Quick Answer: Polyester, down, and feather pillows can usually be washed on a gentle cycle in warm water, while memory foam and latex pillows must never go in a washing machine. Wash two pillows at a time for balance, use a mild detergent, and dry thoroughly with low heat and dryer balls to prevent clumping.
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Popular pillows at Mattress Miracle:
- Somnia 3.0 Posture Pillow
- Symbia Orthopedic Wedge Pillow
- Talalay Latex Pillow (Dreamcloud)
- Cool Ice Pillow (Cooling Gel)
Or our full pillow range in our Brantford showroom.
Most people wash their pillowcases regularly but let the actual pillow go for years without cleaning. That pillow collects sweat, dead skin cells, body oils, and dust mites over time, even under a pillowcase. Knowing how to wash pillows in a washing machine correctly means you can clean them safely without destroying the fill or the cover, and you can sleep on something genuinely clean rather than just a clean-looking surface.
This guide covers which pillow types are machine washable, the settings to use, how much detergent to add, and how to dry them properly. It also covers what to do when the care label says "do not machine wash."
Which Pillows Can Go in the Washing Machine?
Not all pillows are machine washable. The fill type is the main factor.
| Pillow Type | Machine Washable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Down | Yes | Gentle cycle, warm water, low heat dry with dryer balls |
| Down Alternative / Polyester Fibre | Yes | Gentle cycle, warm water, low to medium heat dry |
| Feather | Yes | Gentle cycle, warm water, thorough drying essential |
| Cotton Fill | Yes | Regular cycle, warm water, medium heat dry |
| Wool Fill | Sometimes | Check label; wool-safe cycle with cold water if allowed |
| Memory Foam | No | Machine agitation tears foam; spot clean or hand wash only |
| Latex | No | Machine washing damages latex; spot clean or hand wash only |
| Buckwheat | No | Buckwheat hulls must be removed; only the cover is washable |
| Shredded Foam | Sometimes | Check label; most shredded foam pillows are not machine washable |
The care label sewn into the pillow is the definitive guide. If the label is missing or illegible, search the brand name and model online. Most manufacturers publish care instructions on their websites.
What You Need Before You Start
- A front-loading or top-loading washing machine without a centre agitator (agitators can damage pillow fill and seams)
- A mild, liquid laundry detergent (powder can leave residue in fill)
- Two or three dryer balls (wool or rubber) for drying
- Access to a full-size dryer
If you only have a top-loading machine with a centre agitator, place the pillows vertically in the drum rather than wrapping them around the agitator. This reduces stress on the seams and helps the pillow move more freely through the wash water. Washing one at a time in an agitator machine is safer than washing two.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine
Step 1: Check the care label
Confirm the pillow is machine washable and note the recommended water temperature and cycle type. If the label says "dry clean only," do not put it in the washing machine.
Step 2: Remove the pillowcase and any pillow protector
Wash these separately according to their own care instructions. Most cotton pillowcases can handle a warm regular wash cycle.
Step 3: Load two pillows together
Washing two pillows at once balances the drum load. An unbalanced drum during the spin cycle puts strain on the washing machine motor and can cause the machine to stop mid-cycle or walk across the floor. If you only have one pillow to wash, add a few towels to balance the load.
Step 4: Add the right amount of detergent
Use approximately half the amount you would use for a normal load of laundry. Pillows are bulky and trap detergent in the fill. Excess detergent is difficult to rinse out fully and leaves a residue that attracts more dirt over time. For down or feather pillows, use a detergent labelled safe for down or a gentle wool-safe detergent.
Step 5: Select the cycle and temperature
Use a gentle or delicate cycle for down, feather, and synthetic fibre pillows. Cotton fill pillows can handle a regular cycle. Use warm water (approximately 40 degrees Celsius) as the default. Cold water is acceptable for delicate fills. Avoid hot water unless the care label specifically permits it.
Step 6: Run an extra rinse cycle
After the main wash, run an additional rinse cycle without any detergent. This helps ensure all soap residue is flushed from the fill. Residual detergent is a common cause of pillow odour and clumping after washing.
Step 7: Spin at medium speed
A medium spin removes most of the water without subjecting the fill to excessive force. High-speed spinning can cause clumping in down and feather fills that is difficult to reverse even in the dryer.
Machine Settings at a Glance
| Setting | Down / Feather | Synthetic Fibre / Down Alternative | Cotton Fill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle | Gentle / Delicate | Gentle / Delicate | Regular |
| Water Temperature | Warm (30-40°C) | Warm (40°C) | Warm (40°C) |
| Detergent Amount | Half dose, down-safe | Half dose, mild | Half dose, mild |
| Extra Rinse | Yes | Yes | Recommended |
| Spin Speed | Medium | Medium | Medium to High |
Drying Pillows Properly
Drying is where most pillow washing attempts go wrong. A pillow that looks and feels dry on the outside can still be damp in the centre, and that interior dampness is where mildew grows.
Tumble drying
Use low heat for down and feather pillows. Use low to medium heat for synthetic fills. Add two or three dryer balls to break up clumps and fluff the fill as it dries. Dryer balls also speed up the drying time by creating space for air to circulate through the drum.
Plan for at least two full dryer cycles. After the first cycle, take the pillow out and squeeze it firmly in several spots. If you feel any cool, damp patches in the centre, it needs more time. Return it to the dryer for another full cycle before checking again.
