We Asked a Laundry Pro If You Can Machine Wash Pillows—Here’s the Right Way

It’s tricky enough to figure out how to properly wash our bedding—but pillows are a mystery of their own. Coated in fabric and generally filled with foam or down, pillows need a routine clean just like any other textile, as they come in contact with everything from hair oil to sweat each night.

However, pillows’ bulky sizes and unique materials bring into question whether they can actually be machine washed or require more delicate care. Ahead, we tapped a laundry pro for the answer—along with tips to keep your pillows fluffy and fresh for the long haul.

Can You Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine?

Certain pillows can be cleaned in the washing machine, particularly those that are synthetic or down-filled, as long as you use a gentle cycle with mild detergent. However, other types of pillows should be avoided.

“[Dense or delicate materials] should not be machine washed as they can break apart or retain water, leading to damage,” says James Joun, co-founder and chief operating officer of Rinse.

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Types of Pillows That Shouldn’t Be Washed

• Memory foam: This material is dense and therefore not well-suited to handle heavy washing. “Machine agitation can tear the foam, and it traps water easily, leading to mold or mildew,” Joun. says
• Gel: Gel components can become damaged or displaced in a washing machine, causing the pillow’s structure to break down.
• Latex: Like memory foam, latex is also a dense material. “[It] can degrade or warp when exposed to the motion and moisture of machine washing,” Joun notes.
• Pillows with electric components: Pillows with heating or cooling capabilities often contain wires or gel pads that can be destroyed by excess water and movement.

How to Wash Pillows Without Ruining Them

1. Prepare the pillow: Remove any pillowcases and check the label care to ensure the material can be machine-washed.
2. Place two pillows in the machine at a time: If the pillow is washable, toss it in the drum of the machine along with one other pillow. This will help ensure a single pillow doesn’t soak up too much water. It also provides cushioning to prevent excessive spinning and structural damage.
3. Use a mild detergent: Also, use less detergent than you’d use for a regular load. This protects the fabric from harsh ingredients or prevents soap from soaking into the fill.
4. Select for a gentle cycle: The low temperature and reduced spin of gentle or delicate settings is ideal for pillows.
5. Completely dry: Toss your pillows in the dryer on a low heat or air dry setting right after the wash cycle is complete. Ensure they fully dry out to prevent mold or mildew from building up.

Tips for Keeping Pillows Fluffy and Fresh

• Shake pillows after drying: Manually fluffing pillows as soon as they are out of the dryer, by compressing and shaking them, helps redistribute the fill.
• Air pillows out: “It’s [helpful] to air pillows out every few weeks by placing them in indirect sunlight or a well-ventilated area—this helps eliminate odors and moisture,” Joun says.
• Rotate pillows regularly: Giving your pillows a flip or rotation consistently helps to maintain their shape and even out compression over time.

FAQ

• Yes, washing pillows regularly—around every one to two months—is worth it.

  Regular washing helps get rid of sweat, dust mites, and more, while also eliminating odors, preventing moisture build-up, and restoring pillow loft and freshness.

• Pillows turn yellow primarily due to sweat and moisture—these substances oxidize over time and cause yellow stains.