How to Wash Pillows: The Complete Guide to Clean, Fresh Pillows

Your pillows collect sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and dust mites every single night. Even with a pillowcase, pillows get dirty fast — that's why they turn yellow over time. The good news: most pillows are machine washable, and washing pillows regularly keeps them fresh, hygienic, and longer-lasting.

This guide covers how to wash pillows of every type — down, synthetic, and memory foam — whether at home or at a laundromat near you.

Which Pillows Can You Machine Wash?

How to Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine

1. Check the care label. Most down and synthetic pillows are labeled machine washable. See our laundry symbols guide to decode the label.
2. Remove the pillowcase and protector. Wash these separately with your regular bedding.
3. Wash two pillows at once. This balances the machine and prevents the agitator from warping a single pillow. Place one on each side of the drum.
4. Use mild liquid detergent — less than usual. Pillows trap soap easily. Use about half the normal detergent amount. Skip fabric softener — it coats fill material and reduces loft.
5. Select gentle cycle with warm water. Warm water helps dissolve body oils. Use cold for down pillows if the care label specifies. Hot water is OK for synthetic pillows to kill dust mites.
6. Run an extra rinse. Pillows are thick and absorb a lot of water and soap. An extra rinse ensures all detergent is removed.
7. Spin on high. A high-speed spin extracts more water and cuts drying time significantly.

How to Remove Yellow Stains from Pillows

Pillow yellowing is caused by sweat, body oils, and drool soaking through the pillowcase over time. To remove yellow stains:

1. Mix a solution of: 1 cup hydrogen peroxide + 1/2 cup baking soda + 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
2. Apply the mixture to the yellow areas and let it sit 30-60 minutes
3. Wash the pillows as described above using warm or hot water
4. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help brighten

For stubborn yellowing, soak the entire pillow in the solution for 1-2 hours before washing. For more cleaning techniques, check our stain removal guide.

How to Dry Pillows

Proper drying prevents mildew and restores fluffiness:

1. Use low to medium heat. High heat can damage fill and melt synthetic fibers.
2. Add dryer balls or clean tennis balls. These break up clumps and restore pillow loft. Use 2-3 balls.
3. Dry in long cycles — expect 60-90 minutes. Pillows take much longer to dry than regular laundry. Don't rush it.
4. Check for dampness. Squeeze the center of the pillow. If it feels cool or damp, keep drying. A damp pillow stored away will develop mildew and odor.

Using a laundromat's large commercial dryers speeds up the process significantly compared to a home dryer.

How Often Should You Wash Pillows?

Wash pillows every 3 to 6 months. If you use pillow protectors (zippered covers under your pillowcase), you can extend this to every 6 months. Without protectors, aim for every 3 months.

Replace pillows every 1-2 years. Even with regular washing, pillows lose their support and accumulate allergens over time. A simple test: fold the pillow in half. If it stays folded instead of springing back, it's time for a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wash memory foam pillows in the washing machine?
No. Machine washing breaks down memory foam. Instead, remove the cover and wash it separately. Spot-clean the foam with a damp cloth and mild soap. To deodorize, sprinkle baking soda on the foam, let sit 30 minutes, then vacuum off.

Can you wash pillows at a laundromat?
Yes, and it's often easier because laundromat machines are larger and dry faster. Wash two pillows together in a medium machine on gentle cycle. Use the large dryer with dryer balls. Total cost: about $5-$8. Find a laundromat near you.

Should you wash new pillows before using them?
It's a good idea. New pillows can contain manufacturing residues, packaging dust, and chemical odors. A quick gentle wash freshens them up before first use.