Most people wash their bedsheets often, but forget to wash their pillows. Pillows collect sweat, oil from skin and hair, dead skin, dust, and germs. Even if you use a pillowcase, your pillow still gets dirty over time. Washing your pillow helps it stay clean, fresh, and comfortable. It can also help reduce allergies and bad smells. This guide explains how to wash a pillow safely and correctly, using simple steps, lists, and tables.
Why You Should Wash Your Pillow
You sleep on your pillow every night. Over time, dirt and moisture build up inside it.
Pillows can collect:
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Sweat
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Body oil
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Dead skin
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Dust mites
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Bad smells
Benefits of Washing Your Pillow
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Keeps your pillow clean
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Helps reduce allergies
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Helps prevent acne
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Makes your pillow smell fresh
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Helps your pillow last longer
How often to wash pillows:
Wash most pillows every 3 to 6 months.
Check the Care Label First
Before washing your pillow, check the care label. It tells you how to wash and dry the pillow safely.
The label may show:
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If the pillow can go in a washing machine
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What water temperature to use
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How to dry it
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If bleach is allowed
If There Is No Label
Follow these safe rules:
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Use a gentle wash cycle
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Use cool or warm water
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Use a small amount of mild detergent
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Do not use fabric softener
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Dry on low heat
Find Out What Type of Pillow You Have
Different pillows need different care. Use the table below to see how your pillow should be washed.
Pillow Types and Washing Methods
| Pillow Type | Can You Machine Wash It? | How to Clean It |
|---|---|---|
| Down / Feather | Yes | Gentle wash, low heat dry |
| Polyester / Synthetic | Yes | Gentle or normal wash |
| Memory Foam | No | Spot clean only |
| Latex | No | Spot clean only |
| Cooling / Gel | Sometimes | Wash cover only |
| Buckwheat / Special | No | Wash cover only |
How to Machine Wash Pillows
Most down and synthetic pillows can be washed in a washing machine.
Step 1: Check and Pretreat
Before washing:
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Look for holes or weak seams
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Fix small tears
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Treat stains with mild detergent
Common stains:
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Sweat stains
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Makeup stains
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Drool marks
Let stain cleaner sit for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Load the Washer Correctly
To keep the washer balanced:
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Wash two pillows at the same time
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Place pillows upright in top-loading washers
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Do not overload the washer
Step 3: Choose the Right Washer Settings
Use these safe settings:
| Setting | What to Use |
|---|---|
| Wash cycle | Gentle or delicate |
| Water temperature | Cool or warm |
| Detergent | Mild detergent |
| Detergent amount | Small amount |
| Fabric softener | Do not use |
| Bleach | Only if label allows |
Too much detergent can stay inside the pillow and make it stiff.
Step 4: Rinse and Spin
Choose:
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Extra rinse to remove soap
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Extra spin to remove water
This helps pillows dry faster and stay fresh.
Read also: How to Wash a Hat
How to Hand Wash a Pillow
Hand washing is best for delicate pillows.
Hand Washing Steps
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Fill a tub or sink with warm water
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Add a small amount of mild detergent
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Put the pillow in the water
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Gently squeeze the pillow
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Soak for 15–30 minutes
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Rinse well with clean water
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Press out water (do not twist)
Make sure all soap is rinsed out.
How to Dry Pillows Properly
Drying pillows the right way is very important. Wet pillows can grow mold.
Drying Pillows in a Dryer
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Use low heat or air dry
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Add dryer balls or clean tennis balls
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Stop the dryer and fluff pillows
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Dry until fully dry
Drying may take more than one cycle.
Air Drying Pillows
This is best for foam pillows:
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Lay pillows flat
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Turn them often
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Dry in a room with good air flow
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Keep away from heat
How to Know If a Pillow Is Dry
A pillow is dry when:
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It feels light and fluffy
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No wet spots inside
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No bad smell
Never store a pillow that is still damp.
How to Clean Memory Foam and Latex Pillows
Foam pillows should not go in a washing machine.
How to Clean Foam Pillows
| Cleaning Task | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Stains | Spot clean with mild soap |
| Bad smells | Use baking soda |
| Drying | Air dry only |
| Machine washing | Do not do |
Spot Cleaning Steps
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Mix water and mild detergent
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Gently wipe stains
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Do not soak the foam
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Let it air dry fully
To remove smells:
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Sprinkle baking soda
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Wait a few hours
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Vacuum it off
How Often to Wash and Replace Pillows
How Often to Wash
| Item | How Often |
|---|---|
| Pillows | Every 3–6 months |
| Pillow protectors | Once a month |
| Pillowcases | Every week |
| Foam pillows | Spot clean only |
When to Replace a Pillow
Replace your pillow if:
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It stays flat or lumpy
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It smells bad after washing
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It causes neck pain
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It does not support your head
Most pillows last 1–3 years.
Tips to Keep Pillows Clean Longer
Follow these simple tips:
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Use pillow protectors
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Wash pillowcases every week
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Do not sleep with wet hair
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Fluff pillows every day
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Air pillows on dry days
These habits help pillows stay fresh longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes:
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Using too much detergent
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Washing foam pillows in a machine
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Using high heat to dry
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Skipping the extra rinse
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Putting pillows away when damp
Final Thoughts
Washing your pillow is easy and important. Clean pillows help you sleep better and stay healthy. When you wash and dry pillows the right way, they last longer and stay comfortable. By following this simple guide, you can keep your pillows clean, fresh, and safe to use.
