How to Wash Pillows

How often do you wash your pillows? Sweat, drool, and oils are all absorbed into your pillow. Gross, right? But how do you wash your pillows? Better yet, how often do you wash your pillows?

The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

You Can Wash Pillows?

When I was a little girl, my Mama Susie got me a feather pillow. It was and has remained my favorite pillow over the years. I did not realize that pillows needed washing or that it was even an option to wash them. At the ripe old age of 18, give or take a couple years, that feather pillow was looking a bit rough.

Despite always using pillow cases, it was looking pretty dingy. I’m a hot box when I sleep and the poor pillow bore the brunt of it all. It had survived sleep overs, pillow fights, camping, vacations, pillow forts, and my sweaty little head. I debated just throwing it away, but I couldn’t bring myself to go through with it.

My husband has the sweatiest head I have ever seen. He can turn a pillow yellow in a week’s time! I hated that the pillow kept turning yellow, but I didn’t know what to do about it. Pillow cases didn’t work even when I used two of them and washed them weekly. I had decided that he just had a sweaty head and that meant a yellow pillow.

Pin it for Later!

How Often to Wash Pillows

As it turns out pillows should be washed regularly. A good rule of thumb is once or twice a year. This can depend on a few different factors. I normally shower before bed, so my head is usually clean when it lays on the pillow. This helps to reduce how often it needs washed. I have learned the wonders of waterproof pillow covers since getting married. This significantly reduced how often the pillow got that sweaty head smell.

If your pillow is filled with synthetic materials, it may not hold up to the washing as long as you would like. When the pillow no longer provides the comfort you are used to it is time to get a new pillow. You can help to keep it fluffy by tossing it in the dryer with dryer balls or tennis balls. This will fluff it back up.

How to Wash Pillows

Pillows do need washing, but you must take care so as not to ruin their fluffiness. Wash feather pillows or memory foam pillows in cold water on the gentle cycle. Other pillows can be washed in warm water on the gentle cycle. If you have a machine with a column in the middle make sure to balance the machine by placing pillows evenly around it. After the machine runs, pick up a pillow to see if it has drained well. Sometimes, I have problems with them still being soaking wet. If this happens put them in again for a drain and spin cycle. If they are still soapy, do an extra rinse. This will depend on your machine.

Grab Your FREE Spring Cleaning Checklist

How to Dry Pillows

Now that your pillows are clean, they need to be dried. It is best to let feather pillows and memory foam pillows air dry on a flat surface. I have a clothing rack that works well for this. If that isn’t an option use the air only option in the dryer. I’ve honestly put them in with heat and nothing bad has happened. It may reduce the life of the pillows, but as of today mine are still fine. For all other pillows, put them in the dryer with heat. To make the pillows nice and fluffy when they come out, I suggest using tennis balls or dryer balls. They will bounce around in the machine and fluff up the pillows.

How to Keep Pillow Clean & Fluffy

Now that the pillows are clean, I like to keep them that way for a while. Plus it helps to increase the life of the pillow when they don’t need to be washed very often. I discovered waterproof pillow covers and it has changed our pillows for the better. These go on under the pillow case and keep the yellow sweat stains at bay. Hallelujah!

To help fluff the pillows up between washes, I like to toss them in the dryer for 20 minutes with the dryer balls. Add a dryer sheet for scent. It makes it feel like you are sleeping on hotel pillows!

I really enjoy the smell of freshly laundered pillows. To keep things fresh between washing, I use my DIY linen spray. My favorite to use on the pillows is the lavender scent.