by Our Top Pillow Pick
The Saatva Pillow. From $165
Shredded Talalay latex core · 45-night trial · Hotel-grade feel
We earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Most people wash their pillows rarely or never — a habit that leads to dust mite buildup, mold growth, and degraded sleep quality. Pillows absorb sweat, skin oils, saliva, and dead skin cells night after night. Regular washing extends pillow life, reduces allergens, and maintains the support quality that keeps your neck properly aligned.
How Often to Wash Pillows by Type
| Pillow Type | Washing Frequency | Washable? |
|---|---|---|
| Down/Feather | Every 3-6 months | Yes (large-capacity front-load) |
| Polyester/Fiberfill | Every 3-4 months | Yes (most standard washers) |
| Shredded Memory Foam | Every 3-4 months | Yes (gentle/delicate cycle) |
| Solid Memory Foam | Spot clean only | No — washing destroys the foam |
| Solid Latex | Spot clean only | No — water degrades latex |
| Buckwheat | Air hulls in sun; wash cover only | Cover yes, hulls no |
How to Wash Down and Feather Pillows
- Use a large-capacity front-load washer (household top-loaders with agitators can mat and bunch the fill permanently)
- Wash 2 pillows at a time for balanced load
- Use a small amount of liquid detergent (no powder — harder to rinse)
- Gentle/delicate cycle, warm water (not hot)
- Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent
- Dry on low heat with 3-4 dryer balls — takes 2-3 drying cycles
- Check that pillow is completely dry (damp fill → mold)
How to Wash Polyester and Shredded Foam Pillows
- Standard or large washer on gentle/delicate cycle
- Cold or warm water
- Mild liquid detergent (no bleach)
- Tumble dry on low with dryer balls
- Fluff and check for damp spots — re-dry if needed
How to Clean Memory Foam and Latex Pillows
- Remove pillowcase and protector
- Spot clean stains with mild soap + cold water solution, dabbing gently
- For odor removal: sprinkle baking soda, let sit 1 hour, vacuum off
- Air out in a well-ventilated area (not direct sunlight for latex — UV degrades it)
- Allow to fully dry before putting case back on
Pillow Protectors: The Most Important Accessory
A pillow protector (zippered waterproof cover that goes between the pillow and pillowcase) prevents moisture, oils, and allergens from reaching the pillow fill. With a protector, you wash the protector weekly and the pillow itself every 3-6 months. Without one, you should wash the pillow monthly. The protector extends pillow lifespan significantly — a $15-25 protector can double the useful life of a $50-100 pillow.
FAQ
Can you put pillows in the dryer?
Yes for down, feather, polyester, and shredded foam pillows — tumble dry on LOW heat only. High heat can damage fill clusters and melt synthetic fibers. Use 2-3 dryer balls to prevent clumping. Run multiple drying cycles and check that the pillow is completely dry throughout before storing — damp fill leads to mold and permanent clumping. Do NOT put solid memory foam or solid latex pillows in the dryer.
How do you get yellow stains out of pillows?
Yellow stains are typically sweat and skin oil oxidation. Treatment: pre-treat with a paste of baking soda + hydrogen peroxide, let sit 30 minutes, then wash with hot water (if the pillow type tolerates it) plus a scoop of oxygen bleach (OxiClean). For set-in stains, add white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Pillow protectors prevent new staining from reaching the pillow.
How do you dry pillows without clumping?
Use 2-4 dryer balls (wool or rubber) in the dryer on low heat — they break up clumps as the drum turns. Stop the dryer every 30 minutes, remove the pillow, and break up any clumps by hand before returning. Run multiple cycles (often 2-3 full cycles) until completely dry. Any remaining damp fill will clump permanently as it dries. Air fluffing after each dryer cycle helps redistribute fill evenly.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about pillows
Our top pillow pick
The Saatva Pillow
Shredded Talalay latex core, removable fill, 45-night trial — the most adaptable pillow for multi-position sleepers. From $165.
How often should you replace your pillow?
Every 18–36 months depending on fill. Latex pillows last 5–7 years; solid memory foam 2–3; down 2–5 with fluffing. The fold test tells you: fold the pillow in half, let go — if it doesn't spring back, it's done. Saatva's pillow range covers all major fill types.
What's the best pillow loft by sleep position?
Side sleepers: 5"–7". Back sleepers: 3"–5". Stomach sleepers: 1"–3". Combination sleepers: 4"–5" adjustable-fill.
Are expensive pillows actually worth it?
Cost-per-year, yes — a $150 latex pillow over 6 years ($25/year) beats a $30 polyester pillow over 1 year ($30/year), plus you get better neck support the whole time.
How to wash down pillows?
Wash pillows every 4-6 months. Most down and down-alternative pillows are machine-washable on gentle cold with a mild detergent; wash two at a time to balance the drum. Dry on low with two tennis balls until fully dry — damp down molds. Memory foam pillows are spot-clean only.
How to wash goose down pillows?
Wash pillows every 4-6 months. Most down and down-alternative pillows are machine-washable on gentle cold with a mild detergent; wash two at a time to balance the drum. Dry on low with two tennis balls until fully dry — damp down molds. Memory foam pillows are spot-clean only.
Frequently asked questions
How to wash down pillows?
Wash pillows every 4-6 months. Most down and down-alternative pillows are machine-washable on gentle cold with a mild detergent; wash two at a time to balance the drum. Dry on low with two tennis balls until fully dry — damp down molds. Memory foam pillows are spot-clean only.
How to wash goose down pillows?
Wash pillows every 4-6 months. Most down and down-alternative pillows are machine-washable on gentle cold with a mild detergent; wash two at a time to balance the drum. Dry on low with two tennis balls until fully dry — damp down molds. Memory foam pillows are spot-clean only.