by Short answer: Most down and polyester pillows can be machine washed on a gentle cycle in a front-loading washer. Memory foam and latex pillows cannot go in the machine and require spot cleaning only. The type of fill determines everything about how you wash and dry your pillow, and skipping the care label is the fastest way to ruin a $100 pillow.
How to Wash Pillows by Fill Type
Down and Feather Pillows
- Check the care label first. Most down pillows are machine washable.
- Use a front-loading washer (top-load agitators can damage down clusters). Use a large-capacity machine — at least 4.5 cu ft for two pillows.
- Wash two pillows at once to balance the drum and prevent damage.
- Use a small amount (1 tbsp) of gentle, low-suds detergent. Too much soap is hard to rinse from down fill.
- Select warm water on a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap residue.
- Dry on low heat with two clean tennis balls or dryer balls. Run multiple 30-minute cycles until bone dry. Damp down grows mold.
Polyester Fiberfill Pillows
- Machine wash on warm or cold, gentle cycle. These are the most durable pillow type for washing.
- Use regular laundry detergent in a moderate amount.
- Wash two pillows at once to balance the load.
- Dry on medium heat with dryer balls until completely dry. Check for damp spots by pressing the center of the pillow firmly.
Memory Foam Pillows
- Do NOT machine wash. Water saturation destroys foam cell structure.
- Remove the cover (if removable) and machine wash it separately.
- Spot clean the foam: dampen a cloth with cold water and a drop of mild dish soap. Blot stains gently. Do not rub.
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove soap.
- Air dry flat in a well-ventilated area. Never use a dryer. Allow 24 to 48 hours to dry fully before using.
Latex Pillows
- Do NOT machine wash. Machine agitation breaks down latex.
- Remove and machine wash the cover if it is separate.
- Spot clean latex with a damp cloth and mild soap only.
- Air dry away from direct sunlight (UV degrades latex faster).
Buckwheat Pillows
- Remove all buckwheat hulls into a bowl before washing the case. Never put the hulls in water.
- Machine wash the case on warm.
- Air dry the hulls in sunlight for a few hours to freshen.
- Refill the case once fully dry.
Quick Reference Chart
| Pillow Type | Machine Washable? | Dryer Safe? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down / Feather | Yes (gentle) | Yes (low heat) | Every 3-6 months |
| Polyester | Yes | Yes (medium heat) | Every 3-6 months |
| Memory Foam | No — spot clean only | No | Spot clean as needed |
| Latex | No — spot clean only | No | Spot clean as needed |
| Buckwheat | Case only | Case only | Every 6-12 months |
When to Replace Instead of Washing
Washing extends pillow life but cannot reverse physical deterioration. Replace your pillow if:
- It no longer bounces back when folded in half and released (polyester, down)
- It has permanent yellow or brown staining despite washing
- It smells musty or sour after a complete drying cycle
- You notice increased allergy symptoms (dust mites accumulate in old fill)
- It is more than 2 years old (polyester) or 5 years old (down/latex/foam)
The Saatva Pillow has a machine-washable outer cover and a durable insert that holds its loft well over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you wash pillows?
Most pillows should be washed every 3 to 6 months. If you sweat heavily at night or have allergies, wash them every 2 to 3 months. Pillowcases should be washed weekly.
Can you put memory foam pillows in the washing machine?
No. Machine washing will destroy the foam structure. Memory foam pillows should be spot cleaned with mild detergent and water, then air dried completely before use. Never put them in a dryer.
How do you dry pillows properly?
Most filled pillows (down, polyester) can go in the dryer on low heat with a couple of tennis balls or dryer balls to prevent clumping. Run multiple 30-minute cycles until completely dry. Damp fill leads to mold growth.
How do you know when to replace a pillow instead of washing it?
Replace your pillow if it no longer springs back when folded in half, has permanent yellow staining despite washing, smells musty after drying, or is more than 2 years old (polyester) or 3 to 5 years old (down). Washing will not fix a structurally dead pillow.
Can latex pillows be machine washed?
No. Latex breaks down in a washing machine. Spot clean latex pillows only, using a damp cloth with mild soap. Allow to air dry away from direct sunlight. Some latex pillows have removable covers that are machine washable.