You probably wash your sheets, comforter, and pillowcases regularly. But if it’s been a while since you washed the pillows themselves, it may be time to refresh them. Over time, pillows can collect dust mites, body oils, skin cells, and other things you probably don’t want to be rubbing your face on night after night. We’ve gathered expert tips on the best way to wash pillows, including how often to wash them and when to replace them.
According to the cleaning pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, you should check your pillow’s care label to make sure you don’t accidentally damage it. The good news: Many pillows can go straight into your washing machine. For pillows that can’t go in the washer, you’ll want to use a vacuum, a gentle dryer setting, and a mild soapy solution to clean them.
Ahead, learn more about the best way to wash pillows, whether they’re filled with down, fiberfill, or foam. And if you’re looking to get the rest of your bed feeling fresh, read up on how to clean your mattress and find out how often you should wash your sheets (hint: It’s more often than you think).
How often should you wash pillows?
Pillows should be washed every three to six months or about two to four times per year. But not all types of pillows should be treated in the same way. It's always best to follow the pillow's care label and to help lengthen your pillow's life, use liners or protectors under your pillowcases. Wash your pillowcases every one to two weeks and the liners every other month or so.
How to wash down and fiberfill pillows in the washer
You're in luck: Most down and fiberfill pillows are machine-friendly, which means you can just toss them in the washing machine for a refresh. Be sure to wash two pillows at a time to keep the washer balanced, ensuring an all-around clean. While any washing machine will do, front- or top-loading machines without an agitator (a.k.a. the large spindle in the middle of some machines) are your best bet. If an agitator-style top loader is your only option, place the pillows in the tub vertically to lessen the chance of them getting damaged by the agitator.
It goes without saying that you should always read your pillow's care label and follow the directions accordingly. If you clipped off the tag or can't find the instructions, use this step-by-step as your guide:
- Select the gentle cycle and use warm water. Then, add an extra cold water rinse.
- Add a small amount of detergent.
- Tumble the pillows dry on low heat, fluffing and turning them often. To help keep pillows plump, toss in a few dryer balls. Stop the dryer a few times throughout the cycle to fluff them and break up lumps by hand.
How to wash solid foam pillows
While foam pillows are resistant to dust mites, it's still important to clean them on a regular basis. Unfortunately, you can't put your solid latex or memory foam pillows straight in the washing machine. However, some shredded foam pillows may be machine washable. If so, follow the care label or the directions above for down and fiberfill pillows. Former executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, Carolyn Forté, also shares her cleaning method for those that aren't machine-washable below.
- Remove pillow covers or pillowcases and wash according to the care tag. If you cut off the care tag, stick the pillowcases and covers in the washing machine, select the normal or casual cycle, and wash in warm or hot water. Add detergent.
- To get rid of dust or dirt on the pillow, vacuum both sides, or tumble in the dryer on the no-heat or air-only cycle for 20 minutes.
- Spot clean any soiled areas with a cloth dipped in a mild sudsy soap solution. Lightly rinse with a damp cloth. FYI, wet foam tears easily, so be gentle with the water and soap solution.
- Allow the pillow to air dry completely before putting it back on the bed or couch.
When to replace a pillow
No matter how diligent you are about cleaning your pillows, you'll need to buy new ones eventually. The foolproof way to know when to toss 'em: "If you fold the pillow in half, and it doesn't spring back into shape, plan for a shopping trip," Forté explains. If your pillows have a funny odor even after you give them a good wash, it's also a good idea to replace them.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.
