Wash Pillows in Washer: The Ultimate Guide

Key Takeaways:

• Most pillows can be washed in a washing machine when you use the right method. Synthetic, down, and feather pillows generally hold up well, while memory foam, latex, and microbead pillows should not go in the machine because agitation can tear the foam or crack the beads.
• Check the care label first, since it overrides any general rule. When in doubt, treat the pillow as hand-wash only.
• To wash safely, remove the pillowcase and protector, pretreat stains with mild detergent, and load two pillows at a time to keep the drum balanced. Use a mild, dye-free detergent, skip bleach, and choose a gentle cycle with cold or warm water for synthetic fill and a delicate cycle with cold water for down or feather.
• Down and feather pillows need extra rinse cycles to remove all the detergent, while synthetic and down-alternative fill usually needs only a standard rinse. Front-loading or high-efficiency machines are gentler than top-loaders with a center agitator.
• Drying is where most problems start. Use low heat with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to redistribute the fill, and expect down and feather pillows to take longer. Squeeze the center before using the pillow, and if it feels damp or squelches, run another cycle to avoid mold and musty odors.
• Most people only need to wash pillows every four to six months. A washable pillow protector reduces how often a full wash is needed.

Pillows collect sweat, oils, dust, and other buildup over time, but washing them the wrong way can leave them lumpy, misshapen, or damaged. The good news is that many pillow types can be cleaned safely in a washing machine when you use the right method. In this guide, you’ll learn how to wash pillows in washer safely, which fill types are machine washable, what cycle to use, and how to dry them properly. 

Can You Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine?

For most fill types, yes. Synthetic, down, and feather pillows generally hold up well to a machine cycle. Memory foam, latex, and microbead pillows are the exception, since machine agitation can tear the foam or crack the beads.

If your pillow still has its care tag, that label overrides any general rule here. When in doubt, treat the pillow as hand-wash only rather than risk damaging it.

Different Pillow Fill Types

How to Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine: Step by Step

Once you know your pillow's fill type, here's how to wash it without damaging the machine or the pillow itself.

1. Remove the pillowcase and any protector, and check for a care label first.
2. Pretreat visible stains with a small amount of mild detergent and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
3. Load two pillows at a time so the drum stays balanced, even if you only need to wash one.
4. Use a mild, dye-free detergent and skip the bleach entirely, since it weakens fibers and yellows fill over time.
5. Select a gentle cycle with cold or warm water for synthetic fill, and a delicate cycle with cold water for down or feather.

Top-loading washers with a center agitator are rougher on pillows than front-loaders. If you have the choice, a front-loading or high-efficiency machine is gentler on the fill.

Washing Pillows in a Washing Machine by Fill Type

Not every fill behaves the same way once it hits the water, so a one-size approach to how to wash pillows in the washing machine can leave some types worse off than when you started.

Down and feather need extra rinse cycles to fully remove detergent, since leftover soap clumps the feathers together. Synthetic and down-alternative fill handles a standard rinse fine and rarely needs anything extra. If you're unsure whether your memory foam pillows can go in the machine at all, the safe answer is no: spot clean the cover and vacuum the foam instead.

Drying Pillows the Right Way After Washing

Drying is where most people go wrong, and it's also where mold and musty odors start if a pillow goes back on the bed while still damp inside. Run the dryer on low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help redistribute the fill and prevent clumping.

Down and feather pillows take noticeably longer to dry than synthetic fill, sometimes needing two or three extra cycles. Before putting the pillow back into use, squeeze the center firmly. If you feel any dampness or hear a squelching sound, run another cycle. A pillow that goes back into a case even slightly damp is the most common reason people end up with a musty smell weeks later.

How Often Should You Wash Pillows

Can you launder pillows too often? Not really, but most people only need to do it every four to six months. Washing more frequently won't damage most pillows, but it also won't add much benefit if you're already using a washable pillow protector.

A washable pillow protector between the pillow and the case cuts down on how often the pillow itself needs a full wash, since the protector catches most of the sweat and oil before it reaches the fill.

Final Thought

So, can you wash pillows in the washer? Most of the time, yes, as long as you match the cycle to the fill type and give the pillow enough time to dry all the way through. Skipping either step is what leads to the lumpy, misshapen pillows people usually blame on the washer itself.

Check the care label first, load pillows in pairs to keep the drum balanced, and never rush the drying step. A properly washed and fully dried pillow should feel close to its original shape once it comes out of the dryer.

Find a Pillow That Fits Your Routine

Proper washing and regular care can help keep your pillow fresh and comfortable for longer. If you're looking for a pillow that fits your sleep needs, explore the high-quality pillows from Blissful Nights.

Need help finding the right option? Contact us today and our team can help you find a pillow that suits your sleep needs and maintenance preferences.

FAQs

How do you wash pillows without ruining the shape? 

Wash two pillows at a time to balance the load, use a gentle cycle with mild detergent, and dry thoroughly with dryer balls to redistribute the fill.

Can you wash pillows in the washing machine if they are memory foam? 

No. Memory foam pillows should be hand washed or spot cleaned, since machine agitation can tear or crack the foam.

How do you wash a pillow that has yellow stains? 

Pretreat the stained area with a small amount of detergent before the wash cycle, and avoid bleach, which can worsen yellowing over time.

Can you launder pillows too often? 

Not really, but washing every four to six months is usually enough, especially if you use a washable pillow protector between washes.

How do you know if a pillow is fully dry after washing? 

Squeeze the center of the pillow firmly. If you feel dampness or hear a squelching sound, run another dry cycle before using it.