How to Wash Pillows in Washing Machine

How Often Should You Wash Pillows?

Pillows should be washed every 3–6 months — or more frequently if you sweat heavily, have allergies, or sleep without a pillowcase. Even with a pillowcase, pillows absorb sweat, dead skin cells, and body oils over time, creating an ideal environment for dust mites and bacteria. Regular washing keeps them hygienic and extends their lifespan.

Which Pillows Can Be Machine Washed?

• Down and feather pillows: Machine washable — use a gentle cycle
• Synthetic fill pillows (polyester fiberfill): Machine washable — most durable option for washing
• Memory foam pillows: Cannot be machine washed — the agitation breaks down the foam structure. Spot clean only or hand wash very gently
• Latex pillows: Hand wash only in cool water

Step 1: Use Pillow Protectors to Reduce Washing Frequency

Before washing, consider adding pillow protectors under your pillowcases. These zippered covers create a barrier against sweat, dust mites, and allergens, meaning your pillows stay cleaner longer and need washing less frequently. Wash the protectors monthly instead.

Step 2: Wash Two Pillows at a Time

Always wash two pillows together to balance the load. A single pillow causes the machine to become unbalanced, leading to excessive vibration and an incomplete wash cycle. If you only have one pillow to wash, add a few towels to balance the load.

Step 3: Select the Right Settings

• Cycle: Gentle or delicate
• Water temperature: Warm for synthetic pillows; hot for white cotton-covered pillows to kill dust mites
• Detergent: Use a small amount of liquid detergent — less than you'd use for a regular load, as pillows don't need much
• Extra rinse: Run an additional rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed from the fill

Step 4: Dry Thoroughly — This Step Is Critical

Pillows must be completely dry before use — damp fill develops mildew and a musty odor that's very difficult to remove. Tumble dry on low heat with wool dryer balls to break up clumps and restore loft:

• Check every 20–30 minutes and fluff by hand
• Run multiple drying cycles if needed — pillows take longer to dry than you expect
• The pillow is done when it feels evenly fluffy with no damp or cold spots inside
• For down pillows, this may take 2–3 full dryer cycles

Quick Tips for Pillow Care

• Always use a pillow protector AND a pillowcase for maximum protection
• Fluff pillows daily to maintain loft and prevent fill from clumping
• Replace pillows every 1–2 years — even well-maintained pillows lose support over time
• If a pillow doesn't spring back when folded in half, it's time to replace it

Recommended Products

• AllerEase Pillow Protectors — moisture-wicking, allergy protection barrier under your pillowcase
• Wool Dryer Balls — restore pillow loft and prevent clumping during drying