Pillows are a household essential that often go unnoticed until they start to lose their shape or show yellow stains. Over time they absorb sweat, oils, dust, and allergens, so keeping them clean is important for both comfort and health. The challenge is that not every pillow can be tossed into the washing machine. Using the wrong method can leave them lumpy, flat, or even ruined. Follow this guide on how to wash pillows without ruining them so you can refresh your pillows without sacrificing their support.
How to Wash Pillows Without Ruining Them
The best way to protect your pillows is to match the cleaning method to the type of pillow you own. Washing a synthetic pillow is not the same as caring for a feather or memory foam pillow. Knowing the differences will help you get the job done without shortening the life of your bedding.
4 Steps to Take BEFORE You Wash Your Pillow:
Before you place your pillows in the washer, it helps to do a little prep work. These simple checks will save you from mistakes that could flatten the filling or damage the fabric.
#1: Check the care tag
If you want to wash pillows without ruining them, be sure to check your care tag! Every pillow has a label with cleaning instructions. If the symbols are confusing, you can take a photo and use your phone to look them up for quick guidance.
As Speed Queen explains, “Before you start washing your pillows, you need to check the care label to see if they are machine washable or not. Most pillows are, but some may require special care, such as dry cleaning or spot cleaning.”
#2: Understand the pillow material
- Polyester or microfiber pillows: These are the most common and are usually safe in the washer. They respond well to a gentle or bulky setting with cool water.
- Down pillows: Filled with soft under-feathers from ducks or geese, these can be washed in the machine. Use a delicate setting and cool water to prevent clumping.
- Feather pillows: Made with sturdier feathers, these can also go in the washer, but they need gentle cycles and thorough drying to avoid odor.
- Cotton pillows: Some all-cotton pillows can be machine washed. Others may shrink, so always double-check the tag.
- Bamboo pillows: Typically filled with shredded memory foam inside a bamboo fabric cover. The cover is machine washable, but the shredded foam should only be spot cleaned.
- Latex pillows: Do not put in the washing machine. Spot clean with a damp cloth and allow them to air dry completely.
- Memory foam pillows: The foam core should never go in the washer. Instead, remove the cover for machine washing, spot clean the foam if needed, and refresh it by airing it out in the sun.
#3: Choose the right detergent
Choosing the right detergent is one of the most important ways to wash pillows without ruining them. Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Powder detergent can leave residue in the filling. Add an extra rinse cycle to make sure soap and sweat are fully washed out. For stubborn yellowing or mystery stains, hydrogen peroxide can be added to the wash for a gentle boost.
#4: Avoid these common pillow washing mistakes that ruin pillows
Steer clear of these pitfalls to keep pillows clean, fluffy, and long-lasting.
- Overloading the washer: The pillow cannot tumble or rinse well; soap and water remain trapped.
- Skipping the extra rinse: This causes stiffness and odors to linger.
- High heat drying: Shell damage, melted polyester fibers, and brittle feathers can result.
- Storing while damp: Even a little moisture invites mildew inside the core.
- Skipping reshaping: Failing to fluff during drying lets clumps set as the pillow cools.
How to Wash Pillows Step-by-Step
Washing pillows requires a little extra care compared to sheets or towels. The right washer settings and accessories make all the difference in keeping seams intact and the filling soft. Front-loaders and impeller-style top-loaders are best since they move pillows gently, while bulky or comforter settings provide the extra water and time thick items need. Always use liquid detergent, since powder can leave residue inside the fill. If your pillows have delicate seams, slipping them into a large mesh bag can add protection. And once your wash is complete, run a quick clean washer cycle to keep your machine fresh and ready for the next load.
Step 1: Load evenly
Wash two pillows at a time to keep the washer balanced. Select the bulky or gentle cycle with cool water.
Step 2: Add detergent and rinse
Measure a small amount of liquid detergent and set the machine for an extra rinse. This will leave the pillows clean without leftover soap.
Step 3: Fluff after washing
When the cycle finishes, press and shake each pillow to loosen the filling before placing them in the dryer.
Step 4: Dry carefully
Tumble dry on low heat or no heat. Add tennis balls or dryer balls to help prevent clumping and keep the pillows soft.
Step 5: Check for moisture
Press down on each pillow after drying. If you feel dampness inside, return it to the dryer. Any leftover moisture can lead to mildew.
Bonus Tip: Quick Fixes for Tough Pillow Stains and Yellowing
- Sweat rings: Pretreat with an enzyme spray; wash warm with an extra rinse.
- Makeup and sunscreen: Rub liquid dish soap into the spot, wait 10 minutes, then launder.
- Yellowing: Add oxygen bleach to the wash. Avoid chlorine bleach; it can weaken fibers and yellow natural fills.
- Body oil buildup: Add a half cup of washing soda to boost cleaning, then rinse twice.
- Musty odor: Add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse, then dry fully with dryer balls.
Pillows last longer when cleaned properly, but each material requires its own method of care. Synthetic, cotton, feather, and down pillows can be washed at home, while memory foam and latex are best handled with spot cleaning and air drying. Follow these simple steps to keep your pillows fresh, comfortable, and supportive for years. If your washer or dryer ever struggles to keep up on laundry day, our Burnaby appliance repair experts are ready to help.
