How to Wash Pillows: Down, Polyester and Memory Foam Methods

Q: How often should I wash my pillows?

Sources suggest every 3 to 6 months, or two to four times a year. Wash more often if you sweat or have allergies.

Your pillow sits under your face for hours every night. Over time it collects sweat, oils, dust, hair and skin flakes. A pillow that looks fine can still smell stale and feel flat. Washing it brings back freshness and loft, but the right method depends on what’s inside.

This article is part of our bedding guide, where you can compare related options.

To wash a pillow, check the care label, wash it on a gentle cycle with liquid detergent, rinse it well and dry it completely. Down and polyester pillows can usually go in the machine. Memory foam pillows should not. They need spot cleaning and air drying.

This guide shows how to wash each pillow type, how to dry it without lumps, how often to wash and when it’s time to replace. You’ll also find a quick comparison table and answers to common questions.

A person making a bed in a cozy bedroom with soft white pillows

Check the Care Label First

Every pillow has a tag, and it tells you what’s safe. Look for the fill type, whether the pillow is machine washable and what temperature and drying method the maker suggests. If the tag is missing, check the maker’s website. When in doubt, treat the pillow gently, use cool water and dry it on low heat or air.

Also check for tears or loose seams. A damaged pillow can leak its fill in the washer. Repair small holes with a few stitches before washing.

What You Need

Key points: liquid detergent (mild); a front-loading or non-agitating washing machine, if possible; two pillows at a time, to balance the load; dryer balls or clean tennis balls; clean white socks (optional, for tennis balls); a large towel for air drying.

One source says you’ll want a front-loading, non-agitating washing machine so the pillows aren’t damaged. A top-loader with a central agitator can twist and tear pillows. If you only have an agitator machine, wash by hand, or use a laundromat.

How to Wash Polyester and Down-Alternative Pillows

Polyester fill is the most common type, and it’s forgiving.

Check the label and look for any damage.
Load two pillows to keep the drum balanced.
Add liquid detergent. Powder can leave residue.
Choose a gentle cycle. Cool water is safe. Warm water is acceptable for synthetic pillows.
Add an extra rinse. This removes leftover soap.
Press out the water. Squeeze gently. Don’t wring.
Dry on low heat, with dryer balls or tennis balls to break up lumps.
Fluff and check. Dry until the center feels fully dry, which can take a couple of cycles.

How to Wash Down and Feather Pillows

Down pillows need a little more care, but most can be machine washed.

Read the label. Some feather pillows need dry cleaning.
Use a mild liquid detergent. Harsh soap can strip the natural oils from down.
Wash on a gentle cycle in cool or warm water, and add an extra rinse.
Spin out as much water as you can.
Dry on low or no heat. One source says to use a no-heat air-dry setting for down. Add tennis balls or dryer balls, which break up clumps as the pillow dries.
Stop the dryer every 10 to 15 minutes and fluff the pillow with your hands.
Dry completely. Damp down can grow mildew and smell bad.

A freshly washed down pillow may look flat. That’s normal. If the loft is still low after 48 hours, one source suggests running it through the dryer on low for another cycle with tennis balls.

A tip some people use is to put clean tennis balls inside white socks so the balls don’t leave marks. The balls also beat out extra moisture in the washer or dryer.

How to Clean Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam is delicate. Don’t put it in the dryer, and don’t submerge it fully. The foam can break apart when wet, and it takes a long time to dry.

Remove the cover and wash it as the label says.
Vacuum the foam to remove dust.
Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent mixed with water.
Blot, don’t rub. Press with a clean, dry towel to lift moisture.
Air dry flat away from direct sun. Flip it often. It can take a day or longer to dry.
Check for odors. Sprinkle baking soda lightly on the surface, let it sit and vacuum it off, if the maker allows.

Some memory foam pillows are shredded foam in a cover. Check the label, since some of these can be washed in a gentle cycle. Follow the maker’s advice.

How to Wash Latex, Buckwheat and Other Pillows

Latex pillows are like memory foam: avoid the washer and dryer. Spot clean and air dry. Buckwheat or millet pillows should not get wet at all. Remove the fill and wash the cover only. Always read the label.

Pillow type	Machine wash?	Dryer?	Notes
Polyester	Yes, gentle	Low heat	Warm water is fine
Down/feather	Often yes	Low or no heat	Fluff often, dry fully
Memory foam	No	No	Spot clean, air dry
Latex	No	No	Spot clean
Buckwheat	No (cover only)	Cover only	Keep fill dry

How Often Should You Wash Pillows?

Guidance varies. One source says to clean pillows at least seasonally, or every 3 to 6 months. Another suggests two to four times a year. If you sweat a lot, have allergies or share a bed with pets, wash more often.

Pillow protectors help. A zippered protector under the pillowcase takes most of the sweat and dust. Wash the protector and pillowcase weekly or every other week, and the pillow itself less often.

When to Replace Your Pillow

Pillows don’t have an expiry date. How often you should replace one depends on its type, use and care. One source recommends replacing pillows every two years, while another says to replace them when they lose shape or feel bumpy or uncomfortable.

Try the fold test with a polyester or feather pillow. Fold it in half. If it doesn’t spring back, it may be worn out. Signs it’s time to replace include lumps that won’t fluff, a smell that returns after washing, stains that won’t come out and neck pain from a flat pillow.

What mistakes should you avoid?

A few common mistakes are worth avoiding: using powder detergent (it can leave residue. Use liquid); washing one pillow alone (the load becomes unbalanced); using too much heat (high heat can damage the fill); not drying fully (damp pillows can grow mold and smell); putting foam in the dryer (it can crumble or melt); skipping the care label (fill types differ).

Further reading: the Sleep Foundation mattress information hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wash pillows in a washing machine?

Most polyester and many down pillows can be washed in a gentle cycle, ideally in a front-loading machine. Memory foam and latex pillows shouldn’t be machine washed.

How do you dry a pillow after washing?

Use low heat or no heat with dryer balls or tennis balls. Stop to fluff every 10 to 15 minutes, and dry until it’s completely dry. Foam pillows should air dry.

How often should I wash my pillows?

Every 3 to 6 months, or two to four times a year. Wash more often if you sweat or have allergies.

Can you wash a memory foam pillow?

Don’t machine wash or submerge it. Spot clean with mild detergent and a damp cloth, then air dry flat. Check the label.

How do I get yellow stains out of a pillow?

Wash it according to the label with a mild detergent. For stubborn marks, you can pre-treat with a gentle stain remover. Use pillow protectors to prevent future stains.

How long do pillows last?

It depends. One source suggests about two years. Replace the pillow if it loses shape, gets lumpy or becomes uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Washing your pillows is easy once you know the fill type. Polyester and down pillows can go in the machine with liquid detergent, a gentle cycle and careful drying. Memory foam and latex need spot cleaning and air drying.

Check the care label, use a pillow protector and wash the pillows a few times a year. When a pillow won’t spring back or smells stale after washing, replace it.