Maintaining clean, fresh pillows can improve sleep quality and extend pillow life. This guide outlines a practical, step-by-step approach to washing pillows in a household washing machine, using common care products and optional pillow-specific bags to protect delicate fillings.
Readers will learn how to choose the right tools, prepare pillows, perform a safe wash, and handle common issues. The advice applies to most common pillow types and emphasizes safety and fabric care to prevent damage.
Quick Answer
Most standard pillows can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with warm water and a mild detergent. Use a couple of towels to balance the load, run an extra rinse, and dry on low heat with frequent flipping until fully dry. For delicate or oversized pillows, use a mesh washing bag and select the appropriate cycle and temperature.
What You’ll Need
- Pillow washing bag mesh for machine washing large pillows
- Pillow care kit with washing bag and stain remover
- Mesh laundry bag for washing pillows oversized
- Pillow protector zippered washing bag for machine wash
- Hypoallergenic pillow washing bag for delicate pillows
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Vivifying Extra Large Mesh Laundry Bag, 2 Pack XXL Oversize Honeycomb Mesh Wash Bags for Washing Machine, Coats, Stuffed Toys, Blanket, Bedding, Sweater, Delicates Clothes (27 x 35 Inches) |
Before You Start
Check pillow care labels for specific instructions. Identify pillow type (polyfill, feather, down, memory foam) to adjust water temperature and cycle. Use mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can reduce pillow loft. Ensure the washing machine drum is balanced; consider washing two pillows at a time to prevent banging. Allow extra drying time for dense or oversized pillows to prevent mold.
Step-By-Step: How To Clean Pillows In The Washing Machine
- Remove pillow covers and any pillow protectors; launder these separately if recommended.
- Place pillows inside a mesh washing bag designed for machine washing large or oversized pillows when needed.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent; avoid heavy fragrances and stain boosters unless the stain remover from the care kit is approved for the pillow.
- Balance the load by adding two towels or a few similarly sized items to reduce drum movement during wash.
- Run a warm water cycle on a gentle or delicate setting; for feather or down pillows, use a lower agitation if available.
- Rinse the pillows with an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed.
- Run through a second wash only if there is visible soiling or odor; otherwise, a single thorough wash may be sufficient.
- Dry pillows on a low heat or air-dry setting; tumble every 20–30 minutes to fluff and prevent clumping, especially for down or feather fillings.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pillows stay damp after cycle | Insufficient drying time | Run additional low-heat cycle or air-dry longer; add clean tennis balls or dryer balls | Use dryers with moisture sensors; ensure pillows are evenly distributed |
| Clumping or uneven loft | Overly high agitation or inadequate washing | Wash on delicate; run extra rinse; re-fluff during drying | Split the load across cycles if needed |
| Odor persists | Deep-set moisture or bacteria | Use an approved stain remover or pillow-safe sanitizer; rewash | Improve air circulation in drying area |
| Stains remain | Stain not treated before washing | Pre-treat with pillow-safe stain remover before washing | Pre-treat promptly after spills |
Common Mistakes
- Overloading the machine with pillows, risking poor cleaning.
- Using hot water for all pillow types; some materials shrink or clump.
- Skipping the extra rinse, leaving detergent residue behind.
- Using fabric softener, which can reduce loft and absorbency.
Tips For Best Results
- Selected cycle: Gentle or Delicate with warm water covers most pillows; memory foam and some specialty fills may require hand washing or machine-free cleaning per label.
- Protect fills: Use pillow washing bags or mesh bags to prevent zipper damage and reduce agitation on delicate fabrics.
- Drying strategy: Fluff pillows regularly during drying to maintain loft and reduce clumping; ensure complete dryness to avoid mildew.
- Allergen care: For allergy sufferers, consider a hypoallergenic pillow washing bag and a dedicated detergent designed for sensitive skin.
Call A Professional
Seek professional cleaning if pillows contain challenging stains, have delicate fillings that require special care, or show persistent odors after multiple washes. Stop laundering pillows if the cover or fabric shows tearing, unusual odors intensify, or if there is visible mold growth inside the pillow.
FAQ
Can almost any pillow be machine washed?
Most standard pillows can, but always check care labels for material-specific guidance and avoid washing foam cores unless specified.
What temperature should I use when washing pillows?
Use warm water for most pillows; hot water can damage some fillings, while cold water may not remove odors effectively.
How long do pillows take to dry in a dryer?
Drying times vary; plan for several hours on low heat or use air-drying in a well-ventilated area to ensure complete dryness.
Are pillow care bags necessary?
Care bags reduce agitation and protect delicate fillings, especially for oversized or down pillows during machine washing.
What about feather or down pillows?
These typically require gentler cycles and careful drying to preserve loft and avoid fabric damage.
Can I wash pillow protectors separately?
Yes; pillow protectors are usually washable separately according to their care labels.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right approach to washing pillows starts with understanding pillow construction, size, and care needs. Consider the following factors when shopping for pillow care tools and accessories:
- Size compatibility: Oversized pillows may require larger mesh bags or special bags designed for big items to prevent snagging on the drum.
- Protection and material: A zippered pillow protector bag can shield both the pillow and the washing machine from wear during cycles.
- Material compatibility: Hypoallergenic or delicate pillow bags help in maintaining sensitive fillings without harsh agitation.
- Ease of use: Look for care kits that include a stain remover compatible with pillows and simple washing bags for quick cleaning.
- Machine compatibility: Confirm that your washer’s capacity and cycle options align with the chosen washing bags and pillow types.
- Energy and time: Efficient cycles and effective drying reduce energy use and shorten laundry time.
Would you prefer a compact setup for regular pillows or a heavy-duty kit for large, memory foam, or fluffy down pillows? The right combination improves cleaning results while protecting fabrics and the machine. Selecting the appropriate bag size and material will lead to fewer wash cycles and longer pillow life. If in doubt, start with a standard pillow and a gentle clothing care bag, then upgrade as needed.