You can wash most pillows in a washing machine if the care label says it's safe. This includes pillows with down, feather, or synthetic fillings.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for water temperature, machine settings, and detergent.
Proper washing and drying will keep your pillows clean and help maintain a hygienic sleep space.
Assessing Pillow Washability
Before washing pillows in a machine, check each pillow to see if it's machine washable. The care label will provide this information. Down or feather pillows can usually be machine washed on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Do not machine wash memory foam pillows as water can damage them.
Remove pillow covers or protectors before washing. These are typically washable separately. For small stains, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap to keep the pillow clean without a full wash.
When machine washing pillows, balance the load to avoid damage. Use a gentle cycle with warm or cool water and a small amount of detergent. After washing, if the pillow is dryer-safe, use a low-heat setting and possibly dryer balls to fluff the pillow.
Regular cleaning and proper washing techniques help extend the life of pillows and maintain a clean sleeping area.
Pre-Wash Pillow Preparation
Before washing pillows, remove all covers and shake them to remove surface dirt. Check the care label for washing instructions, including water temperature, cycle type, and detergent recommendations. Treat any stains with a stain remover according to the product's instructions. Use a mild detergent to avoid damaging the pillows, particularly for down or feather-filled options.
Wash two pillows simultaneously if possible to keep the washing machine balanced and ensure an even clean. After these preparations, pillows are ready to be washed.
Selecting the Correct Cycle
Choose the right washing cycle to clean pillows without damage. For memory foam or latex pillows, use a gentle cycle with cold water to avoid material degradation. Polyester pillows can handle a gentle cycle with warm water to better remove dirt and oils.
Do not use hot water as it can shrink the pillow's fabric, and opt for a mild detergent. For top-loading machines, place pillows vertically to reduce the risk of damage. Front-loading washers are better because they do not have an agitator that could harm the pillows.
Wash two pillows at once for balance and to prevent excessive vibrations. Use a high-speed spin cycle to remove more water, which cuts down on drying time and helps prevent mold.
After washing, use dryer balls or tennis balls in the dryer. These help fluff the pillows and ensure even drying, beneficial for down or feather pillows. This reduces the risk of damage from too much heat or rough handling.
Machine-Washing Different Materials
Machine-washing requires different approaches for various pillow fillings. Feather, down, and polyester fiberfill pillows can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and a high-efficiency, low-sudsing detergent. Foam pillows, such as memory foam and solid latex foam, should not be machine-washed; instead, spot-clean them with a mild soapy solution or consider dry cleaning as per the care label.
For drying machine-washable pillows, use a low heat setting in the tumble dryer and add tennis or dryer balls to help them regain their shape. Feather pillows may need several hours to dry fully.
Regular maintenance of pillows promotes cleanliness and extends their lifespan.
Drying and Fluffing Techniques
To ensure pillows are clean, dry, and maintain their shape after washing, it's important to dry them completely to prevent mildew. When using a dryer, wool dryer balls can help fluff pillows and remove clumps. For down or feather pillows, use the air-dry setting to avoid heat damage. Synthetic or foam pillows should be dried according to the care label's recommended heat setting.
Before reusing, pillows must be fully dry. If avoiding a dryer, air-drying outside on a windy and sunny day is effective but avoid prolonged direct sunlight. Use pillow protectors and wash pillow covers regularly to protect from sweat and oils, reducing the need for frequent washes.
Air out pillows daily and occasionally hang them outside. These practices will keep pillows clean and fluffy.
Maintaining Pillow Cleanliness
To keep pillows clean and durable, follow these steps:
- Fluff pillows daily to remove dust and preserve their shape. This helps maintain a clean sleep environment.
- Deep clean pillows every six months to prevent allergen accumulation. Always follow the care instructions on the pillow's label.
- Most down, feather, and synthetic pillows can be machine washed. However, it's important to confirm this by checking the label.
- When cleaning pillows, use a gentle detergent and warm water on a gentle wash cycle. It's recommended to wash two pillows simultaneously to balance the machine.
- Rinse the pillows thoroughly to eliminate any soap residue.
- Make sure to dry the pillows completely to avoid mold and mildew.
- Use pillow protectors beneath pillowcases to protect against sweat, oils, and skin cells. These protectors should be washed with your sheets to maintain pillow freshness and reduce the frequency of washing the pillows themselves.
- Avoid washing pillows with tears, as this can damage the washer.
Recognizing Replacement Time
Pillows need replacement after a certain period to ensure comfort and hygiene. Despite regular cleaning, materials degrade due to oils, sweat, and skin cells. Typically, a pillow should be replaced every three years. A simple test is to fold the pillow in half; if it doesn't regain its shape, it's time for a new one. Also, if the pillow has a permanent odor or becomes lumpy, it needs to be replaced.
When washing, wash two pillows together for machine balance. Pre-treat stains with an enzyme-based remover. However, no washing can fully restore a worn-out pillow. Regular cleaning helps maintain a clean sleep environment until the pillow needs replacement.
