Quick Answer
Yes, you can wash most bed pillows in the washing machine. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
– Check the care label – Some pillows specify “dry clean only” or “hand wash.” Follow these instructions.
– Use a gentle cycle – Wash pillows on a delicate or gentle cycle with cold water to avoid damage.
– Use mild detergent – Detergent can be harsh on pillow fabrics. Use a mild detergent or one specially formulated for delicates.
– Add tennis balls – Adding a couple tennis balls helps fluff and dry pillows.
– Air dry pillows – Machine drying can damage pillows. Air dry them completely before using.
Things to Consider Before Washing Pillows
Washing pillows in the washing machine can help remove allergens, bacteria, and odors that build up over time. However, there are some things to keep in mind first:
– Pillow type – Down/feather pillows are typically dry clean only. Memory foam, latex, and polyester pillows can go in the washing machine.
– Fill material – Check that fill inside pillows like fiberfill, foam, or down is secured and won’t leak out.
– Closures – Zippered or enveloped pillows should be closed tightly before washing.
– Stains – Treat any stains on pillows before washing to avoid setting them in fabric.
– Fabric softener – Avoid using fabric softener, as it can clog pillow fibers.
– Read the care label – Follow any washing instructions on pillow tags.
How to Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine
Follow these steps for washing pillows properly:
1. Check care labels – Make sure pillows specify “machine washable.”
2. Shake pillows – Shake pillows outdoors to release dust and allergens first.
3. Zip and button – Fully zip or button any closures so fill doesn’t escape.
4. Pretreat stains – Use a stain remover or soak heavily soiled areas beforehand.
5. Wash cycles – Use the gentle or delicate cycle with cold water.
6. Detergent – Add a mild, hypoallergenic liquid detergent for sensitive skin.
7. Load size – Wash just 2-3 pillows at once to allow proper agitation.
8. Add tennis balls – Put 2-3 tennis balls in to fluff pillows as they wash.
9. Rinse and spin – Use an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent residue.
10. Air dry – Move pillows to the dryer just to spin out moisture, then air dry.
Washing Machine Cycle Tips
– Use cold water to avoid shrinking or damaging pillow fibers.
– Choose a delicate cycle with lower agitation to be gentle.
– Opt for an extra rinse cycle to remove all traces of detergent.
– Add a spin cycle to remove excess water before drying.
Detergent Tips
– Use about half the recommended amount of mild detergent.
– Liquid detergent works better than powder on pillow fibers.
– Look for a formula labeled sensitive/gentle for delicates.
– Skip fabric softener, as it can leave residue in pillows.
Drying Tips
– Always air dry pillows to avoid heat damage.
– Lay flat or hang pillows outside/in a well-ventilated area.
– Put pillows in the dryer on no heat just to spin out moisture.
– Fluff and reshape pillows as they dry to restore loft.
– Allow 24-48 hours for pillows to fully dry before using.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
Most pillows should be washed every 6 months to 1 year for optimal hygiene and performance. Here are some signs it’s time to wash your pillows:
– Noticeable odor – Pillows smell musty despite pillowcases being washed.
– Visible staining – Makeup, hair products, and skin cells lead to yellowing.
– Increased allergies – More sneezing, congestion, runny nose while in bed.
– Flat pillows – Pillows lose volume and no longer provide support.
– Hot sleeping – Pillows retain more heat and make it hard to sleep cool.
– Night sweats – Pillows get sweaty during sleep and feel damp in the morning.
Washing pillows regularly every 6-12 months will help remove these buildups for a more comfortable and hygienic sleep environment.
Wash Pillows More Often If:
– You sweat a lot at night
– Someone is sick or has allergies
– Pets sleep on the bed
– Pillows get dirty easily
Extend Washing to Every 2 Years If:
– Allergy/asthma issues are minimal
– Pillows aren’t used much
– Bedding is washed weekly
– Pillows contain antimicrobial materials
How to Dry Pillows After Washing
It’s essential to properly dry pillows after washing them to avoid mold growth. Here are some tips:
– Put pillows in the dryer on air fluff or no heat just to remove excess moisture. This takes 10-15 minutes.
– Do not machine dry pillows completely, as the heat damages loft and fabrics.
– Lay pillows flat on top of dry towels or hang them outdoors to air dry. A breezy, sunny spot works best.
– Fluff and reshape pillows several times as they dry to restore their original shape.
– Allow 24-48 hours for pillows to dry fully before using or putting pillowcases on. Wet spots indicate they need more drying time.
– Use a moisture meter pressed into the middle of pillows to check if they are completely dry inside. The reading should be less than 10% moisture content before using pillows again.
Proper drying is key to increasing the longevity of pillows and preventing issues like mildew odor.
