How to Wash Pillows: Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wondered how to wash pillows without ruining their softness? Your pillow isn’t just a place to rest your head—it’s where you recharge, dream, and find comfort at the end of a long day. But over time, pillows collect sweat, oils, dust, and allergens that can affect not only your sleep quality but also your health. Learning how to wash pillows the right way brings them back to life, making them fresh, fluffy, and oh-so-inviting again.

In this simple step-by-step guide, you’ll discover the easiest and safest methods to wash your pillows—whether by tossing them in the washer, gently washing by hand, or giving extra care to your decorative favorites. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to keep your pillows clean, cozy, and long-lasting. And if you’re looking for more inspiration to refresh your entire space, don’t miss our Living Room Decor Ideas hub, filled with cozy and stylish tips.

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By the end, you’ll know exactly how to keep your pillows clean, cozy, and long-lasting—so you always end your day in comfort.

How to Wash Pillows: Why It Really Matters

Think about how many hours you spend resting your head on a pillow—night after night. Over time, pillows naturally collect:

Sweat and body oils
Dust mites and allergens
Dead skin cells
Odors from hair and skin products

Not washing your pillows regularly can make them flat, uncomfortable, and unhygienic. Even worse, dirty pillows may trigger allergies, cause skin irritation, or disrupt your sleep.

The good news? With the right care, your pillows can stay fresh and fluffy and last much longer. Washing pillows isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about creating a healthier, cozier home and enjoying a more restful night’s sleep.

If you also want tips on cleaning decorative cushions, check out my guide on How to Wash Throw Pillows Without Ruining Them.

Pro tip: To make your pillows last even longer, consider using a high-quality pillow protector. It keeps dust and sweat away, making wash days easier and keeping your pillow feeling like new.

How to Wash Pillows in the Washer

Want your pillows to feel fresh, fluffy, and cozy again? Learning how to wash pillows in the washer is the easiest way to keep them clean and long-lasting. But not every pillow can handle machine washing—so the right method matters.

Check Care Labels

Always start by reading the pillow’s care label. Materials like memory foam shouldn’t go in the washer, while cotton, polyester, and down pillows usually wash well. Taking this small step prevents damage and saves you from buying new pillows too soon.

Love light and airy textures in your home? You’ll enjoy our guide on Sheer Curtains Linen: Light, Airy Elegance for Your Home—it pairs perfectly with the cozy feel of freshly washed pillows.

Choose the Right Cycle

Water temperature: Use warm water to kill germs, but avoid hot water, which can damage fillings.
Detergent: Pick a mild liquid detergent (I recommend this gentle fabric detergent that’s safe for most fabrics).
Cycle: Select the gentle or delicate cycle to protect your pillows.

Pro Tip: Wash two pillows together to balance the washer and ensure a more even clean.

Hand-Washing Pillows Safely

Some pillows need extra love and care—especially if the label says “hand-wash only” or the material feels too delicate for a machine. Hand-washing might take a few more minutes, but keeping your pillows fresh, soft, and lasting longer is the safest method.

Step-by-step guide:

Fill a clean tub or large sink with lukewarm water.
Add a small amount of gentle detergent and stir it in.
Place the pillow in the water and lightly squeeze so the soapy water moves through the filling (avoid twisting or wringing).
Drain and rinse with fresh water until no soap remains.
Press out the excess water by sandwiching the pillow between dry towels.

Why it’s worth it: A little patience protects delicate fabrics and fillings, helping your pillows stay fluffy, supportive, and cozy for years instead of flattening or wearing out too soon.

Drying Pillows Correctly

Drying your pillows the right way is just as important as washing them. If even a little moisture is left inside, pillows can develop mold, mildew, or musty smells that make your bed feel less fresh and healthy. Proper drying keeps them fluffy, clean, and safe to use night after night.

Machine drying: Set your dryer to low heat or the air-dry setting. To keep pillows from clumping, toss in two clean tennis balls or dryer balls designed for pillows—they gently beat out the moisture while restoring that cozy fluff.

