How to Wash Pillows

Co-authored by Safir Ali

Last Updated: January 10, 2024 Fact Checked

Over time, pillows accumulate dust, sweat, and oil that can turn them yellow and make them less comfortable. Cleaning your pillows will prevent that from happening, but how are you supposed to clean them, and can they go in the washing machine? The best way to wash your pillows actually depends on what they're made out of. This article will walk you through the best methods for washing any kind of pillow, including cotton, down, synthetic, and memory foam.

Things You Should Know

Cotton, down, and synthetic pillows can be machine washed.
Memory foam pillows should be hand washed.
Whether you're machine washing or hand washing your pillow, be sure to remove its case or cover before getting started.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cotton, Down, and Synthetic Pillows

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If you have placed your pillow in a pillowcase or sham, take this off now. Some pillows come with additional zip-on cases that should also be removed and washed separately from the body of the pillow.
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Put your pillows in the washing machine. Don’t worry - it is perfectly safe to wash pillows (even down pillows) in the washing machine. Try to wash at least two at once so that the washer is balanced and the pillows don’t get thrown around so much. ^{[1]
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- If your pillows are yellowed, try rubbing the surface with a solution made with 1 part white vinegar and 1 part warm water before adding them to the washer.
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For a regular wash job, add a cup/scoop of your regular washing detergent. To get your pillows ultra white, add the following in addition to the detergent: 1 cup of powdered dishwasher detergent, the recommended amount of bleach, and ½ a cup of borax. ^{[2]
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Research source} Or, you can simply use a special detergent for white garments that are discoloring.
Adjust the settings on your washer so that it runs with hot water and goes through a 2nd rinse cycle. Use the "bulky/large" cycle if it is available on your washer. Then, let it work its magic!
Place your pillows in the dryer and adjust the settings; if your pillows are feather-filled, put your dryer on the "air"/"fluff"/"no heat" setting. For synthetic pillows, switch your dryer to low heat.
Take two tennis balls and put them in separate clean, white socks. Throw these in the dryer with your pillows to fluff them and help decrease their drying time. Then start your dryer! ^{[3]
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When your dryer has finished its cycle, remove the pillows and feel them, checking for dampness. Smell the pillows to check for moisture in the center. If your pillows don’t feel quite dry, repeat the drying process and check them again a second time. Otherwise, your pillows are clean and ready! ^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Memory Foam Pillows

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If your pillow has a pillowcase or sham, take it off prior to washing. Most memory foam pillows also have a zip-on protective cover that should be removed as well. These items can be washed separately and in a washing machine.
Washing machines prove too rough for sensitive memory foam, so pillows of this material must be hand washed. Fill a tub (or your sink) with warm water. You only need enough water to cover the pillow.
For each pillow, add a tablespoon of liquid clothes detergent to the water. Swirl it around with your hands a bit to bubble it up and get it evenly mixed.
Place your pillow in the water, and move it around the bit to help the detergent to work its way in. Massage and squeeze the pillow with your hands to help get dirt out and to freshen it past the outer layer.
Run the pillow under fresh water. It is important to get as much of the soap out as you can, checking for suds in the runout. Rinsing the pillow may take several minutes longer than washing it.
High heat levels can ruin the memory foam and cause it to crumble, so do not put your memory foam pillow in the dryer. Instead, lay it out on a clean white towel in a dry area. If possible, allow it to dry in the sun.
Memory foam is especially susceptible to holding water for a long time, as it is made out of a sponge-like material. Make sure that there is absolutely no water left in the material before bringing it back for use on your bed, otherwise it will begin to grow mold and mildew.

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Do I have to use the tennis balls or is that optional?

Community Answer

Optional, you'll just have to beat them around a bit to fluff them after they're dry.

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Is it better to use the "name brand" bleach rather than a store brand bleach?

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You can check the percentages, but most bleach brands are the exact same.

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Can I air dry feather pillows?

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Yes. Air dry in a warm place, preferably in the sun after drying. You will have to shake it up afterwards to make it more usable.

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Tips

Check your pillow to see if you need to replace it altogether. If you fold your pillow in half and it stays in place, it is too old and needs to be replaced. If your pillow springs back, then it is good and just needs a washing. On average, you should replace your pillows once every two years.

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Pillows should be washed 2-3 times per year to remove sweat, bodily oils, dander, and dust buildup.

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Don’t throw away old bedding, pillows, or towels; give them to animal shelters. Call your local shelter to ask if they can use them for the animals.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you don’t have any tennis balls, ball up tin foil until it’s 2-3 inches across, then put it into a sock.
Send old bedding, pillows, or towels to animal shelters. Shelters are often looking for bedding.

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