Air drying
If you do not have a dryer, hang the pillow flat on a drying rack or across a clothesline in a warm, well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight speeds up drying and has a mild sanitising effect. Flip the pillow every few hours so both sides dry evenly. Air drying down and feather pillows typically takes 6 to 12 hours in good conditions.
Do not put a damp pillow back on the bed. The damp filling against your face and neck is unpleasant, and the moisture transferring to the mattress can contribute to mould growth over time.
What to Do With Non-Machine-Washable Pillows
Memory foam, latex, and buckwheat pillows require a different approach.
Memory foam and latex
For surface stains, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water and dab (do not rub) the stain with a clean cloth. Rinse by pressing a fresh damp cloth against the area to absorb the soap. Let the pillow air dry completely before replacing the cover. Never submerge a memory foam or latex pillow in water.
To freshen a memory foam or latex pillow without washing, remove the cover and let the pillow air out in a well-ventilated room for a few hours. Sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda over the surface, leaving it for 30 minutes, and then vacuuming it off removes light odours effectively.
Buckwheat
Pour the buckwheat hulls out of the pillow into a large container or bag. Wash the outer cover separately according to its care label. Let the hulls air out in a dry location (not outside if there is any moisture in the air). Refill the cover once both are completely dry.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
| Pillow Type | Recommended Wash Frequency |
|---|---|
| Down and Feather | Every 3 to 6 months |
| Synthetic / Polyester Fibre | Every 3 months |
| Cotton Fill | Every 3 to 4 months |
| Latex / Memory Foam | Spot clean as needed; air out monthly |
| Pillowcases | Every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Pillow Protectors | Every 4 to 6 weeks |
Sleeping with allergies, sweating heavily at night, or sharing the bed with pets are all reasons to wash more frequently than the standard schedule. A pillow protector under the pillowcase significantly extends the time between washes by catching most of the sweat and skin cells before they reach the fill. For advice on protecting your bedding investment, see our article on how to choose a mattress protector.
Signs Your Pillow Needs Replacing, Not Just Washing
Washing can restore cleanliness and freshness, but it cannot fix structural deterioration. Replace your pillow if:
- It stays flat and does not spring back when you fold it in half (the "fold test")
- There are permanent lumps or flat spots in the fill that washing does not resolve
- The cover has yellowed significantly through multiple washes
- There is a persistent odour that does not go away after thorough washing and drying
- You wake up with neck or shoulder discomfort that was not there when the pillow was newer
Most synthetic and down pillows last 1 to 3 years with regular washing. Higher-quality down and latex pillows can last 5 years or more. For a full breakdown, see our guide on how long pillows last.
Common Washing Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much detergent: Creates a residue that attracts more dirt and causes clumping.
- Washing at too high a temperature: Shrinks cotton covers and damages delicate fills.
- Skipping the extra rinse: Leaves soap in the fill.
- Drying at high heat: Can melt synthetic fibres and cause down clusters to break apart.
- Not drying long enough: The leading cause of mildew in washed pillows.
- Washing a non-washable pillow: Memory foam and latex will break down irreparably in the washing machine.
For specifics on washing down-filled pillows, see our dedicated guide on washing down pillows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash pillows in a washing machine?
Most pillows can be washed in a washing machine. Down, down-alternative, synthetic fibre, and cotton-fill pillows are generally machine washable. Memory foam, latex, and buckwheat pillows cannot go in the washing machine and must be spot cleaned or hand washed instead.
What temperature should you wash pillows at?
Warm water (around 40 degrees Celsius) works well for most washable pillows. Hot water can shrink cotton covers and damage fill materials. Down pillows do best with warm to cool water. Always check the care label first.
How much detergent should you use when washing pillows?
Use about half the detergent you would use for a regular load of laundry. Too much detergent leaves residue in the fill that is difficult to rinse out fully, which can cause clumping and odour over time.
How often should you wash your pillows?
Most pillows should be washed every 3 to 6 months. If you sweat heavily at night, have allergies, or do not use a pillowcase protector, washing every 2 to 3 months is better. Pillowcases should be washed every 1 to 2 weeks.
Can you wash two pillows at once?
Yes, and it is actually recommended. Washing two pillows together balances the load in the drum, preventing the machine from becoming unbalanced during the spin cycle. An unbalanced load can damage the washing machine motor over time.
How do you dry pillows after washing?
Tumble dry on low heat with two or three dryer balls to prevent clumping. Run at least two full dryer cycles to ensure the fill is completely dry. A pillow that is even slightly damp inside can develop mildew within 24 to 48 hours.
Washing pillows in a washing machine works for most synthetic-fill and down pillows when you use a gentle cycle with warm water and low-suds detergent, but the drying step matters more than the washing: pillows must be dried completely on low heat with dryer balls to prevent mildew growth inside the fill. Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford carries replacement pillows for every sleep position and budget. Dorothy recommends washing pillows every 3 to 4 months, but also notes that most pillows lose about 50 percent of their structural support after 18 to 24 months regardless of washing, which is why our team encourages customers to replace rather than endlessly wash a pillow that has already gone flat. Call Talia at (519) 770-0001.
Brad, Owner since 1987: "Every customer's situation is different. We have been helping Brantford families find the right mattress for over 37 years, and we are always happy to answer questions in person at our showroom on West Street."
8 min read