Can You Put Pillows in the Washing Machine?

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Can you put pillows in the washing machine? If you’ve ever hesitated, you’re not alone. Washing a pillow the wrong way is one of the fastest ways to ruin its shape, reduce loft, trap odors, or even destroy your laundry machine. This no-nonsense guide shows you exactly when and how to safely wash pillows at home using the very latest (2024) manufacturer guidelines, so you save your investment—and your sleep.

Key Takeaways

Read the care label carefully—different pillow types have very different washing rules that prevent odor, clumping, and damage.
Polyester/fiberfill pillows are the most machine-friendly, while memory foam and latex almost never are—down/feather are delicate and need special handling.
Washing two pillows at a time on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and drying fully prevents most damage and extends pillow life.

Why pillow washing needs to be done differently
Step-by-step: How to wash pillows in the washing machine
Advanced analysis and common pitfalls
Conclusion
FAQ Section

Why pillow washing needs to be done differently

Pillows aren’t like towels or sheets. Most pillows get ruined in home washes due to three main reasons: too much agitation, too much heat, and incomplete drying. The agitator in standard top-loading washers can shred memory foam or latex. High heat collapses feather or down, leading to lumps, bad odor, and even mildew. Even with synthetic pillows, running a rough or hot cycle stresses fabric seams and causes fillings to shift, flatten, or clump. According to manufacturer data and returns, improper washing regularly causes loss of pillow shape, odor buildup, and premature wear—leading to frustration, lost sleep, and unnecessary replacement costs.

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That’s why experts recommend a low-risk, step-by-step approach—always read the care label and avoid shortcuts. For specialized cleaning around the home (like your kitchen or fridge), check out our Ultimate Kitchen Cleaning Guide or Deep Clean Your Fridge: Proven Guide.

Step-by-step: How to wash pillows in the washing machine

Follow these exact steps to wash bed pillows safely and avoid common damage:

Check the care label. Look for the washing symbols and specific directions. Most polyester and fiberfill pillows are machine-washable at 40–60°C using gentle cycles at around 800 rpm spin. Down and feather typically allow only cold or warm water and mild detergent. Solid memory foam and latex pillows should never go inside a washer—only removable covers can be machine washed.
Remove pillowcases or zip covers. Wash covers separately to prevent color transfer and help the pillow core get clean and dry evenly.
Pretreat stains before washing. Target visible stains with a light application of mild stain remover or a diluted detergent solution. Gently brush or blot, don’t rub harshly.
Load two pillows at a time. Washing only one can throw the washer drum off balance, causing excess vibration and poor cleaning. Place two similarly sized pillows vertically in a front-loader, or, if you must use a top-loader, position them to avoid direct contact with the agitator.
Use a gentle or delicate cycle. Select cold or warm water (never hot unless specified), a small amount of mild liquid detergent, and a low spin setting. Too much detergent can cause buildup and odor.
Rinse and repeat if needed. An extra rinse helps clear away soap residue, especially with thick or down pillows.
Tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls or tennis balls. Toss in two or three clean dryer balls or tennis balls to help break up clumps and keep fill distributed. Stop the dryer several times to manually fluff and reposition pillows for even drying. Never use high heat.
Avoid putting damp pillows back on your bed or in storage. Dampness breeds mold, mildew, and smells. Be absolutely sure pillows are bone dry—if in doubt, finish them off in the sun or air dry for several hours.

💡 Pro Tip: Always do a “squeeze test” when the dryer finishes. Squeeze the thickest part of the pillow—if you feel any coolness or clumping, the center isn’t dry yet. Keep drying or air-dry longer to prevent hidden mildew.

🔥 Hacks & Tricks: If your pillow still smells musty after drying, throw a clean, dry towel in the dryer with the pillow for the last 25 minutes. The towel absorbs lingering moisture and speeds up the drying process, leaving the pillow fresher.

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For kitchen and utility cleaning, see our Spring Cleaning Tips & Deep Clean Checklist for more ways to care for your home.

