How to Wash a Pillow: Down, Polyester, Memory Foam and Latex
Most fiber and feather pillows can go through the washer and dryer. Foam and latex cannot. Whatever the type, drying it completely is what prevents mildew.
Most down, feather and polyester fiberfill pillows can be machine washed if the care label allows: wash two at a time on a gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent, add an extra rinse, then tumble dry on low with dryer balls until completely dry. Solid memory foam and latex pillows should not go in the washer or dryer; remove the cover and spot clean the foam instead. Whatever the type, the pillow must be fully dry inside before use, or it can turn musty and grow mildew.
Pillows absorb sweat, skin oils, saliva and hair products every night, which is where yellow stains and a sour smell come from. A pillowcase and a zippered pillow protector catch most of it, so the pillow itself needs washing only a few times a year.
Washing by pillow type
| Pillow type | Machine wash? | Dry how |
|---|---|---|
| Down or feather | Usually yes, gentle, if label allows | Low heat with dryer balls, several cycles; check for damp clumps |
| Polyester fiberfill | Usually yes, gentle | Low to medium heat as label allows, with dryer balls |
| Solid memory foam | No | Spot clean; air dry about a day, away from direct heat and sun |
| Shredded memory foam | Only if the maker says so | Follow label; often low heat or air dry |
| Latex (solid) | No | Spot clean; air dry away from heat and sun |
| Buckwheat hull | Hulls no; the empty shell often yes | Remove hulls first and air them in the sun or as the maker suggests |
The care label overrides any general guide. If there is no label, treat the pillow by the most cautious method for its fill.
What you need
- Mild liquid detergent (a small amount)
- Wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls
- For foam: a spray bottle or cloth, lukewarm water and a drop of mild detergent
- Oxygen bleach, optional, for yellowed white fiber or down pillows if the label allows
How to wash a down or polyester pillow
- Check for tears and stitch small holes so the fill does not escape.
- Wash two pillows together to balance the drum. A front loader or a top loader without a center agitator is gentler; in an agitator machine, place the pillows vertically.
- Use a small amount of mild detergent. Too much soap is hard to rinse out of dense fill.
- Choose a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water if the label allows, cool otherwise.
- Add an extra rinse and spin to remove as much water and soap as possible.
- Dry on low with dryer balls, stopping every 30 minutes or so to fluff and break up clumps. Down can take several cycles.
- Check the center. Squeeze the pillow; any damp, heavy or clumped area needs more drying time.
How to clean a memory foam or latex pillow
The Sleep Foundation notes that agitation, soaking and dryer heat can break down memory foam, and recommends spot cleaning and air drying for most foam pillows. Latex also does not tolerate machine washing.
- Remove the cover and wash it as its label says.
- Vacuum the foam with an upholstery attachment to lift dust.
- Spot clean stains with lukewarm water and a little mild detergent on a cloth. Blot from the outside of the stain inward; do not rub or soak.
- Blot with a clean damp cloth to remove soap.
- Freshen with baking soda if needed: sprinkle lightly, leave a few hours, then vacuum.
- Air dry fully, flat and with air circulating, away from direct heat and sunlight. Allow about 24 hours or until no dampness remains.
Yellow stains on pillows
Yellowing comes from sweat, skin oils and sometimes damp hair or drool soaking through the case. On washable white pillows, a soak or wash with oxygen bleach (where the label allows) can lighten it. On foam, only spot cleaning is safe, and stains may not fully lift. Our guide to removing yellow stains from pillows goes into more detail.
Use cleaning products as their labels direct, ventilate the room, and keep products in their original containers away from children and pets. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaners. If someone swallows, inhales or gets a cleaning product in the eyes, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or emergency services.
Why drying matters so much
Fill holds moisture deep inside long after the surface feels dry. A pillow put back on the bed damp can develop a musty smell and mildew within days. Take your time with the dryer, or for foam, with air drying. If a washed pillow smells sour, it is usually still damp inside.
How often to wash pillows, and when to replace them
- Pillowcases: weekly. See how often to wash sheets and bedding.
- Pillow protectors: about monthly.
- Washable pillows: every few months, or sooner after illness or spills.
- Foam pillows: spot clean as needed; the Sleep Foundation suggests cleaning at least twice a year.
For dust mite allergies, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends zippered allergen-barrier covers for pillows and mattresses; our guide to getting rid of dust mites covers the rest. Replace a pillow if it stays lumpy, flat or smelly after washing, or no longer supports your head and neck.
Bottom line
Machine wash down and polyester pillows in pairs on a gentle cycle and dry them on low until completely dry. Never put solid memory foam or latex in the washer; spot clean and air dry instead. Use a protector and a weekly pillowcase wash so the pillow itself needs cleaning only a few times a year.
FAQ
Can I wash a memory foam pillow in the washing machine?
Not if it is solid foam; agitation and soaking can break it apart. Shredded foam pillows may be washable if the maker says so.
How long does a down pillow take to dry?
Often a few hours on low heat. Keep drying until there are no damp clumps in the center.
Why do I need to wash two pillows at once?
It balances the washer drum, which reduces strain on the machine during the spin cycle.
Can I use bleach on pillows?
Only if the care label allows it. Oxygen bleach is a gentler choice for white fiber or down pillows; do not use bleach on foam.
