How to Wash Pillows the Right Way

Ideally, try to put your pillows in a front-loading washing machine without an agitator (which is that vertical spindle in the center of some machines). Litwin doesn’t recommend putting pillows in a dryer with an agitator at all, though putting the pillows in vertically should reduce the chance of damage if you have a top-loading machine. If you’re worried about your machine, check your pillow’s care instructions or hand-wash.

Step 2: Hand-wash memory foam pillows

Though lovely to sleep with, memory foam pillows do require more attention and aren’t the best pillows for the washing machine. “These need a little extra TLC when it comes to cleaning,” Danielson says. The foam can tear easily in a washing machine.

Like any other type of pillow, it’s always a good idea to read the care instructions, but in general, opt for hand-washing or vacuuming and spot treating, Danielson advises. Memory foam pillows may need this deep cleaning a little more frequently than other types of pillows, about every three months.

Start by taking off the pillow’s removable cover—you can machine-wash these with normal laundry detergent. If the interior foam is a single piece, use a vacuum to suck out any dirt or dust build up. “To hand-wash, fill your bathtub with water and low suds with mild detergent,” Danielson says. Submerge the pillow and allow the water and laundry detergent solution to seep all the way through. Though many memory foam pillow inserts can be washed this way, it’s best to read care instructions, since some are spot-clean only.

Step 3: Spot-clean pillows as needed

Spot-cleaning your pillows between deeper washes is always recommended and a simple way to ensure your pillows are in their best shape possible. For foam pillows, clean soiled areas with a damp cloth and soap solution. You can also pretreat any pillow that isn’t stuffed with foam to get tough stains out.

Step 4: Dry pillows

Once you’ve got the pillows clean, dry them. Any pillow can air-dry, but memory foam pillows have to air-dry since the foam can easily catch fire when exposed to heat. Find a place in your home—ideally outside if it’s not too humid—to hang them up, and let them air out completely. “It is very important that you dry your pillows thoroughly to avoid mildew,” Litwin says. The drying process can take at least a few hours, but it will always be worth it to have extra clean bed pillows.

“Feather and down pillows can both be dried in a dryer on a no-heat, air-dry setting, or tumble-dry low setting,” Danielson says. If you do put them in the dryer, throw in some dryer balls or clean tennis balls to fluff up the pillow and avoid clumping. Looking to speed up the process? Toss a couple dry towels in with the clean pillows.

How to wash wool pillows

Though wool pillows may help you stay cool and snore-free—and offer certain self-cleaning benefits—the cotton liners will need a solid scrub once in a while, Tattersall says. And for good reason: The cotton liner acts as a shield while wool pulls away sweat that’s released as you snooze.

To clean your machine-washable wool pillow, select a low heat or temperature for delicate or wool washes at the lowest spin setting to ensure the fibers remain intact and don’t shrink the pillow, rendering it unusable, he continues. Be sure to reach for the wool-specific detergent too. Skip any extra rinse cycle and pull the pillow from the washer. Next, Tattersall advises to line-dry the pillow—inside or outside works—instead of machine- or tumble-drying to avoid damage.

How to wash down pillows

Down pillows can elicit that “ahh” feeling at the end of a long day. When properly cared for, down pillows can last for many future sleeps, says Thornburg. Adding a pillow protector can aid in extending the pillow’s lifespan and get tossed in weekly laundry cycles. The actual down pillow, though, should be washed about every six months, she advises.