An agitator can damage the pillow.
4. Choose the Right Settings
Use a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water. Hot water can damage some fills. Pour in a small amount of mild detergent—about half what you’d use for a regular load. Extra soap is hard to rinse out.
5. The Extra Rinse is Key
Select the extra rinse cycle if your machine has it. This ensures all soap residue is removed. Soap left inside can clump the filling and cause mildew.
Step-by-Step Drying Instructions
Thorough drying is critical. A damp pillow can grow mold inside.
1. Initial Spin and Fluff
After the wash cycle, run an extra spin cycle to remove as much water as possible. Gently fluff and reshape the pillow by hand before putting it in the dryer.
2. Dryer Setup and Settings
Place the pillows in the dryer with the two clean tennis balls or dryer balls. These help break up clumps and fluff the filling. Use a low heat setting. High heat can bake the filling or damage the fabric.
3. The Long Dry Cycle
Dry the pillows for at least 60-90 minutes. Check periodically. Break up any clumps you feel by hand. Even if the cover feels dry, the inner filling can still be damp.
4. The Final Test for Dryness
To be absolutly sure the pillow is dry, hold it up to your cheek. Does it feel cool or damp? If so, it needs more time. You can also use a hair dryer on a cool setting to spot-dry any lingering damp areas.
Special Cases and Pillow Types
Not all pillows are created equal. Here’s how to handle specific materials.
Memory Foam or Latex Pillows
These are almost never machine washable. The foam can break down and the machinery can tear them. Spot clean the cover only. Most memory foam pillows have a removable cover you can wash separately. For the foam core, lightly vacuum it and air it out in the sun.
Down and Feather Pillows
Follow the general steps above, but be extra vigilant about drying. They take a very long time to dry completely. The tennis balls are essential here to prevent clumping. You may need multiple dryer cycles.
Synthetic (Polyester) Pillows
These are the most forgiving and easiest to wash. They can usually handle a slightly warmer wash and dry temperature, but low heat is still safest to prevent scorching or melting the fibers.
Decorative Throw Pillows
Check the tag. Many have a “cover only” instruction. If the whole pillow is washable, consider placing it inside a mesh laundry bag for protection. Dry thoroughly on low heat.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
A good rule is to wash your pillows every 3 to 6 months. If you have allergies, asthma, or pets that sleep on the bed, aim for every 3 months. Using pillow protectors under your cases can stretch the time between washes to every 6 months.
Signs Your Pillow Needs Washing (or Replacing)
- It has a noticeable odor, even with a fresh case.
- It looks discolored or has yellow stains.
- It feels lumpy and won’t fluff back up after drying.
- You wake up with more allergy symptoms.
- It has lost all support and your head sinks right in.
If washing doesn’t revive it, it’s probably time for a new one. Most pillows last 1 to 2 years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much detergent: This leads to residue and quicker re-soiling.
- Skipping the extra rinse: Same problem as above.
- Drying on high heat: Can cause filling to melt, burn, or clump permanently.
- Not drying completely: The biggest risk for mold and mildew growth.
- Washing too frequently: Unnecessary wear and tear; follow the 3-6 month guideline.
Alternative: Hand Washing a Pillow
If your machine is too small or your pillow is delicate, you can hand wash.
- Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Submerge the pillow and gently press and knead it for several minutes.
- Drain the tub and refill with clean water to rinse. Repeat until the water runs clear.
- Press out water gently—never wring or twist. Roll it in towels to absorb moisture.
- Dry following the same thorough dryer method, or air dry in a very well-ventilated area, fluffing often.
FAQ Section
Can I put all pillows in the washing machine?
No. Memory foam, latex, and some specialty pillows should not be machine washed. Always check the care label first. When in doubt, spot clean or hand wash.
How do you dry a pillow quickly?
While thorough drying takes time, you can speed it up by using dryer balls, ensuring the dryer isn’t overloaded, and checking for and breaking up clumps every 20 minutes. Never use high heat to try and speed it up, as this can damage the pillow.
What is the best way to wash bed pillows?
The best way is to follow the care instructions, use mild detergent on a gentle cycle with warm water, and ensure they are completely dry before using them again. Washing two at a time helps balance the load.
Can you wash pillows with sheets?
It’s not recommended. Pillows need the space to move freely for a proper clean and rinse. Washing them with bulky items like sheets can prevent them from getting truly clean and may cause them to not dry properly. They can also get tangled.
Why did my pillow turn yellow?
Yellowing is usually caused by sweat, body oils, and moisture over time. It can also be a reaction to some skincare products. Washing with a mild detergent and pre-treating stains can help, but some yellowing with age is normal.
Is it safe to dry clean a pillow?
Only if the care label explicitly says “Dry Clean.” The chemicals used in dry cleaning can be too harsh for many pillow fills and may leave a strong odor. For most household pillows, gentle machine or hand washing is the safer choice.
Keeping your pillows clean is a simple but important part of bedroom hygiene. By following these steps for how to wash and dry a pillow, you’ll ensure a fresher sleeping environment, help your pillows last longer, and enjoy a more comfortable night’s rest. Just remember the golden rules: check the label, use gentle cycles, and never, ever skip on the thorough drying.