Air drying: Prefer a natural option? Place pillows in direct sunlight. The fresh air and UV rays not only dry them but also refresh them naturally. Flip the pillows every hour to ensure even drying on all sides.

Pro Tip: Never rush the process. Make sure your pillows are completely dry inside and out before using them. Even a little hidden dampness can turn into mold—and no one wants to lie their head on that.

Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Pillows

Even with the best intentions, many people make mistakes that shorten the life of their pillows. Avoid these common errors:

Using too much detergent can leave buildup inside the pillow.
Washing memory foam pillows in a machine (they may crumble).
Not drying thoroughly (leads to mildew).
Using high heat (damages delicate fillings).

By sidestepping these mistakes, you’ll keep your pillows soft, supportive, and long-lasting.

How Often Should You Wash Pillows?

Most of us remember to wash pillowcases weekly, but the pillows themselves often get forgotten. The truth is, clean pillows are just as important for your health, comfort, and quality of sleep.

Every 3–6 months: Give most standard pillows a gentle wash to keep them fresh and free from dust and allergens.

Every few weeks: Let your pillows soak up some sunshine outdoors. Sunlight naturally refreshes them and helps eliminate odors.

Every 1–2 years: If your pillows feel flat, smell unpleasant, or leave you with neck discomfort, it’s probably time to replace them.

Fresh, well-cared-for pillows not only improve your sleep but also make your bed feel cozy and inviting. If you’d like ideas on how to style them beautifully, check out these best couch pillow arrangements for a warm and welcoming look in your living room.

Caring for Decorative and Throw Pillows

Decorative and throw pillows do more than just decorate—they add comfort, charm, and a touch of personality to your living room. To keep them looking fresh and cozy, a little extra care makes all the difference.

Removable covers: Simply unzip and wash them for an easy refresh.
Non-removable covers: Spot clean carefully with mild soap and a soft cloth.
Delicate fabrics (silk, velvet, or linen): Handle with care—these should be professionally dry-cleaned to preserve their beauty.

When your pillows are well cared for, they last longer and keep your living room feeling warm and inviting. For even more ways to create a cozy space, explore my guide on Cozy Living with Quality Linen Curtains to see how curtains can complement your pillow styling.

FAQs About Washing Pillows

1. Can you wash pillows in the washer?
Yes—most down, feather, cotton, and synthetic pillows can be washed in the washer. Always check the label first.

2. How often should pillows be washed?
Wash every 3–6 months for hygiene and freshness.

3. How to wash decorative pillows?
If the cover is removable, wash it separately. Otherwise, spot clean or hand wash.

4. Can memory foam pillows be washed?
No—memory foam should only be spot cleaned. Instead, remove covers and wash them regularly.

5. How do you dry pillows after washing?
Use low heat in the dryer with tennis balls/dryer balls or air-dry in sunlight until fully dry.

Final Thoughts on How to Wash Pillows

Learning how to wash pillows is more than just a cleaning task—it’s a small habit that makes a big difference in your daily comfort. Fresh, fluffy pillows not only improve sleep quality but also create a welcoming, cozy space where you feel truly at home.

The best part? With just a little care, you can make your pillows last longer and keep your living room or bedroom looking inviting every day. Whether you’re machine-washing, handwashing, or gently caring for decorative fabrics, clean pillows give your space that “fresh and cared-for” feeling we all love.

Want to make your space even more inviting? Pair your clean, cozy pillows with warm lighting. I’ve shared my guide on LED floor lamps: 9 Best Picks for a Stylish Living Room to help you create a soft, welcoming glow that instantly upgrades your decor.

And if you’re ready to give your bedroom or living room a hotel-like upgrade, try this best-rated pillow protector set—it keeps your pillows fresh, extends their life, and adds an extra layer of comfort you’ll notice every night.

Keep your pillows clean, cozy, and cared for—and you’ll always come home to a space that feels warm, stylish, and welcoming.