Advanced analysis and common pitfalls

No matter how carefully you follow instructions, common mistakes can still ruin pillows. Here’s what the research and data show:

Pillow Type	Machine Washable?	Best Practices	Major Pitfall
Polyester / Fiberfill	Yes	Gentle cycle, 40–60°C, low spin, low-heat dry with dryer balls	Overloading or using high heat (causes fill to collapse)
Down / Feather	Conditional	Cool water, mild detergent, low/no heat dry—or professional clean	Hot water/heat collapses loft, causes lumps and odor
Shredded Memory Foam	Only if label says yes	Gentle wash, extra rinse, air or low dry	Skipping care label; improper drying leads to odor/clumping
Solid Memory Foam / Latex	No	Spot clean / vacuum; wash covers only	Putting in washer destroys pillow, voids warranty

High-risk errors:
- Washing only one pillow unbalances washer drum, causing poor cleaning.
- Using hot water or high heat collapses down/fill, introduces odd smells, and may foster mold if not dried fast enough.
- Skipping pre-treatment on stains means set-in yellowing and less effective cleaning.
- Neglecting the care label is the root of many ruined pillows—when in doubt, check or consult the manufacturer’s online instructions.
- Incomplete drying breeds mildew, clumps, and return headaches.
Realistic problems: Many buyers report their pillows lose shape, get lumpy, or start to smell bad after home washing. Consumer Reports and DOWNLITE confirm these are frequent return reasons (see research).

For more on trouble-shooting, here’s a pillow repair guide. If you want to extend pillow life with less risk, use a washable cover (many are zip-off) and spot or vacuum clean the core when possible. For challenging cleaning appliances, check Dishwasher Isn’t Cleaning Dishes: Fixes on our site.

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Conclusion

Caring for your pillows at home requires a little more caution than standard laundry. Always consult the care label, choose a gentle cycle, use cold or warm water with mild detergent, and be certain pillows are thoroughly dry before you put them back to use or in the closet. The answer to “can you put pillows in the washing machine” is “yes, but only if you follow the right instructions specific to your pillow’s type and fill.” Take the safer route, read the tag closely, and extend the life of all your bedding. Want more cleaning strategies for your whole house? Explore our spring cleaning checklist, or learn expert tips from our deep-clean kitchen guide.

Ready to deep clean without regret? Follow these instructions exactly—and share with others who hate lumpy, ruined pillows.

FAQ Section

Can you put pillows in the washing machine if they have memory foam?

No—solid memory foam or latex pillows should never go in a washing machine. Only their removable fabric covers are usually machine-washable. For the core, use spot cleaning and vacuuming (source).

What’s the fastest way to dry pillows after washing?

Use a low-heat tumble dryer with two or three dryer balls or clean tennis balls, pausing every 30 minutes to fluff by hand. Be patient—full drying can take two or more hours.

Can I wash pillows in a top-loading washer with an agitator?

If no other machine is available, only wash machine-labeled pillows, and always put two in at once to offset the drum. Arrange pillows to avoid contact with the agitator, use gentle cycle, and check frequently for balance.

What should I do if my washed pillow smells or gets lumpy?

Repeat a low-heat drying cycle with dryer balls. If clumping or odor persist, allow the pillow to air dry in sunlight. Severe odors, persistent clumps, or misshapen pillows may be beyond repair—it might be time to replace or consult warranty instructions (read troubleshooting tips).

How often should I wash my bed pillows for best results?

Manufacturers recommend washing pillows every 3–6 months, but washing only removable covers more often and using pillow protectors will reduce the frequency and risk of damage. Spot clean and fluff daily for best hygiene and longevity (research link).

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What you need to wash pillows safely

Two pillows at a time, balanced on opposite sides of the drum, gentle cycle, warm water. The one piece of kit that genuinely changes the outcome is a mesh bag big enough to hold a pillow — it stops the pillow bunching against the drum wall and losing its shape.

Extra-large mesh wash bags. Standard delicates bags are far too small. You want roughly 24 × 36 inches so a standard or queen pillow can still move. This 2-pack is the usual choice; a graduated 3-pack is more useful if you also wash bras and knitwear.
Do not bag memory foam and hope for the best. Memory foam and latex should never go in a washing machine at all — agitation breaks the foam structure down permanently. Spot clean and air those instead.