Yes—most pillows can go in the washing machine. If you’ve wondered “can I put pillows in the washer,” down, down alternative, and polyester fiberfill pillows are all machine washable. The exceptions are memory foam and latex pillows, which must be spot cleaned or hand washed only because water damages their structure. Always check the care label for specific instructions.
Pillows should be washed every 3-6 months. Even with a pillowcase, they absorb sweat, skin oils, dust mites, and allergens over time. Regular washing keeps them fresh and can extend their lifespan significantly.
Which Pillows Can (and Can’t) Be Washed
| Pillow Type | Machine Washable? | Best Wash Method |
| Polyester / fiberfill | Yes | Gentle cycle, warm water, low heat dry |
| Down or feather | Yes | Gentle cycle, warm, use down-safe detergent |
| Down alternative | Yes | Gentle cycle, warm water |
| Memory foam | No | Spot clean only – water breaks down foam |
| Latex | No | Hand wash surface gently, air dry only |
| Buckwheat | No | Remove filling; wash cover only |
| Gel pillow | Check label | Usually no machine wash – spot clean |
How to Wash Pillows in the Washer
Step 1 – Always wash two pillows at once. A single pillow throws the machine drum off balance and can cause banging, vibration, and uneven wear on the machine. Even if only one pillow needs washing, put two in.
Step 2 – Use a small amount of detergent – about half your normal amount. Too much soap is hard to rinse out completely and leaves a residue that attracts dirt.
Step 3 – Select gentle cycle with warm water. Add an extra rinse if your machine allows it.
Step 4 – Dry on low heat with dryer balls. Add 2-3 dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the drum. They break up clumps in the fill and restore fluffiness. This is especially important for down pillows.
Step 5 – Run 2-3 full drying cycles, checking between each. The biggest mistake people make is under-drying. A pillow that seems dry on the outside can still be damp in the center – and a damp center grows mold and mildew. Squeeze the middle firmly to check.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Instead of Wash
- Fold the pillow in half – if it doesn’t spring back, the fill is worn out
- Persistent yellowing that doesn’t wash out
- Lumpy or flat spots in the center
- You wake up with neck pain regularly
- The pillow is more than 2 years old (polyester) or 3-5 years (down)
Can You Wash Pillows With Regular Laundry?
It’s better to wash pillows on their own or with other pillows. Mixing them with regular laundry creates balance issues and doesn’t give the pillows enough room to agitate and clean properly. If you must combine loads, pair pillows with other bulky items like towels or blankets.
Final Thoughts
Most pillows are absolutely safe to put in the washing machine – the key exceptions are memory foam and latex. Wash two at a time, use less detergent than usual, and always dry thoroughly on low heat with dryer balls. Check the center for dampness before taking them out of the dryer, and repeat the drying cycle if needed.
