As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.
Yes, some pillows can go in the dryer, but not all of them. The safe choice depends on the pillow’s fill, construction, and care label.
Many polyester, down-alternative, feather, and down pillows can be tumble dried on low heat or an air-only setting. Memory foam and latex pillows usually should not go in a heated dryer because heat and tumbling can damage the foam.
Always check the pillow’s care label before drying it.
Which Pillows Can Go in the Dryer?
Here is a practical guide:
| Pillow type | Dryer usually suitable? | Safer approach |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester fiberfill | Often yes | Low heat or as the care label directs |
| Down alternative | Often yes | Low heat, dry thoroughly |
| Down | Often yes | Low heat, check often |
| Feather | Often yes | Low heat, dry thoroughly |
| Memory foam | Usually no | Air dry flat |
| Shredded memory foam | Depends | Check the care label |
| Latex | Usually no | Air dry away from strong heat |
| Decorative pillow | Depends | Check both cover and insert labels |
| Cooling or specialty pillow | Depends | Follow manufacturer guidance |
“Low heat” means a gentle dryer temperature rather than a hot setting. An air-only or no-heat cycle tumbles the pillow without added heat, though cycle names vary by dryer.
Check the Care Label First
The care label should be your first guide. Look for instructions about:
- tumble drying
- low, medium, or high heat
- air drying
- drying flat
- dry cleaning
- removing the cover before washing or drying
Do not assume two pillows with similar covers have the same care needs. One may contain polyester fill, while another contains solid memory foam.
Also check whether the instructions apply to the whole pillow or only the removable cover. This matters with foam pillows, cooling pillows, and pillows with layered construction.
Can Polyester Pillows Go in the Dryer?
Many polyester-filled pillows can go in the dryer, often on low heat. Polyester fill is common in everyday bed pillows, guest-room pillows, kids’ pillows, and down-alternative styles.
A few practical tips:
- Use the heat setting listed on the care label.
- Dry more than one compatible pillow together when possible to help balance the dryer.
- Pause the cycle and fluff the pillows by hand.
- Make sure the center is fully dry before putting the pillowcase back on.
A thick pillow can feel dry outside while still holding moisture deep in the fill.
Can Down and Feather Pillows Go in the Dryer?
Many down and feather pillows can be tumble dried, but the care label should decide the exact method.
Low heat is often the cautious choice because high heat can be hard on the shell fabric and natural fill. Drying may take more than one cycle because thick clusters of down or feathers can hold moisture.
During drying:
- Pause the dryer from time to time.
- Remove the pillows.
- Gently break up damp clumps.
- Return them to the dryer.
- Continue until the center is completely dry.
Loft means the pillow’s height and fluffiness. Gentle fluffing during drying can help the fill spread out instead of staying in damp lumps.
Can Memory Foam Pillows Go in the Dryer?
Usually, no. A solid memory foam pillow generally should not be put in a heated tumble dryer unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.
Heat and repeated tumbling can damage the foam structure. The pillow may crack, crumble, warp, or lose its intended shape.
For many memory foam pillows, the safer method is to:
- remove and wash the cover separately if allowed
- let the foam air dry
- place it in a well-ventilated area
- keep it away from strong direct heat
Do not put a foam pillow back on the bed while the inside is still damp.
Shredded memory foam pillows are more complicated. Some have removable fill or washable inner sections, while others do not. Check the current product instructions rather than treating all shredded foam pillows the same.
Can Latex Pillows Go in the Dryer?
Latex pillows usually should not be tumble dried with heat. Heat and rough tumbling may damage the material.
Air drying is commonly the safer approach. Keep the pillow well supported and follow the manufacturer’s directions for positioning, sunlight, and heat exposure.
A removable outer cover may have completely different drying instructions from the latex core.
What Dryer Setting Should You Use for Pillows?
Use the setting named on the care label. When tumble drying is allowed, lower heat is often gentler than high heat.
Common dryer options include:
Low Heat
Useful for many washable fiberfill, down-alternative, down, and feather pillows when their labels permit tumble drying.
Air Only or No Heat
This setting tumbles without heated air. It may be useful for fluffing some pillows or drying heat-sensitive items when the manufacturer allows tumbling.
Medium or High Heat
Do not choose a hotter setting just to save time. High heat may shrink covers, stress seams, or damage certain fills. Use it only when the care instructions specifically permit it.
Dryer names vary by machine, so check your dryer manual when a setting is unclear.
Should You Put Dryer Balls in With Pillows?
Dryer balls may help move and separate some compatible pillow fills during tumble drying. This can reduce clumping and help restore loft.
However, use them only when:
- the pillow is safe to tumble dry
- the care instructions do not warn against them
- the pillow shell is in good condition
A worn pillow with weak seams can split during tumbling. Check for holes, loose stitching, and damaged zippers before putting it in the dryer.
How Long Do Pillows Take to Dry?
There is no single drying time that fits every pillow. Drying time depends on:
- pillow size
- fill type
- how wet the pillow is
- dryer size
- dryer setting
- load size
- how densely the pillow is stuffed
A thin polyester pillow may dry differently from a thick feather pillow. Large pillows may also need more room to tumble.
Yes, some pillows can go in the dryer, but not all of them; learn why pillows turn yellow, how sweat, oils, drool, skin products, moisture, age, and laundry habits contribute, and when cleaning or replacement helps.
The important point is not the clock. It is whether the pillow is fully dry through the center.
How Can You Tell If a Pillow Is Completely Dry?
Do not judge only by the surface.
After the cycle:
- Remove the pillow.
