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, many pillows can be washed in a washing machine, but it depends on the fill and the care label. Most polyester, down-alternative, and some down or feather pillows can be machine washed. Solid memory foam and solid latex pillows usually should not go in the washer because soaking and agitation can damage the foam.
Always check the pillow’s current care label and manufacturer guidance before washing, drying, bleaching, or using heat.
Which Pillows Can Go in the Washing Machine?
The pillow fill matters more than the pillow size or shape.
| Pillow type | Usually machine washable? | Main concern |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester fiberfill | Often yes | Fill can clump |
| Down alternative | Often yes | Needs thorough drying |
| Down | Sometimes | Follow the care label closely |
| Feather | Sometimes | Wet fill can take a long time to dry |
| Shredded foam | Depends on design | Some covers wash separately |
| Solid memory foam | Usually no | Foam can tear or break down |
| Solid latex | Usually no | Agitation can damage the material |
| Decorative pillow | Depends | Trim, inserts, and dyes may need special care |
A removable pillow cover may be washable even when the pillow insert is not. Check both labels if they are separate pieces.
How to Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine
For a machine-washable pillow, use a gentle approach.
1. Read the Care Label
Start here. Look for instructions about:
- Machine washing
- Water temperature
- Cycle type
- Bleach
- Drying
- Maximum heat
Do not assume two similar-looking pillows need the same care.
2. Remove Pillowcases and Protectors
Wash the pillow itself without its regular pillowcase. Remove any zippered protector unless the manufacturer says it can stay on.
This is also a good time to check for:
- Open seams
- Small holes
- Loose trim
- Broken zippers
Repair weak seams before washing. Wet filling can escape through a small opening.
3. Make Sure Your Washer Has Enough Room
The pillow should be able to move without being tightly crushed into the drum.
This matters with:
- King pillows
- Thick bed pillows
- Large body pillows
- Several pillows washed together
A small washer may not be a good match for bulky bedding. Check the washer manufacturer’s guidance when you are unsure about load size.
4. Balance the Load
In many washers, washing two similar pillows together can help balance the drum. Place them on opposite sides when the machine design allows it.
Do not force in a second pillow if the washer becomes overcrowded. Space matters for rinsing.
5. Use a Small Amount of Suitable Detergent
Too much detergent can be difficult to rinse from thick pillow fill.
Use the detergent type and amount allowed by the pillow care label and your washing machine instructions. A low-sudsing detergent may be useful in high-efficiency machines when appropriate.
6. Choose the Recommended Cycle
A gentle or delicate cycle is often a practical choice for washable pillows, but the care label should decide.
Use the listed water temperature. Hot water is not automatically better and may damage some fabrics or fills.
7. Add an Extra Rinse When Appropriate
Pillows are thick, so detergent can remain deep inside the fill. An extra rinse may help when the pillow label and washer settings allow it.
Can You Wash One Pillow at a Time?
Yes, but a single pillow can make some washing machines unbalanced.
This is more likely with:
- Top-loading washers with a central agitator
- Heavy wet pillows
- Large pillows
- Unevenly filled pillows
You may be able to wash two similar pillows together for better balance. Another option is adding suitable washable items, but only when their care needs match and the washer has enough room.
Do not add dark clothing, lint-heavy towels, or delicate items just to fill space.
Can You Wash Pillows in a Top-Loading Washer?
Often, yes, if the pillow is machine washable and the washer has enough room.
A top-loader with a tall central agitator needs extra care. Do not tightly wrap or bend a pillow around the agitator. That can stress the fabric and create an uneven load.
A large pillow may fit more easily in a roomy washer without a central agitator. Still, machine design varies, so check the washer instructions.
Can You Wash Pillows in a Front-Loading Washer?
Many machine-washable pillows can go in a front-loading washer. The tumbling action may be easier to manage than squeezing a bulky pillow around a central agitator.
The main issue is space. A pillow that barely fits when dry can become heavy and awkward when wet.
Do not pack the drum tightly. The pillow needs enough room for water and rinsing.
How Do You Dry Pillows After Washing?
Drying is just as important as washing. A pillow should be fully dry before it goes back on the bed.
Check the care label first.
For dryer-safe pillows:
- Use the recommended heat setting.
- Stop the dryer from time to time.
- Check for damp areas.
- Gently redistribute clumped fill when appropriate.
- Continue until the center is dry, not just the outer fabric.
Some pillows allow dryer balls or similar items to help move the fill. Follow the current care instructions for the pillow and dryer.
A thick pillow may feel dry on the surface while remaining damp inside.
Yes, many pillows can be washed in a washing machine, but it depends on the fill and the care label; learn why pillows turn yellow, how sweat, oils, drool, skin products, moisture, age, and laundry habits contribute, and when cleaning or replacement helps.
Can You Put Memory Foam Pillows in the Washing Machine?
Usually not if the pillow is made from one solid piece of memory foam.
