Keeping your pillows fresh and clean is key to a good night’s sleep. But you might wonder if tossing them in the washing machine is safe or if it could damage them. The good news is that many pillows can be washed in your machine, saving you time and effort.
Understanding which types of pillows are machine-friendly and how to wash them properly helps extend their life and maintain comfort. You’ll also avoid common mistakes that can ruin your pillows or your washer. Let’s explore the basics of washing pillows in the machine so you can refresh your bedding with confidence.
Can You Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine?
You can wash many types of pillows in a washing machine, provided you follow specific guidelines. Synthetic pillows, such as polyester fill, often withstand machine washing without damage. Down and feather pillows also work well in machines when washed on gentle cycles and dried properly. Memory foam pillows, however, should never go in a washing machine since water damages their structure.
You must remove pillowcases and check for manufacturer care tags before washing. Use a mild detergent and choose a warm or cold water setting to prevent filling clumping. Washing two pillows simultaneously balances the load, protecting your machine’s motor and ensuring thorough cleaning. After washing, dry pillows completely on a low heat setting or air dry to prevent mold and odor.
You risk damaging pillows by using harsh detergents, hot water, or overloading the washer. Inspect pillows for tears before washing since water can worsen filling loss through damaged seams. When in doubt, hand washing or spot cleaning provides a safer alternative for delicate pillow types.
Types of Pillows Suitable for Machine Washing
Knowing which pillow types withstand machine washing protects their integrity and extends their lifespan. You can safely wash some common pillow varieties by following proper guidelines.
Down and Feather Pillows
Down and feather pillows tolerate machine washing if you use a gentle cycle and mild detergent. Always remove pillowcases first. Washing two pillows together balances the load and prevents damage. Use cold or warm water to avoid shrinking or weakening feathers. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners. After washing, dry pillows thoroughly on low heat with dryer balls or clean tennis balls to maintain fluffiness and prevent clumping. Ensure complete drying to stop mold growth.
Synthetic Pillows
Synthetic pillows filled with polyester or microfiber handle machine washing well on gentle or delicate cycles. Use mild detergent and cold or warm water to prevent fiber damage. Remove pillow covers before washing. Washing two pillows at once keeps the washer balanced. Dry on low heat or air dry. Synthetic pillows dry faster than down or feather and rarely clump if dried properly. Avoid using bleach or strong chemicals.
Memory Foam and Latex Pillows
Memory foam and latex pillows are unsuitable for machine washing because water and agitation damage their structure. Instead, spot clean stains with mild detergent and air dry completely. Use pillow protectors to minimize dirt and odors. Hand washing covers separately preserves hygiene without risking foam degradation. Machine washing these pillows causes tears, deformations, or disintegration of the foam material.
How to Prepare Pillows for Machine Washing
Preparing pillows correctly ensures effective cleaning and prevents damage during machine washing. Follow these steps to get your pillows ready.
Checking Care Labels
Start by reading the care labels on your pillows. Labels confirm if machine washing is safe and specify water temperature, cycle type, and detergent recommendations. Ignore washing pillows without labels unless you know their material. For down and feather pillows, check for instructions on gentle cycles. If the label advises against machine washing, opt for spot cleaning instead.
Removing Pillowcases and Covers
Always remove pillowcases, covers, or protective covers before washing. These items attract most dirt, oils, and sweat, which you can wash separately for better results. Removing them prevents color bleeding and fabric damage to the pillow during the wash cycle. If you use pillow protectors, keep them on only if the care label allows machine washing with them in place.
Best Washing Machine Settings for Pillows
Setting your washing machine properly keeps pillows clean and protects their shape. Using the right water temperature, cycle, and detergent ensures a thorough wash without damage.
Water Temperature and Cycle Choice
Choose warm or cold water to prevent filling clumps and preserve pillow materials. Select the gentle or delicate cycle to reduce agitation and avoid tearing or flattening. Washing two pillows together balances the load and improves cleaning effectiveness.
Using the Right Detergent
Use a mild liquid detergent that won’t leave residue or weaken fibers. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners since they can degrade pillow materials and reduce fluffiness. Measure detergent carefully to prevent buildup inside pillows and the washer.
Drying Pillows Properly After Washing
Drying pillows thoroughly after washing prevents mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors. Use the right drying method to maintain your pillow’s shape and fluffiness while ensuring it dries completely.
Machine Drying Tips
Set your dryer to a low heat or air-only cycle to protect pillow fibers from heat damage. Add clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the pillow and break up clumps during drying. Dry two pillows at once for balanced tumbling and quicker drying. Check pillows every 15-20 minutes and redistribute stuffing if needed. Avoid high heat, which can shrink or weaken pillow materials, especially in down and synthetic pillows.
Air Drying Methods
Lay the pillow flat on a clean, dry surface in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or warping. Flip and fluff the pillow every few hours to speed drying and maintain its shape. Use a fan or place the pillow near an open window to improve airflow. Allow at least 24-48 hours for full drying. Avoid hanging pillows by the corners, which can distort their shape.
Potential Risks and How to Avoid Them
Machine washing pillows poses risks such as clumping, damage to filling, loss of shape, and mold growth if drying is incomplete. Avoid clumping by using gentle or delicate cycles with warm or cold water and mild liquid detergent. Prevent damage by washing only machine-safe pillows like synthetic, down, and feather types, while excluding memory foam and latex pillows from machine washing.
Balance the load by washing two pillows simultaneously, which protects both your washing machine and pillows. Skip bleach and fabric softeners, as they degrade pillow fibers and reduce fluffiness. Prevent color bleeding and fabric damage by removing pillowcases and covers before washing unless the care label permits washing with pillow protectors.
Ensure thorough drying by using a low heat setting or air-only cycle in your dryer, adding dryer balls or clean tennis balls to maintain loft. Check pillows every 15–20 minutes during drying to avoid overheating. If air drying, lay pillows flat in a well-ventilated space, flipping frequently over 24–48 hours to fully eliminate moisture and prevent mold.
Overloading the washer or using hot water increases risks of filling clumps and fabric wear, so keep cycles gentle and machine loads balanced. Follow care labels precisely to avoid structural damage or voiding warranties on your pillows.
Conclusion
Washing your pillows in the machine can be a great way to keep them fresh and comfortable when done correctly. By knowing which pillows are machine-safe and following the right steps, you protect your investment and enjoy better sleep quality. Always pay attention to care labels and avoid shortcuts that could cause damage.
Taking the time to wash and dry your pillows properly helps maintain their shape, fluffiness, and hygiene. This simple routine can make a noticeable difference in how your pillows feel and last over time. With the right care, your pillows will stay clean and supportive night after night.
