How to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine: Step-by-Step for Perfect Results

Washing pillows in the machine is straightforward — but a few key details make the difference between pillows that come out fresh and fluffy versus flat, lumpy, or still smelling musty. This guide covers the exact steps for machine washing every type of washable pillow.

What You'll Need

Tyler Glam Wash Laundry Detergent, Diva (128 fl oz) — gentle formula that cleans thoroughly without leaving residue in pillow fill
Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls (Pack of 6) — the most important tool for drying pillows; prevents clumping and dramatically reduces drying time
Large-capacity washing machine (front-loader preferred)

Which Pillows Can Be Machine Washed?

✅ Polyester fiberfill: Yes — most durable in the wash
✅ Down and feather: Yes — with gentle cycle and cool water
✅ Cotton fill: Yes — gentle cycle, cold water
❌ Memory foam: No — spot clean only
❌ Latex: No — spot clean only
❌ Buckwheat: No — remove fill and wash cover only

When in doubt, check the care label on your pillow.

Step 1: Pre-Wash Preparation

Remove pillowcases and pillow protectors
Inspect the pillow for any tears, holes, or weak seams — repair before washing to prevent fill from escaping
Check for any large stains and pre-treat with a small amount of detergent rubbed in gently
Smell the pillow — if it has a strong odor, consider a baking soda pre-treatment (sprinkle, let sit 30 minutes, shake off) before washing

Step 2: Load the Machine Correctly

This step is more important than most people realize:

Always wash two pillows at once — this balances the load and prevents the machine from becoming unbalanced during the spin cycle, which can damage both the machine and the pillows
Front-loader preferred: Front-loading machines are gentler on pillows than top-loaders with agitators. If using a top-loader with an agitator, place pillows vertically on either side of the agitator
Don't overstuff: Pillows need room to move freely in the drum for thorough cleaning

Step 3: Choose the Right Settings

Cycle: Gentle or delicate
Water temperature: Warm for polyester; cool for down and feather
Spin speed: Low to medium — high spin can damage pillow fill and seams
Extra rinse: Always add an extra rinse cycle — pillow fill holds detergent and needs thorough rinsing to prevent residue that causes stiffness and odor

Step 4: Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Use less detergent than you think you need — about half the normal amount of Tyler Glam Wash. Too much detergent is harder to rinse out of pillow fill and leaves a residue that makes pillows feel stiff and can cause a musty smell over time.

Step 5: Dry Thoroughly with Dryer Balls

Drying is the most critical step — and the most commonly done wrong.

Place pillows in the dryer with wool dryer balls — use all 6 for best results
Set to low heat — high heat can damage fill and fabric
Dry for at least 60–90 minutes, checking every 30 minutes
Fluff pillows by hand every 30 minutes to break up clumps
Check for damp spots by squeezing firmly — if any section feels cool or damp, continue drying
Down pillows may need 2–3 hours to dry completely

Why dryer balls matter: The wool dryer balls tumble with the pillows, physically breaking up clumps of fill that would otherwise dry in a matted lump. They also reduce drying time by up to 25% and eliminate the need for dryer sheets.

Step 6: Final Fluff and Check

Once dry, fluff the pillows vigorously by hand — grab each end and push them together repeatedly. This redistributes the fill and restores loft. The pillow should feel light, fluffy, and spring back when folded in half.

How Often Should You Machine Wash Pillows?

Every 3–6 months: Standard recommendation
Every 3 months: If you sweat heavily, have allergies, or don't use a pillow protector
Every 6 months: If you use a pillow protector and wash it monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fabric softener when washing pillows?

Avoid fabric softener for pillows — it coats the fill fibers and reduces loft over time. It can also leave a residue that attracts dust mites. The wool dryer balls provide natural softening without any chemical residue.

My pillow came out lumpy after washing — how do I fix it?

Lumpy pillows mean the fill clumped during washing or drying. Put the pillow back in the dryer with wool dryer balls on low heat for 30–60 minutes, fluffing by hand every 15 minutes. This usually resolves clumping. For stubborn lumps, break them up by hand while the pillow is still warm from the dryer.

Can I air dry pillows instead of using the dryer?

Air drying is possible but takes much longer — often 24+ hours. Lay flat in a well-ventilated area or hang over a clothesline. Fluff frequently. The risk with air drying is that the fill may not dry completely in the center, leading to mildew. The dryer with wool dryer balls is faster and more reliable.

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