How to Wash Pillows: The Right Way to Clean Every Pillow Type

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Why and How Often to Wash Pillows

A pillow absorbs a significant amount of material over time. The average person sweats 200–500 mL overnight; a portion of that moisture is absorbed by the pillow beneath the pillowcase. Add skin cells, hair oils, and the dead skin mites feed on, and the case for regular washing becomes clear.

Dust mites are the primary hygiene concern. According to the Asthma Society of Canada, pillows can harbour hundreds of thousands of dust mites after 2 years of use if not regularly cleaned. Dust mite allergens are a major trigger for asthma and allergic rhinitis , the runny nose and congestion that disturbs sleep for many Canadians.

8 min read

Washing Instructions by Pillow Type

Down and Feather Pillows

Down and feather pillows are more delicate than synthetic but handle washing well with the right approach.

• Machine safe: Yes
• Cycle: Gentle / delicate
• Temperature: Warm (40°C), not hot , high heat damages down clusters
• Detergent: A small amount of mild liquid detergent. Powder detergent can leave residue in down fill. Use half the recommended amount.
• Two pillows at once: Wash two pillows together to balance the load and prevent the machine from working unevenly
• Extra rinse: Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent from the fill , detergent residue causes clumping
• Tip: Add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help restore loft and remove odours

Synthetic Fill Pillows (Polyester, Microfibre)

The easiest pillow type to wash. Most synthetic pillows tolerate a regular machine wash without special treatment.

• Machine safe: Yes
• Cycle: Gentle or regular
• Temperature: Warm (40–60°C)
• Detergent: Standard mild detergent, half dose
• Frequency: Every 3 months is ideal , synthetic fill flattens faster than down and washing helps restore some loft temporarily

Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam cannot go in a washing machine. The agitation breaks down the foam's cell structure, and the foam retains water in ways that resist drying , leading to mould inside the pillow.

• Machine safe: No
• Spot cleaning: Mix a small amount of mild liquid detergent with water, apply with a damp cloth to the stained area, work gently, then blot dry
• Airing: Place in a well-ventilated area or near a fan (not in direct hot sunlight, which degrades foam) every few months
• Cover: Always use a removable, washable cover on memory foam pillows , the cover does the heavy lifting hygienically

Latex Pillows

Natural and synthetic latex pillows also cannot go in a machine , the agitation and heat damage the latex structure. Latex is naturally resistant to dust mites and mould, which reduces the urgency, but regular airing and spot cleaning still apply.

• Machine safe: No
• Spot cleaning: Same method as memory foam , damp cloth, mild detergent, blot dry
• Airing: Air in a shaded, ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight , UV degrades latex over time
• Natural mite resistance: Latex's antimicrobial properties mean it accumulates fewer mite allergens than down or synthetic fill, but surface cleaning is still worthwhile

Buckwheat Hull Pillows

Buckwheat pillows require a different approach entirely. The hulls inside cannot get wet.

• Machine safe: Never , the hulls will be destroyed
• Method: Remove the hulls from the pillow cover into a tray or bowl. Wash the cover separately on a regular cycle. Sun the hulls for several hours to eliminate moisture and refresh them. Refill the cover when both are completely dry.
• Replace hulls: Buckwheat hulls should be replaced every 1–3 years as they flatten

Drying Pillows Properly

Drying is where most pillow washing goes wrong. Inadequate drying leads to mildew inside the fill , you'll notice a musty smell, and the pillow becomes a health concern rather than a hygiene win.

For Down and Synthetic: Use Dryer Balls

The most important tool for drying pillows is wool dryer balls (or clean tennis balls). They physically break apart the clumped fill as the pillow tumbles, restoring loft and ensuring even drying. Without them, down in particular dries in dense clumps that stay damp in the centre long after the surface feels dry.

• Heat setting: Low to medium heat , high heat damages down clusters and can melt synthetic fill
• Duration: 60–90 minutes minimum; often longer for thick down pillows
• Test for dryness: Squeeze the pillow firmly. If you feel any remaining dampness or clumps, continue drying. A fully dry down pillow has restored loft and no cold spots.
• Final air-dry: Leave the pillow flat in a well-ventilated room for several hours after the dryer to ensure complete drying before re-using

For Foam and Latex: Air Dry Only

Never put foam or latex pillows in a dryer. The heat breaks down the material. Air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated location. Depending on the size and humidity, this can take 12–24 hours. Ensure the pillow is thoroughly dry before replacing the cover.

When to Replace Instead of Wash

Washing restores hygiene but not structural integrity. A flat, lumpy, or unsupportive pillow won't recover its loft with washing , it needs replacing. Check your pillow with the fold test:

Pillow Protectors: The Easier Long-Term Solution

A zippered pillow protector worn between the pillow and pillowcase is the single most effective way to extend the time between deep washes and protect the pillow's fill from sweat, oils, and allergens.

We carry pillow protectors at our Brantford showroom in both waterproof (ideal for people who sweat heavily or for children's pillows) and breathable moisture-wicking versions (for people who find plastic-backed protectors warm). Washing a protector monthly takes 20 minutes in the machine , far easier than washing the pillow itself every few weeks.

Shop: Pillows at Mattress Miracle