We all love a fresh, fluffy pillow, but keeping them clean is often an overlooked part of our bedding routine. While washing pillows might seem like a daunting task, it’s actually easier than you think—especially if you know which pillows can go in the washing machine and how to care for them properly. To help you keep your pillows clean and comfortable, we consulted laundry experts on the safest methods for washing down, synthetic, and memory foam pillows.
Safety Considerations for Machine-Washing Pillows
“Most pillows are machine-washable,” says Barbara Stern, a textile and bedding expert, but the material of your pillow determines how gentle you need to be. Always check the care label first and read the instructions thoroughly to avoid damaging your pillow.
Expert Tip: To prevent misshaping your pillows during washing, wash two pillows at a time to balance the load in your machine. If you have a front-loading washer, add a few towels to keep the drum stable, says Christina Heiser, content director at Saatva.
Avoid Overloading the washer, as this could prevent the pillows from getting fully clean.
How to Machine-Wash Down and Feather Pillows
Down and feather pillows are often considered the most delicate, but they actually wash beautifully with the right care.
Washing Instructions:
- Cycle: Gentle or delicate
- Water Temperature: Warm (never hot)
- Detergent: Mild detergent; avoid fabric softener, which can affect the down clusters.
- Special Considerations: Run two rinse cycles to ensure all soap is removed. Leftover detergent can cause clumping in the down fill.
Drying Instructions:
- Drying Setting: Low heat or air-dry setting
- Special Considerations: Add 2-3 clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer to help break up clumps and keep the down evenly distributed. Ensure the pillow is completely dry, as any leftover moisture can lead to mildew.
Expert Tip: Even after drying, check the pillows by squeezing them to make sure they feel completely dry inside.
How to Machine-Wash Synthetic Pillows
Synthetic pillows are the easiest to wash and hold up well in a machine, making them perfect for those who don’t want to worry too much about delicate care.
Washing Instructions:
- Cycle: Normal
- Water Temperature: Warm
- Detergent: Mild detergent
Drying Instructions:
- Drying Setting: Medium heat
- Special Considerations: Add clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer to prevent clumping. Check the pillows every 15-30 minutes to ensure they are fully dried, especially in the center, as synthetic pillows dry faster than down but can still retain moisture.
Expert Tip: Always check for damp spots in the middle, as retained moisture can cause odor or mildew.
How to Wash Memory Foam and Latex Pillows
Memory foam and latex pillows should not be washed in the machine. These materials absorb water like sponges, and the machine’s agitation can damage the foam, leading to a mess of clumps.
Cleaning Instructions:
- Spot Clean: Use a damp cloth to gently clean the surface of the pillow.
- Deodorizing: Sprinkle baking soda on the pillow’s surface, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up to remove odors.
For latex pillows, avoid soaking them in water. If necessary, spot-clean with a mild detergent and water solution, then let the pillow air-dry.
Expert Tip: For both memory foam and latex, remove and wash the pillow cover regularly.
Cleaning Frequency
To keep your pillows fresh, wash them every three to six months. However, if you suffer from allergies, you may want to wash them more frequently.
Expert Tip: Pillow protectors should be washed more often, ideally every couple of weeks, to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
Conclusion
Washing pillows in the washing machine is a simple task as long as you follow the proper care instructions for each type of pillow. By selecting the right cycle, water temperature, and detergent, you can keep your pillows fresh and fluffy. Whether you have down, synthetic, or memory foam pillows, knowing how to properly clean them will extend their lifespan and ensure you enjoy a fresh, clean sleeping environment throughout the season.
