Can You Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine?
Most bed pillows can be washed in a washing machine, including down, feather, fiberfill, and cotton pillows. Use a gentle cycle with warm water and mild detergent. Wash two pillows at a time for balance. However, memory foam and latex pillows should not be machine washed as they can break apart.
Key Takeaways
- Washing pillows removes accumulated sweat, oils, dust mites, and allergens that build up over months of use.
- Memory foam and latex pillows should only be spot-cleaned or hand-washed gently; machine washing destroys them.
- Buckwheat pillows cannot be washed; only the cover is washable while hulls are aired out.
Explanation
Washing pillows removes accumulated sweat, oils, dust mites, and allergens that build up over months of use. Most pillow care labels provide washing instructions. When in doubt, down, feather, and synthetic fiberfill pillows are generally safe for machines.
Use a small amount of mild detergent - excess soap is hard to rinse from pillow filling. Select a gentle or delicate cycle with an extra rinse. Wash two pillows together to keep the washing machine balanced during spin cycles.
Proper drying is crucial to prevent mold and mildew. Tumble dry on low heat with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to prevent clumping and restore fluffiness. This can take 2-3 cycles. Ensure pillows are completely dry before use.
Things to Know
- Memory foam and latex pillows should only be spot-cleaned or hand-washed gently; machine washing destroys them.
- Buckwheat pillows cannot be washed; only the cover is washable while hulls are aired out.
- Pillows should be washed every 3-6 months and replaced every 1-2 years.