Most pillows can be washed in the washing machine. Here’s how:
- 1. Remove Your Pillowcases
- 2. Pre-Treat Stains If Necessary
- 3. Add a Laundry Pod to Your Washer Drum
- 4. Place Two Pillows in Your Washer
- 5. Use Cool Water and a Gentle Wash Cycle
- 6. Squeeze out Excess Water
- 7. Place the Pillows in the Dryer
Fun fact: You spend about a third of your life with your face squished into a pillow. That’s thousands of hours right up close with sweat, oils, stray hairs, and whatever else life decides to throw into the mix. If you’re not washing that pillow, well, let’s just say it’s not getting any fresher.
As a rule of thumb, you should wash your pillows every 3-4 months to keep dust mites, dead skin cells, bodily fluids, and other buildup in check. Most pillows can be machine-washed with cool water and laundry pods on a gentle cycle. However, you should always check the care label before cleaning your pillows, since they might have specific washing and drying instructions.
Keep reading to learn how to wash your pillows like a pro so they can stay as clean as they are cozy.
How to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine
You can throw most pillows right into the washing machine, including those filled with cotton, feathers, down, and fiberfill. Stick to these steps and you’ll stay in the clear.
1. Remove Your Pillowcases
First things first—strip those pillowcases off. The pillow itself needs its own spa day, so take off any covers, including protectors, so you’re working with the bare pillow.
2. Pre-Treat Stains If Necessary
If your pillow has stains—anything from sweat marks to mystery spots—take a few minutes to pre-treat them. Dab a bit of dish soap or stain remover on the stains and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This will loosen up any tough-to-remove spots and give you a better clean. A quick pre-treat is the difference between a refreshed pillow and one that still has those stubborn stains hanging around.
3. Add a Laundry Pod to Your Washer Drum
Skip the liquid detergent and toss a laundry pod directly into the washer drum with your pillows. This helps the detergent dissolve fully and get right to work on all that dirt and oil. One laundry pod should be enough to clean two pillows, but if they’re extra large or extra dirty, you can throw in a second pod for good measure.
If you want your pillows to smell luxurious, look no further than Laundry Sauce. Our laundry pods are infused with sophisticated fragrances like Australian Sandalwood, French Saffron, and Italian Bergamot so you can fall asleep to the soothing scents of a faraway escape—no passport required.
4. Place Two Pillows in Your Washer
When you’re washing pillows, add two pillows per load. This keeps the load balanced so the machine doesn’t get thrown off (and doesn’t sound like it’s hosting a rock concert). Plus, washing two means they can rub against each other, which helps get them cleaner. Think of it as a buddy system for your pillows—they both get a better wash when they’re in it together.
5. Use Cool Water and a Gentle Wash Cycle
Choose a cool water temperature and set the machine to a gentle cycle. Cool water protects the pillow filling from getting warped, while a gentle cycle prevents rough agitation that could tear or clump the pillow’s stuffing. You want a thorough clean, but without any harsh scrubbing that might ruin the shape or feel.
6. Squeeze out Excess Water
Once the wash cycle is done, remove the pillows and gently press them to release any leftover water. Avoid wringing them out, as that can warp the filling and leave you with a lumpy, misshapen pillow. Just lay them flat on a clean towel and apply light pressure with your hands to remove as much water as possible.
7. Place the Pillows in the Dryer with Wool Dryer Balls
Transfer the pillows to the dryer and toss in a few wool dryer balls. These help keep the pillows fluffed up as they dry and prevent the filling from clumping. Use the dryer’s low heat setting—high heat can damage the pillow filling or shrink the outer fabric. If your pillows still feel damp after one cycle, repeat on low heat until they’re completely dry.
How to Hand-Wash Pillows
If you have a memory foam pillow or a pillow that says “do not machine wash,” you’ll need to clean it by hand instead. Here’s how it’s done:
1. Fill a clean bathtub or basin with lukewarm water.
2. Add a small amount of detergent to the water along with 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar and mix to combine.
3. Place the pillows in the water, gently pressing them to get fully saturated by the soapy water.
4. Drain the water, then refill the basin with clean water.
5. Rinse the pillows until all detergent is flushed out.
6. Gently press out the excess water from the pillows. Avoid wringing or twisting.
7. Lay the pillows on a clean, flat surface to air dry.
Common Questions About Washing Pillows
Now that you know how to wash your pillows lke a pro, let’s dive into some common questions.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
You should wash your pillows every 3 to 6 months to keep them free from dust mites, sweat, and other buildup. If you have allergies or are sensitive to dust, aim for every 3 months for maximum freshness.
Can You Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine?
Yes, most pillows can go in the washing machine—just be sure to check the care label first. Use a gentle cycle with cool water, and wash two pillows at a time to keep the machine balanced.
How Do You Get Yellow Stains Out of Pillows?
To remove yellow stains, pre-treat the spots with a mix of with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, let them it for 30 minutes, and rinse with cold water.
Pro tip: Check out our ultimate guide to removing yellow stains.
Can You Put Pillows in the Dryer?
Yes, most pillows can be safely dried in the dryer on a low heat setting. For best results, toss in a few dryer balls to keep them fluffy and evenly dried.
Fall Asleep to the Smell of Luxury
Washing your pillows might seem like a chore, but it’s worth it—especially when you pamper your pillows with Laundry Sauce: the world’s best-smelling laundry detergent. Forget “spring breeze” and “fresh linen.” Our scents are so seductive you’ll be tempted to hit the snooze button just to indulge yourself.
