Over time, pillows accumulate sweat, saliva, body oils, and allergens, which can cause unsightly yellow stains and allergies that can trigger skin irritations. We often get asked if pillows can be machine washed, and the answer is yes for most types of pillows. However, some pillows should not be machine washed, or you'll be exposing them to the risk of mold.
In this guide, we'll explain which types of pillows can be machine washed, how often you should wash them, and which types of pillows should only be spot cleaned. We'll also cover how often you should replace your pillow and why, as well as our recommendations for the three best pillows for all sleepers right now.
If you're looking to upgrade your entire sleep setup, check out our guide to the best mattresses of the year for our top recommendations based on different sleepers and budgets. Many of these are also discounted during this year's Labor Day mattress sales and deals, so now's a great time to shop.
Can you wash pillows in a washing machine?
There are several methods you can use to clean your pillows. But generally speaking, yes, you can machine wash your pillows. In fact, most of the best pillows can be machine washed, making them easy to clean. But before you hit the start button to activate your wash cycle, it’s important to confirm the type of pillow you’re washing.
That's because not all pillows are suitable for machine washing. If you're unsure about the type of pillow you're using, simply check the care label, which will also give you strict cleaning instructions as well as advice on what to avoid.
Also, before washing your pillows in the washing machine, always check around the seams to make sure there are no tears, because after a few spins in the machine, the stuffing will come out and clog your washing machine.
3 Types of Pillows You Can Machine Wash
1. Feather or down pillows
Feather and down pillows are surprisingly machine washable. This is due to their natural filling and durable construction. Ideally, you should try to wash your feather or down pillow at least every 6 to 12 months.
Try not to wash them more often, as washing them too often can damage the feathers. It is also advisable to wash feather pillows in cold water, as this helps preserve the natural oils in the feathers and prevents shrinkage.
It's not just cleaning that you need to do when it comes to pillow care, make sure to fluff your pillow daily to redistribute the filling, this stops them from becoming hard and lumpy and also let your pillow air out when you change your sheets so that any excess moisture in the filling has a chance to dry out.
3. Wool pillows
Wool is a great pillow filling because it is soft, comfortable, hypoallergenic, and naturally cool. Almost all wool pillows can be machine washed, and it is a great way to remove body oils that have built up in the fibers over time. When washing your pillow, use a very gentle cycle with cold water and only use detergent specifically designed for wool.
Don’t add your pillows with other items, although you can balance the machine with a towel if necessary. However, as wool varies, always check the care label before adding them to your machine. Wool has many properties that make it less prone to frequent washing, such as lanolin, which is a natural antibacterial and antifungal.
Wool is technically self-cleaning because it has a natural scaly structure that traps dirt and dust, and these can be removed from the pillow simply by airing it out. But if you do want to machine wash it, don't do it more than once or twice a year. Keep your wool pillows in tip-top condition by giving them a good fluffing every morning and airing them near a window at least once a week.
2 Types of Pillows You Can't Machine Wash
1. Memory Foam Pillows
Much like the best memory foam mattresses, memory foam is a material that should not be allowed to get wet. Memory foam is super absorbent, which means it can take a long time to dry out and therefore becomes a breeding ground for mold.
Despite its solid structure, memory foam is actually a quite delicate material and since it has an open cell structure, putting it in the washing machine can cause the foam to tear and lose its shape and supportive qualities.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't clean your memory foam pillow. You can keep your pillow clean by regularly vacuuming the surface, spot cleaning, and using baking soda to absorb excess moisture and any odors that may be present.
2. Latex pillows
Latex feels a lot like memory foam when machine washed. This material absorbs water quickly and will be difficult to dry, which will encourage the growth of mold and other bacteria.
Additionally, latex may be a naturally resilient material, but rough movements during the wash cycle can cause it to break down and eventually crumble, leaving you with a pillow that has no support structure and is likely to cause you aches and pains.
You can keep your latex pillow in good condition by cleaning any stains or spills by dabbing the area with a damp cloth and mild detergent, just be careful not to soak the pillow.
Expert Tips for Washing Pillows in a Washing Machine
If you want to know how to wash a pillow in your washing machine, you've come to the right place, just follow these three tips to make sure you do it correctly and reduce the risk of damaging your pillows.
1. Only wash two pillows at a time
While it may be tempting to throw all of your pillows in one wash, it's best to limit yourself to two pillows at a time. This allows you to maintain balance in your washing machine drum.
The reason you need to balance your machine is because overloading or underloading it will cause excessive shaking that can damage the fibers in your pillows. If you only have one pillow to wash or your machine is very large, consider adding a towel to the mix to create the necessary balance.
2. Treat localized stains before machine washing
Before you put your pillows in your washing machine, first inspect them for any tears. This will prevent the filling from coming out during the wash and potentially clogging your machine. Then, look for any stains or discoloration and pretreat these areas with a paste made from baking soda and water.
Let the pre-treatment sit for at least 30 minutes before running the wash cycle. You can also pre-soak your pillows in warm water and mild detergent for an hour before washing to remove dirt, oils and stains.
3. Dry the pillow thoroughly after washing
As we always tell you when sharing tips on how to clean your mattress, you should let it dry completely before adding bedding or sleeping on it — the same goes for pillows.
If you don't let them dry properly, you risk mold and mildew. While air drying is the gentlest option, if you don't have time and the care label doesn't prohibit it, you can put your pillows in the dryer.
Tumble dry on low heat and add a few tennis balls to prevent clumping and keep your pillows super fluffy. Check your pillows occasionally to make sure they are drying evenly and remove them once they are completely dry.
How often should you replace your pillow?
If you’re wondering how often you should replace your pillow, I’m sorry to tell you that it’s sooner than you think. No matter how good your pillow is, it won’t last forever. You should change your pillow every 1 to 2 years to ensure that your head and neck are always getting adequate support.
Not changing your pillows regularly can put you at risk for neck and back pain, as over time, pillows lose their shape and support. Having pillows that don’t support your body can also lead to poor sleeping posture, which translates into morning headaches that will then impact the rest of your day.
Additionally, changing your pillow regularly will ensure that your sleep surface remains free of allergens and dust mites that may have accumulated in the fibers.