How to Wash a Pillow (Down, Foam & Every Fill Type)
Most pillows can go in the washing machine on a gentle, warm cycle, two at a time for balance — except memory foam and latex, which should be hand-washed or spot-cleaned instead. The exact method changes by fill type, and getting a pillow fully dry afterward matters just as much as the wash itself. Here's the breakdown by fill.
Before You Start: Check the Label and the Pillow
Two things to confirm before anything touches water: the care label's actual instructions (fill type and construction vary enough that "pillow" isn't one universal category), and whether the pillow has any rips, thin spots, or failing seams. A damaged shell can let fill escape mid-wash, which turns a simple chore into a genuine mess — repair or replace it first.
This is also a good moment to check the rest of what's on the bed. Our duvet insert vs. comforter guide has a similar wash-frequency breakdown for the layer above the pillow, if you're doing a full bedding refresh in one go.
How to Wash a Down or Feather Pillow
- Remove the pillowcase and protector.
- Wash two pillows at a time for balance in the drum, using cool or warm water (never hot, which can damage the down) and about half your usual amount of mild, low-sudsing detergent.
- Run an extra rinse cycle. Down holds onto detergent residue more than you'd expect, and leftover soap is what makes a washed pillow smell musty later.
- Dry on low heat with three or four clean tennis balls or dryer balls, which break up clumps as the down tumbles. This step can take two or three cycles — don't stop early just because the outside feels dry.
How to Wash a Down-Alternative (Synthetic Fill) Pillow
The process is nearly identical to down, with a little more room for error: synthetic fill tolerates warm water and standard detergent without the same risk of damage. Still wash two at a time, still dry thoroughly with dryer balls, and still expect more than one dryer cycle for a full-size pillow — synthetic clusters clump almost as readily as real down does.
How to Wash a Memory Foam Pillow
Skip the washing machine entirely here. Memory foam and shredded-foam fill break down under the agitation of a wash cycle, and the foam itself doesn't tolerate being fully saturated and spun the way down or synthetic fill does. Instead:
- Spot-clean the outer cover with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent, working in small sections.
- If the cover is removable, wash it separately according to its own care label — this is usually the only genuinely machine-washable part of the pillow.
- Air the foam core out in a well-ventilated spot periodically instead of washing it, and vacuum it lightly with an upholstery attachment to lift dust.
Can You Put a Pillow in the Dryer?
For down, feather, and synthetic-fill pillows: yes, and it's actually the most important step, since a pillow that isn't fully dry inside can develop mildew. Use low heat, add dryer balls, and check it thoroughly at the center — not just the outer shell — before calling it done. For memory foam: no. Heat and tumbling both damage foam fill, so it should only ever air-dry.
How Often Should You Actually Wash a Pillow?
Roughly every three to six months for a full wash, with the pillowcase doing the daily protective work in between (wash that weekly). A pillow protector under the case extends the interval further, since it's an extra washable barrier between you and the fill itself. If you're also due for fresh pillowcases, our sheets and pillowcases collection covers sizes for every pillow this guide mentions.
Signs a Pillow Should Be Replaced, Not Washed
Washing restores loft and cleans out buildup, but it doesn't reverse a pillow that's genuinely worn out. If a pillow stays flattened after fluffing, has a persistent odor even after a full wash-and-dry cycle, or is visibly leaking fill, that's a sign to replace it rather than keep laundering it. Our duvet inserts and pillows collection is a reasonable place to start if a wash didn't bring your current pillow back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all pillows go in the washing machine?
No. Down, feather, and most synthetic-fill pillows can, on a gentle cycle. Memory foam and latex pillows should be spot-cleaned or have only their cover washed, never the full foam core.
How do you dry a pillow without it clumping?
Use a low-heat dryer cycle with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls added to the load — they physically break up clumps as the pillow tumbles.
Can you put a pillow in the dryer?
Yes, for down, feather, and synthetic-fill pillows — it's an essential step, not optional, since trapped moisture can cause mildew. Memory foam pillows should air-dry only.
How often should you wash a pillow?
About every three to six months for the pillow itself, with the pillowcase washed weekly and separately, since it's what's actually touching your skin most nights.
Why does my pillow smell musty after washing?
Usually leftover detergent residue or moisture trapped inside that didn't fully dry. An extra rinse cycle and a longer, thorough dry (checking the center, not just the surface) both help prevent it.
The Bottom Line
Down and synthetic fill wash and dry in the machine with the right settings and patience for a long, thorough dry cycle; memory foam never should. Get the drying step right — that's the part most people rush, and it's the one that actually determines whether the pillow comes out clean or comes out moldy.