Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You strip the bed, ready for fresh linens, and you catch a glimpse of your bare pillows. They’re looking a little… sad. Maybe a bit yellowed, a little flat, and definitely not as fresh as they once were. Your first thought might be to just toss them, but what if I told you there’s a better way? Learning how to wash pillows in a washing machine is a game-changer, not just for hygiene but for getting a better night’s sleep. It seems daunting—we’ve all heard horror stories of lumpy, misshapen pillow disasters—but I’m here to walk you through it. As the head consultant at Washing Machinee, I’ve seen it all, and I promise, with the right technique, your pillows will come out looking and feeling practically new.
Can All Pillows Be Machine Washed? First, Check the Tag
Before you even think about tossing that pillow into the drum, stop. The single most important step is to check the care label. This little tag is your pillow’s instruction manual, and ignoring it is the fastest way to a laundry room mishap.
Think of the care label as the manufacturer’s direct advice. They know what their product can and can’t handle. If it says “Do Not Wash” or “Dry Clean Only,” believe it. Forcing the issue will likely lead to a shredded, unusable pillow and potentially even a mess in your machine.
Pillow Types You Can (Usually) Wash
Most of the pillows you’ll find in homes today are perfectly fine for a trip through the washer. These include:
- Down and Feather Pillows: Yes, you can absolutely wash these! They just require a gentle touch and, most importantly, a thorough drying process.
- Polyester or Fiberfill Pillows: These are the most common and generally the easiest to wash. They’re quite resilient and bounce back well.
- Cotton and Wool Pillows: These can also be washed, but they require cool water and a very gentle cycle to prevent shrinking and clumping.
Pillow Types to Avoid Machine Washing
Some materials just don’t play well with the agitation and water of a washing machine. Attempting to wash these will lead to certain destruction.
- Solid Memory Foam: A washing machine will tear solid memory foam to shreds. The material acts like a sponge, becoming incredibly heavy and waterlogged, and the machine’s spinning motion will destroy its structure.
- Latex Pillows: Similar to memory foam, latex will break down and lose its supportive qualities if machine washed.
- Buckwheat Pillows: This one should be obvious, but you’d be surprised! You’d end up with a machine full of wet, mushy hulls. You must empty the hulls before washing the outer casing.
Your Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine
Alright, you’ve checked the tag and you’ve got the green light. Let’s get down to business. Following these steps will give you the best shot at a perfectly clean, fluffy pillow.
- Prep Your Pillows: First, take off any pillowcases or protective covers. Check the pillow for any rips or tears in the seams. A weak seam can burst open mid-cycle, creating a snowstorm of filling inside your washer. If you find a weak spot, stitch it up before you begin.
- Balance the Load: This is arguably the most critical step. Never wash just one pillow. A single, waterlogged pillow will throw your washing machine completely off balance during the spin cycle. This can cause violent shaking, loud banging, and can even damage your machine’s suspension over time. Always wash two pillows at a time to keep the load balanced. If you only have one pillow to wash, throw in a couple of light-colored towels to balance things out.
- Use the Right Detergent (and Not Too Much): Less is more. Use a small amount of a gentle, low-suds liquid detergent. Why liquid? Powdered detergents can sometimes leave a chalky residue on the pillow’s fabric. You only need about a tablespoon. Too much soap is difficult to rinse out and can leave a film that attracts more dirt.
- Select the Right Machine Settings:
- Cycle: Choose the Gentle or Delicate cycle. You want to clean the pillows, not beat them into submission.
- Water Temperature: Use warm or cool water. Hot water can be too harsh on the filling materials and can cause some fabrics to shrink.
- Spin Speed: Select a low or medium spin speed.
- Extra Rinse: This is a pro-tip. Always add an extra rinse cycle. This ensures all the detergent is washed out, which is key to preventing skin irritation and keeping the filling from getting stiff.
The Secret to Fluffy Pillows: The Art of Drying
Washing is only half the battle. How you dry your pillows is what separates a fluffy, cloud-like success from a lumpy, sad failure.
“The biggest mistake I see people make isn’t in the washing; it’s in the drying,” notes John Carter, an appliance technician with over 15 years of experience. “They pull the pillows out too soon, and a damp core is a breeding ground for mildew. You have to be patient.”
Here’s how to do it right:
- Squeeze Out Excess Water: Before they go in the dryer, gently squeeze your pillows to remove as much water as possible. Do not wring or twist them, as this can damage the filling.
- Use Low Heat: Set your dryer to a low or no-heat setting. High heat can literally melt synthetic fillings like polyester and damage delicate down or feathers, causing them to become brittle. Yes, it will take longer, but it’s the only way to do it safely.
- Add Dryer Balls or Tennis Balls: This is the magic trick. Toss two or three clean tennis balls (popped into clean socks to prevent the color from transferring) or wool dryer balls into the dryer with your pillows. As the dryer tumbles, the balls will bounce around, breaking up any clumps in the filling and helping to fluff the pillows back into shape.
- Fluff and Check Periodically: Every 30 minutes or so, take the pillows out and give them a good fluff by hand. Squeeze them to check for any internal damp spots. This also helps to redistribute the filling evenly.
- Ensure They Are Completely Dry: Be patient. A pillow might feel dry on the outside but still be damp in the center. A damp pillow is a one-way ticket to mold and mildew. If you’re unsure, it’s better to run it for another cycle on low heat. A fully dry pillow should feel light and airy, with no dense or cool spots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Pillows
How often should I wash my pillows?
A good rule of thumb is to wash your pillows two to four times a year. This helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells, dust mites, and body oils. Of course, if you spill something or have been sick, you should wash them immediately.
Why did my pillows get lumpy after washing?
Lumpiness is almost always a drying issue. It usually happens for two reasons: the heat was too high, causing the filling to clump and fuse, or the pillow wasn’t fluffed enough during the drying cycle. Using dryer balls and fluffing the pillows by hand periodically is the best way to prevent this.
Can I wash my pillows in a top-load washing machine?
Yes, you can, but it’s a bit trickier. For top-loaders with a central agitator (the big spindle in the middle), place the pillows vertically on either side of the agitator to maintain balance. For top-loaders without an agitator (HE models), treat it like a front-loader and simply place the two pillows inside.
What if my memory foam pillow smells?
Since you can’t wash it, you can deodorize it. Lightly sprinkle the pillow with baking soda and let it sit for an hour. Then, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to thoroughly vacuum it all up. You can also let it air out in a sunny, well-ventilated spot for a day.
Is it better to hand wash pillows?
Hand washing is always the gentlest option, but it’s very labor-intensive, and it’s difficult to rinse and dry them properly. For most machine-washable pillows, the delicate cycle on your washer is a perfectly safe and far more convenient alternative.
A Fresh Start for Your Bed
And there you have it. You’re now equipped with the expert knowledge to tackle one of laundry’s most intimidating tasks. By following these steps—checking the label, balancing your machine, using the right settings, and being patient with the drying process—you can extend the life of your pillows and ensure a cleaner, healthier place to rest your head. Now that you know how to wash pillows in a washing machine, you can say goodbye to dingy, lifeless pillows and hello to that fresh-from-the-laundry fluff. What’s the next laundry challenge you’re ready to conquer?