- Let it cool briefly if it feels warm.
- Press firmly into the center.
- Feel several areas, including corners and seams.
- Check for cool, heavy, or clumpy spots.
Warm fabric can make a damp pillow seem dry at first. Letting it cool makes hidden moisture easier to notice.
For down, feather, and thick fiber pillows, separate and feel the fill in several places.
Can You Dry Pillows With Other Laundry?
Usually, it is better not to pack pillows into a full dryer with towels, sheets, and clothing.
Pillows need room to tumble. An overloaded dryer can lead to:
- uneven drying
- damp centers
- longer drying
- poor fluffing
- extra strain on the dryer
Two compatible pillows may help balance some dryers, but this depends on pillow size and machine capacity. A large king pillow or body pillow can take up much more space than a standard pillow.
Check your dryer guidance and avoid forcing bulky pillows into a machine that is too small.
What About Pillows in a Small Dryer?
Small dryers are common in apartments, dorm laundry rooms, RV setups, and compact homes. A bulky pillow may not tumble properly in one.
If the pillow stays wedged against the drum, it may dry unevenly. This is especially important with:
- king pillows
- body pillows
- thick feather pillows
- oversized decorative inserts
Use a machine with enough room for the pillow to move freely, or follow an approved air-drying method when appropriate.
Can You Put a Wet Pillow Straight Into the Dryer?
Only when the pillow is machine washable and tumble drying is allowed.
Before drying, make sure the pillow is not dripping wet. A very waterlogged pillow can be extremely heavy and may tumble poorly.
After washing:
- use the washer’s permitted spin cycle when appropriate
- support heavy pillows when moving them
- do not aggressively twist foam or delicate fills
- reshape the pillow before drying when the instructions allow
Always follow the care label for both washing and drying.
What Can Go Wrong in the Dryer?
The Fill Clumps
This is common when thick fill dries unevenly. Pause the cycle and gently redistribute the fill if the pillow type allows it.
The Outside Dries Before the Inside
A pillow can feel dry on the shell while remaining damp in the center. Check deep inside before returning it to the bed.
The Pillow Shrinks
Some shell fabrics or specialty materials may shrink with excessive heat. Follow the stated temperature guidance.
Foam Breaks Apart
Memory foam and latex can be damaged by heat or tumbling. Do not put them in the dryer unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.
Seams Open
Older pillows may have weakened stitching. Inspect them first, especially after years of washing or heavy use.
The Dryer Becomes Unbalanced
One heavy wet pillow can create an uneven load. Use only a suitable machine and follow the dryer manufacturer’s guidance for bulky items.
How to Dry a Pillow Without a Dryer
When tumble drying is not allowed, air drying may be the better option.
A simple approach is to:
- Follow the care label.
- Remove excess water using an approved method.
- Place the pillow in a well-ventilated area.
- Support it so it does not stretch out of shape.
- Turn or reposition it as appropriate.
- Let it dry completely before use.
Some pillows should dry flat. Others may have specific manufacturer instructions. Avoid applying strong heat from a hair dryer, heater, or other hot appliance unless the product guidance specifically permits it.
What About Pillow Protectors and Pillowcases?
Wash and dry these separately according to their own labels.
A pillow protector is an extra fabric layer placed between the pillow and pillowcase. Some protectors are simple washable fabric covers. Others use waterproof layers, zippers, or specialty materials that may require lower heat.
A pillow encasement fully surrounds the pillow and usually closes with a zipper. Its care needs may differ from the pillow inside it.
Never assume the protector, encasement, pillowcase, and pillow can all use the same dryer setting.
A Simple Rule for Beginners
For an everyday pillow, use this order:
- Read the care label.
- Identify the fill.
- Check whether the whole pillow or only the cover is washable.
- Use only the permitted dryer setting.
- Avoid high heat unless specifically allowed.
- Dry the center completely.
- Keep solid foam and latex out of the dryer unless manufacturer guidance says otherwise.
This approach works well whether you are washing bedroom pillows, guest-room pillows, dorm bedding, or kids’ bedding after a spill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my pillow in the dryer on high heat?
Only if the care label specifically allows high heat. Many pillows are better suited to low heat, while memory foam and latex pillows usually should not be tumble dried with heat.
Can I put a soaking wet pillow in the dryer?
It is better to remove as much excess water as the care instructions safely allow first. A waterlogged pillow may be very heavy and can dry unevenly. Check both the pillow label and dryer guidance.
Can I dry memory foam pillows in the dryer?
Usually not. Solid memory foam is commonly air dried because dryer heat and tumbling can damage the foam. Follow the manufacturer’s current care instructions.
Can I put feather pillows in the dryer?
Many feather pillows can be tumble dried, often using low heat, but the care label should guide you. Make sure the center is completely dry before use.
Can I dry two pillows at the same time?
Often yes, when both pillows are dryer-safe and the machine has enough room for them to tumble. Two similar pillows may also create a more balanced load than one heavy pillow.
Why is my pillow lumpy after drying?
The fill may still be damp or may have clumped during washing and drying. For dryer-safe pillows, gentle hand fluffing and additional drying according to the care label may help redistribute the fill.
How do I know when a pillow is fully dry?
Check the center, corners, and seams for cool, damp, heavy, or clumpy areas. Let the pillow cool briefly before checking because warm outer fabric can hide remaining moisture.
Can I put decorative pillows in the dryer?
It depends on the insert, cover fabric, trim, and construction. Remove the cover when possible and check the care labels for both the cover and insert before drying.
how do you fix yellow pillows. how do you get the yellow out of pillows. wash yellowed pillows.
