Can You Wash Pillows In Washing Machine

Can You Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine:

A Step-by-Step Guide to Fresher, Cleaner Sleep

You’ve flipped your mattress, swapped your sheets, and even vacuumed under the bed. But there’s one sleep essential you’re probably neglecting: your pillows. Over time, pillows collect sweat, dust mites, and even makeup residue (yes, really). And let’s not talk about that mysterious drool stain from 2019.

The good news? You don’t need a professional cleaner or a magic wand to refresh them. Your trusty washing machine can do the heavy lifting—if you follow the right steps. In this guide, you’ll learn how to wash pillows in the washing machine safely, avoid common mistakes, and extend the life of your favorite bedtime companions. Let’s dive in.

Why Bother Washing Pillows? (Spoiler: It’s Grosser Than You Think)

Before we get to the how, let’s talk about the why. Pillows are the unsung heroes of your sleep routine, but they’re also dirt magnets. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average pillow houses up to 16 species of fungi and 1 million dust mites after just two years of use. Yikes.

Regular washing (every 3–6 months) not only banishes allergens and odors but also restores fluffiness and support. Plus, it’s cheaper than buying new ones every year. Win-win.

Types of Pillows Safe for Machine Washing

Not all pillows are created equal. Before tossing yours into the washer, check the care label. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Down/Feather Pillows: Usually machine-washable (gentle cycle + mild detergent).
Polyester/Fiberfill Pillows: Most are washer-friendly. Look for “machine washable” tags.
Memory Foam Pillows: Never machine-wash! Spot-clean only (more on that later).
Latex Pillows: Hand-wash or wipe down—avoid submersion.
Hybrid Pillows: Check labels. Some have removable, washable covers.

Pro Tip: If your pillow lacks a care tag, err on the side of caution. When in doubt, hand-wash.

Step-by-Step Guide to Machine Washing Pillows

1. Pre-Wash Prep: The 10-Minute “Do This First” Checklist

Check for Damage: Stitches coming undone? Lumps? Fix them first, or you’ll end up with a clumpy mess.
Vacuum Away Dust: Use an upholstery attachment to suck up surface dirt (this keeps your washer filter happy).
Pretreat Stains: Dab a mix of baking soda and water on yellowed areas or sweat marks. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

2. Choose the Right Detergent and Settings

Mild Detergent: Skip fabric softener (it clogs fibers) and bleach (it weakens fabric). Opt for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent like Tide Free & Gentle—it’s gentle on fabrics and tough on grime.
Machine Settings: Use a gentle cycle with warm water (hot water can damage filling). For extra-large machines, wash two pillows at once to balance the load.

3. The Actual Washing Part

Use a Mesh Bag (Optional): For delicate pillows like down, a ZIUTOO Mesh Laundry Bag adds extra protection against snags and tangles.
Add Towels or Tennis Balls: Throw in 2–3 clean towels (to prevent lumping) or Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls (to fluff filling naturally—no thunk-thunk noise!).

4. Drying Pillows: The Make-or-Break Step

Tumble Dry on Low: High heat melts polyester and ruins down clusters. Use a low-heat setting and add dryer balls or tennis balls to break up clumps.
Check Every 30 Minutes: Fluff pillows by hand to redistribute filling. They’re done when totally dry—even slight dampness breeds mold.

Pro Tip: Air-dry outside on a sunny day for a fresh, UV-sanitized finish.

Common Mistakes When Machine-Washing Pillows

Avoid these blunders unless you want a lumpy, sad pillow (or worse, a broken washer):

Overloading the Machine: One or two pillows max. Crowding = uneven cleaning.
Using Harsh Detergents: Enzymes and bleach degrade fabrics over time. Stick to mild options like Seventh Generation Free & Clear.
Skipping the Dryer Balls: Without them, down and polyester clump like last week’s oatmeal.
Ignoring the Care Label: That memory foam pillow will disintegrate. Don’t do it.

“But Wait… Can You Wash Memory Foam Pillows in the Washing Machine?”

Short answer: Nope. Memory foam absorbs water like a sponge, leading to mold and structural breakdown. Instead:

Spot-Clean Stains: Mix dish soap + water, dab with a cloth, and air-dry. For stubborn spills, a Bissell Little Green Machine works wonders.
Deodorize: Sprinkle baking soda, let sit for an hour, then vacuum.

How Often Should You Wash Pillows?

Every 3–6 Months: For most machine-washable types.
Every 1–2 Months: If you have allergies, pets, or night sweats.
Pillow Protectors: Slip on a SureGuard Hypoallergenic Pillow Protector (wash it weekly) to cut down on deep cleans.

Recommended Products for Pillow Care

To make your pillow-washing routine even more effective, check out these highly-rated Amazon products:

🛏️ AllerEase Pillow Protectors – Zippered, moisture-wicking covers to keep your pillows fresh and allergen-free.

🛏️ SureGuard Pillow Protectors – 100% waterproof and hypoallergenic for maximum protection.

🛏️ Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls – A natural way to speed up drying time and keep pillows fluffy.

🛏️ Whitmor Dryer Balls – Eco-friendly and reusable dryer balls that reduce static and wrinkles.

🛏️ ComfiLife Waterproof Pillow Protectors – Breathable and noiseless covers that extend pillow life.

🛏️ Woolzies Wool Dryer Balls – Organic, reusable wool dryer balls for soft, static-free pillows.

Note: Always check care labels and warranty terms before using products.

FAQ: Your Machine-Washing Pillows Questions, Answered

Q: Can I wash pillows with regular laundry?
A: Not a good idea. Detergent residue can cling to pillows, and zippers/buttons might snag the fabric.

Q: Why do my pillows smell worse after washing?
A: They weren’t dried thoroughly. Mold = stink. Next time, run an extra dryer cycle or air-dry in the sun.

Q: How do I flatten lumpy pillows post-wash?
A: Whack them gently (channel your inner Julia Child) or use a hair dryer on cool to redistribute filling.

Spring Cleaning Bonus: Refresh Pillows in 20 Minutes

Short on time? Try this quick fix:

Toss pillows in the dryer on air-fluff with a damp washcloth and a few drops of NOW Essential Oils (lavender = instant zen).
Run for 15 minutes to kill dust mites and revive the scent.

Final Thought: Pillows Deserve Love Too

Washing pillows isn’t glamorous, but neither is sleeping on a petri dish. With this guide, you’ve got everything you need to tackle the job like a pro—no fancy tools or elbow grease required. Your future self (and your allergies) will thank you.

Now, go forth and conquer that laundry pile. And maybe reward yourself with fresh pillowcases. You’ve earned it.

P.S. Loved this guide? Share it with your pillow-abusing friends. (You know who they are.)