How to wash pillows, by pillow type
To wash pillows, read the care label first. Down, feather and polyester pillows usually go in the washer two at a time on a gentle cycle with a small amount of detergent and an extra rinse. Memory foam and latex don't: wash the cover and spot-clean the foam. Then dry every pillow completely, all the way to the center, before it goes back on the bed.
A pillow that's still damp inside is worse than an unwashed one, so drying is the step that matters.
What kind of pillow do you have?
| Pillow | Washer? | How to dry |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester or fiberfill | Yes, gentle, warm | Low heat with dryer balls |
| Down and feather | Yes, gentle, cool or warm, mild detergent | Low heat, a long time, fluffing often |
| Solid memory foam | No. Wash the cover, spot-clean the foam | Air dry flat |
| Shredded foam | Check the label; often cover only | Air dry or no heat |
| Latex | No. Spot-clean | Air dry, out of direct sun |
| Buckwheat | Empty the hulls, wash the case only | Air dry the case |
How do you machine-wash a pillow?
- Take off the case and protector. Check the pillow for tears; a small rip turns into a washer full of fill.
- Wash two at a time. It keeps a top-loader balanced. In a top-loader with an agitator, stand them upright.
- Use a little detergent. A small amount of a mild liquid. Too much stays in the fill.
- Gentle cycle, extra rinse. Warm water for polyester; cool or warm for down, by the label.
- Extra spin. It pulls out more water and shortens the drying.
How do you dry pillows properly?
Low heat, with two or three dryer balls or clean tennis balls to break up the clumps. Take them out every 30 minutes and fluff them by hand. A down pillow can take a few hours. Squeeze the center: if it feels cool or damp, it goes back in. On a sunny summer day, a few hours outside on a clean towel helps finish them.
How do you clean a memory foam pillow?
- Take the cover off and wash it by its label.
- Vacuum the foam with the upholstery tool.
- Spot-clean marks with a cloth dampened in water and a drop of mild soap. Dab, don't soak.
- Sprinkle baking soda over it, leave it an hour, and vacuum it off.
- Air dry it flat somewhere with good airflow until it's fully dry.
How do you whiten yellow pillows?
Yellowing is sweat and skin oil. For washable pillows, add an oxygen bleach to the wash or pre-soak, following its label. Our bedding stain guide covers the pillowcases, and our dust and allergens guide covers the rest of the bedroom.
Want a cleaning booked?
The laundry is yours. Book House Cleaning online and put your priorities in your booking notes.
FAQ
How often should you wash pillows? Wash the pillows themselves every few months, and the pillowcases every week. A zippered pillow protector between the two keeps the pillow cleaner for longer.
Can you put a memory foam pillow in the washing machine? Usually not. Solid or shredded foam can tear apart in a washer. Wash the removable cover, then spot-clean the foam with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, and let it air dry fully.
How do you dry pillows so they don't go lumpy? Dry them on low heat with two or three clean tennis balls or dryer balls, and take them out every half hour to fluff them by hand. Keep going until they're dry all the way to the center.
When should you replace a pillow? Fold it in half. If it stays folded instead of springing back, or it's lumpy and stained after a wash, it's time for a new one.
Book a cleaning
Our service area: every Philadelphia neighborhood, plus the Pennsylvania suburbs within about 30 miles of Center City, in Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks and Chester counties. Book online at phillyscleanteam.com/book-now, or call or text (215) 798-7576, 9 AM to 9 PM, every day.
