Pillows collect sweat, oil, dust, and allergens over time, even when you use pillowcases. That’s why cleaning the pillow itself matters, not just the cover. According to Whirlpool, most pillows should be washed at least twice a year, while memory foam usually needs gentler cleaning methods. Whirlpool Sleep Foundation
Quick Answer: Can You Wash Pillows?
Usually, yes — but it depends on the fill. Synthetic, down, and feather pillows are often machine washable. Memory foam pillows generally should not go in the washer or dryer unless the manufacturer specifically says otherwise. Always check the care label first. Whirlpool Maytag Sleep Foundation
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Why Pillows Need Regular Cleaning
Even clean-looking pillows can trap body oils, skin cells, dust, and odors. Regular washing can help reduce buildup and keep pillows fresher and more comfortable to sleep on. Both Whirlpool and Leesa recommend cleaning pillows at least a couple of times per year. Whirlpool Leesa
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
A practical rule is to wash pillows at least twice a year. Some brands suggest every season or every four months, especially if you sweat heavily, deal with allergies, or skip pillow protectors. Whirlpool Leesa Sleep Foundation
How to Clean Machine-Washable Pillows
Synthetic, down, and feather pillows can usually be cleaned in the washing machine if the care tag allows it. The safest basic method is simple: wash two pillows at a time to balance the load, use a small amount of liquid detergent, choose a gentle cycle, and add an extra rinse if possible. Whirlpool Maytag
Step 1: Wash Two Pillows at Once
Washing two pillows together helps balance the washer. If you only have one pillow, Maytag suggests adding a few towels to prevent the load from going off-balance. Maytag
Step 2: Use Only a Small Amount of Detergent
Too much detergent can leave residue inside the pillow. Whirlpool recommends using only about a tablespoon of liquid detergent to avoid oversudsing. Whirlpool
Step 3: Choose a Gentle Cycle
A gentle cycle helps protect the pillow’s structure. Use the warmest water recommended on the care tag, and add an extra rinse if your washer has that option. Whirlpool Maytag
Step 4: Dry Them Completely
Pillows must be fully dry before they go back on the bed. Lingering moisture can lead to odor, mildew, or clumping. Whirlpool says low heat works for many synthetic pillows, while down and feather may need a no-heat air-fluff setting depending on the care tag. Whirlpool
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Best Pillow Cleaning Hacks
Hack #1: Use Dryer Balls to Re-Fluff Pillows
Dryer balls can help keep filling from clumping and improve airflow during drying. Whirlpool and Maytag both recommend using dryer balls when possible. Whirlpool Maytag
Helpful for fluffing pillows, reducing clumps, and improving airflow in the dryer.
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Hack #2: Use a Mild, Low-Residue Detergent
A gentle detergent is better for pillows because it’s less likely to leave buildup inside the fill. This is especially helpful for down, feather, and sensitive-skin households. Whirlpool Leesa
A mild detergent option for washing pillows without heavy fragrance or excess residue.
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Hack #3: Wash Pillows in a Mesh Bag if the Fabric Is Delicate
A large mesh laundry bag can add a little protection for delicate pillow covers or lighter pillows during washing. It’s not required by manufacturers, but it can help reduce snagging and make pillow laundry easier to manage.
Good for protecting delicate pillow covers and keeping bedding loads easier to manage.
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Hack #4: Use a Pillow Protector So You Don’t Need to Deep Clean as Often
A washable pillow protector adds a barrier between your pillow and sweat, oil, and dust. Sleep Foundation specifically notes that pillow protectors can help keep dirt and debris from reaching the pillow itself. Sleep Foundation
Helps reduce stains, sweat, dust, and buildup so pillows stay cleaner longer.
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How to Clean Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam is the one category where you need to slow down and be careful. Sleep Foundation says most memory foam pillows should not be washed in a machine or dried in a dryer because agitation, moisture, and heat can damage the foam. Sleep Foundation
Quick Freshen-Up Method
For a quick deodorizing clean, remove the cover, sprinkle baking soda on one side, let it sit for about an hour, vacuum it off, then repeat on the other side. Both Whirlpool and Sleep Foundation recommend a version of this method. Whirlpool Sleep Foundation
Spot-Cleaning Method
For stains, use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild detergent and gently blot with a clean cloth. Don’t rub aggressively, and don’t wring the foam. After blotting with soapy water, go over the spot again with a clean damp cloth to remove residue. Sleep Foundation
Drying Memory Foam
Let memory foam dry flat in a well-ventilated area for up to 24 hours, away from direct heat. A fan or a blow dryer on a cool setting may help, but standard dryer heat should be avoided. Sleep Foundation
Can You Put Pillows in the Dryer?
Machine-washable pillows usually can go in the dryer, but the safest setting depends on the fill. Maytag advises a low- or no-heat cycle based on the care tag, while Whirlpool says synthetic pillows often handle low heat and down or feather may need no-heat air fluff. Maytag Whirlpool
Common Pillow Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistakes are using too much detergent, skipping the extra rinse, drying pillows before they’re fully clean, and putting memory foam in the washer or dryer without checking the label. Another common problem is removing pillows before they are fully dry, which can leave them musty or lumpy. Whirlpool Maytag Sleep Foundation
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering how to clean pillows without ruining them, the answer is simple: check the care tag, wash machine-safe pillows gently, use only a little detergent, and dry them thoroughly. For memory foam, stick to deodorizing, spot-cleaning, and careful air drying. A couple of cleanings per year can go a long way toward fresher sleep and longer pillow life. Whirlpool Leesa Sleep Foundation
FAQ Section
Can you wash pillows in the washing machine?
Most synthetic, down, and feather pillows are machine washable, but memory foam usually is not. Always check the care label first. Whirlpool Maytag
How often should you wash pillows?
At least twice a year is a common baseline, though some experts suggest every season or every four months. Whirlpool Leesa
Can memory foam pillows be machine washed?
Usually no. Most memory foam pillows should not be machine washed or tumble dried because the foam can break down. Sleep Foundation
What is the best way to dry pillows?
Dry them completely using the setting recommended on the care tag. Dryer balls can help fluff the fill, and no-heat or low-heat settings are often safest depending on pillow type. Whirlpool Maytag
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