Machine agitation and heavy water saturation can damage foam. The foam may:
- Tear
- Crack
- Lose its shape
- Become difficult to dry
Some memory foam pillows have removable washable covers. Others use shredded foam and may have different care instructions.
Treat the care label as the deciding guide. Do not assume all foam pillows need the same method.
Can You Machine Wash Down and Feather Pillows?
Sometimes. Some down and feather pillows are labeled for machine washing, while others require a different care method.
When machine washing is allowed, careful rinsing and complete drying are important because natural fill can hold moisture and form clumps.
Check the label for:
- Water temperature
- Detergent guidance
- Cycle instructions
- Dryer temperature
- Any special restrictions
Do not use a general washing rule for every down or feather pillow.
What Can Go Wrong When Washing Pillows?
The Fill Can Clump
Polyester and down-alternative fill may gather into lumps. Gentle washing and proper drying can help, but some older pillows may not return to their original shape.
The Washer Can Become Unbalanced
A pillow absorbs water and becomes much heavier. One heavy item on one side of the drum can cause an uneven load.
Stop and redistribute the load according to your washer instructions if needed.
Detergent Can Stay Inside
Thick fill can trap detergent. Avoid overusing detergent and consider an extra rinse when allowed.
Seams Can Open
A small weak spot can become larger during washing. Inspect the pillow first.
The Center Can Stay Damp
This is easy to miss with thick pillows. Check several areas and give the pillow enough drying time.
Should You Wash Pillows With Clothes?
Usually, it is simpler to wash pillows separately or with another compatible pillow.
Mixing pillows with regular clothes can cause problems:
- Clothes may wrap around the pillow
- The load may become unbalanced
- Dark colors may transfer
- Lint may stick to the pillow
- Different items may need different wash settings
For a kids’ room or dorm room, it may be tempting to put all bedding and clothing into one large load. Smaller, well-matched loads are often easier to rinse and dry properly.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
There is no single schedule for every home. Washing needs depend on the pillow material, care label, and how the bed is used.
A pillow may need more frequent attention in:
- Guest rooms with regular visitors
- Kids’ bedrooms
- Pet-friendly homes
- Dorm rooms
- Shared beds
- Warm bedrooms
- Homes where pillow protectors are not used
Between full washes, regularly washing pillowcases and washable protectors can make care easier.
Do not machine wash a pillow more often than its construction can handle. Repeated washing can wear down fabric, seams, and fill.
What About Decorative and Throw Pillows?
Be more cautious with decorative pillows.
They may include:
- Tassels
- Fringe
- Beads
- Embroidery
- Piping
- Non-removable inserts
- Foam shapes
- Mixed fabrics
A decorative pillow cover may be washable while the insert is not. Remove the cover when possible and check each care label separately.
This is especially useful for guest rooms and living spaces where pet hair or frequent use makes regular cleaning important.
When Should You Avoid Machine Washing a Pillow?
Skip the washing machine when:
- The care label says not to machine wash
- The pillow is solid memory foam
- The pillow is solid latex unless specifically allowed
- Seams are badly damaged
- Decorative trim could snag
- The pillow barely fits in the washer
- The fill has special care instructions
- The manufacturer recommends spot cleaning or another method
When in doubt, follow the current product listing, care label, and manufacturer guidance.
A Simple Beginner-Friendly Rule
Before putting a pillow in the washer, check three things:
- Material: What is inside the pillow?
- Label: Does it clearly allow machine washing?
- Space: Can the pillow move freely in your washer?
When all three point to machine washing, use the recommended cycle, avoid overcrowding, rinse well, and dry the pillow completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all pillows be washed in a washing machine?
No. Many polyester and down-alternative pillows can be machine washed, and some down or feather pillows can too. Solid memory foam and solid latex pillows usually should not be machine washed. Always check the care label.
Can I wash two pillows at the same time?
Often, yes. Two similar pillows may help balance the washer. However, they should not overcrowd the drum. Make sure your washer has enough room and follow its load guidance.
What washing machine setting should I use for pillows?
Use the setting listed on the pillow’s care label. A gentle or delicate cycle is common for many washable pillows, but water temperature and cycle needs vary by material.
Can I wash a pillow with a pillowcase still on it?
It is generally better to remove the pillowcase first. This lets water and detergent reach the pillow more evenly and allows you to wash the case according to its own care instructions.
Can I put a wet pillow in the dryer?
Only when the pillow’s care label allows machine drying. Follow the listed heat setting and make sure the pillow dries completely, including the center.
Why is my pillow lumpy after washing?
The fill may have clumped during washing or drying. When the care instructions allow, gently redistributing the fill and continuing proper drying may help. Some worn pillows may not fully return to their earlier shape.
Can I wash a memory foam pillow in the washer?
Usually not when it is made from solid memory foam. Machine agitation and soaking can damage the foam. A removable cover may be machine washable, so check the separate labels.
how do you fix yellow pillows. how do you get the yellow out of pillows. wash yellowed pillows.
