How to Wash Pillows the Right Way (Without Ruining Them)

Let’s face it — your pillow goes through a lot. Night sweats, drool, skin oils, dust mites, and who knows what else. If you’ve been faithfully washing your pillowcases but ignoring what’s underneath, it’s time to give your actual pillows some love. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wash pillows the right way — without ending up with a clumpy mess.

1. Know Your Pillow Type

Before diving into water, identify your pillow type:

Memory foam or latex: These can't be machine washed. Spot clean only.
Feather or down: Delicate but machine washable with care.
Polyester or microfiber: Usually machine safe and easy to clean.

Always check the care label first. It could save your pillow from a sad, soggy end.

2. Machine Washing Your Pillows

Most synthetic and down pillows are machine-washable. Here’s how to do it right:

Steps:

Use a front-loading washer or a top-loader without an agitator.
Wash two pillows at once to balance the machine.
Choose a gentle cycle with cold or warm water.
Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent (powders can clump).

Avoid bleach — it damages fabric and fills.

Bonus tip: Just like your pillows, your carpets may also be harboring dust mites. For deep sanitation, consider carpet cleaning services that eliminate allergens from your entire room.

3. Drying Your Pillows Without the Clumps

This step makes or breaks a clean pillow. Literally.

Instructions:

Use a low heat or air-dry setting.
Add two clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer — they help fluff and break up clumps.
Pause occasionally to hand fluff the pillow and ensure even drying.

Drying may take a couple of cycles. But rushing it can leave moisture inside, leading to mold.

4. How to Clean Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam and latex pillows absorb water like a sponge — not ideal for machine washing.

To clean:

Mix a mild detergent with warm water.
Dampen a cloth or sponge and gently spot clean stained areas.
Let it air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, never under direct sunlight.

If your home suffers from humidity and dust buildup, getting a home and office cleaning session can greatly improve air quality and reduce buildup in soft furnishings like pillows.

5. Frequency Matters: How Often Should You Wash Your Pillows?

Ideally, wash your pillowcases weekly and the pillows themselves every 3–6 months. Regular care extends their lifespan and keeps allergens at bay.

If your pillows have a musty smell or feel heavier than usual, it’s a sign they’re due for a deep wash — or replacement.

6. Don’t Forget the Extras

If your pillows have protective covers, wash those monthly. Decorative throw pillows? Check the tags — many can be gently washed or dry cleaned. For large fabric-based items (like cushions and drapes), our curtain cleaning team can take the load off your hands.

7. When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

Even the cleanest pillow has an expiration date. Here’s how to tell:

Doesn’t fluff back when folded
Has persistent odors
Feels lumpy or uneven

If you’ve cleaned it but still sleep poorly, it might be time for a new one.

Final Thoughts

Washing your pillows isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about health, sleep quality, and peace of mind. With the right techniques, you can refresh your pillows and extend their lifespan. And when in doubt, call in the pros.

Need help keeping your entire home fresh and sleep-ready? Don’t hesitate to contact our cleaning experts today.

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