Do Not Dry Pillows:
– In the dryer on high heat settings
– Directly in the sun, as UV rays damage fabrics
– Flat without fluffing, which can flatten pillows
– On their sides, which leads to misshapen loft
– Stuffed into pillowcases before fully dried
Signs Pillows Are Fully Dry:
– No damp spots inside when pressed
– Feels completely dry and fluffy
– Pillow regains normal size and shape
– Moisture meter reads under 10% moisture content
– No mildew smell remains
How to Dry Down and Feather Pillows
Down and feather pillows require some special care when drying after washing:
– Dry in a commercial size dryer if possible for uniform airflow. If using a household dryer, use wool dryer balls to fluff.
– Run the dryer on air fluff or no heat for 20-30 minutes until no longer damp. Check frequently to avoid over drying.
– Toss a couple of clean tennis balls in the dryer to help break up clumps.
– Lay pillows flat on a drying rack or outdoor clothesline, turning periodically.
– Use a fan directed on the pillows to speed drying time. This can take 1-2 days.
– As pillows dry, repeatedly fluff and massage fill to redistribute it. Shake into the corners.
– When fully dry, vigorously fluff pillows one final time to restore maximum loft before covering with pillowcases.
Proper drying helps down and feather pillows fully loft and avoids musty smells. Check for any remaining damp spots before use.
Do Not:
– Overdry down/feather pillows, which damages fill
– Put pillows in pillowcases until bone dry
– Dry in direct sunlight, which fades fabrics
– Let pillows dry flat without fluffing
Signs of Proper Drying:
– Pillows feel dry and fluffy with good fill distribution
– No clumping or stiffness remains
– Original shape and loft is restored
– No damp spots when pressed
– No mildew odor lingers
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting Pillows
Cleaning and disinfecting are two different processes for pillow maintenance:
Cleaning:
– Removes dirt, oils, sweat, dead skin cells, etc. through washing
– Uses detergent and washing machine cycles
– Does not kill germs and bacteria but removes many allergens
– Needed every 6-12 months to keep pillows fresh
Disinfecting:
– Kills viruses, bacteria, mold, and other microbes using sanitizers
– Typically uses chemical agents like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, etc.
– Doesn’t remove dirt but kills illness-causing germs
– Recommended if someone is sick or during disease outbreaks
Cleaning is sufficient for regular pillow maintenance. Disinfecting may be warranted less often when illness occurs or if someone has a weakened immune system. Combining both methods provides the highest level of pillow hygiene.
How to Disinfect Pillows
To disinfect pillows:
1. Check that pillows are machine washable and labels allow bleach.
2. Wash pillows in hot water with an added 1/4 cup of bleach. Or, use disinfectant laundry additive instead of bleach.
3. For non-washable pillows, spray thoroughly with an EPA-approved disinfectant like Lysol or hydrogen peroxide cleaner. Allow to sit 10 minutes before air drying.
4. Steam clean memory foam or specialty pillows according to product instructions to kill germs.
5. Place pillows in the dryer at high heat for 30 minutes after washing and drying to kill any remaining bacteria.
6. For serious contamination, consider replacing pillows for a completely fresh start.
Disinfecting provides an extra level of germ removal when needed. Be sure to take proper safety precautions when using chemical disinfectants.
Pillow Washing FAQs
Can you put pillows in the washer and dryer?
Most pillows can be washed in the washing machine and dried in the dryer on a no-heat air fluff setting. Exceptions are dry clean only pillows and those specifying hand wash. Always check manufacturer instructions.
Do pillows go in the washing machine hot or cold?
Wash pillows using a cold water delicate cycle. Hot water can damage fabrics and cause fill to clump. Cold water effectively cleans with less risk to pillow materials.
Should you wash both sides of a pillow?
Yes, it’s important to wash both sides of a pillow to fully clean it. Detergent lifted from one side during the cycle will transfer to the other side. Washing both sides also balances wear and tear from the agitation.
Can you put pillows in the dryer?
Pillows can go in the dryer, but only to spin out moisture, not for full machine drying. The heat damages pillow fibers and fill. Use the no heat air fluff cycle for 10-15 minutes before line drying.
How long do pillows take to dry after washing?
It typically takes 24-48 hours for pillows to fully air dry after washing. Drying time depends on the material, humidity levels, and drying methods. Always check that pillows are completely dry before using to prevent mildew.
Conclusion
Washing pillows properly every 6-12 months removes allergens and keeps them clean and hygienic. While most pillows can be machine washed and dried, always check care instructions first. Use a delicate cold water cycle, mild detergent, and tennis balls for best results. Never machine dry pillows completely. Allow 1-2 days to fully air dry pillows before using or putting on pillowcases. Follow these tips to clean and refresh pillows for better sleep.