How to wash your pillows in the washing machine

There's nothing quite like climbing into bed with freshly washed bedding—but while we regularly wash our duvet covers and sheets, pillows are often forgotten.

Over time, pillows collect sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, dust mites and allergens, which can leave them looking yellow, smelling less than fresh and even affecting your sleep quality.

The good news? Many pillows can be washed safely in your washing machine, helping them stay fresher, fluffier and more hygienic for longer.

In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know, including which pillows can be machine washed, how to dry them properly and how to keep them looking and feeling their best.

Yes—you can wash many pillows in the washing machine, but it depends on the filling.

Generally, the following pillow types are machine washable:

• Synthetic (polyester) pillows

• Hollowfibre pillows

• Down pillows

• Feather pillows (provided the care label says they're machine washable)

However, memory foam pillows should never be put in the washing machine. The spinning cycle can damage the foam's structure, causing it to lose its shape and support.

Before washing any pillow, always check the care label first. Manufacturers will provide the safest cleaning method for that particular product.

Washing pillows is surprisingly simple if you follow a few easy steps.

Always check whether your pillow is machine washable and note the recommended temperature and spin speed.

Take off any pillowcases and pillow protectors and wash these separately.

If possible, wash two pillows together. This helps balance the drum during the spin cycle and gives a more even clean.

Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Powder detergent can sometimes leave residue inside pillow fillings.

Avoid using too much fabric conditioner, as it can coat the fibres and reduce breathability.

Use:

• Warm water (around 30–40°C unless the label advises otherwise)

• A gentle or delicate cycle

• A low spin speed

An additional rinse cycle helps remove any remaining detergent trapped inside the pillow.

Never put pillows back on your bed while they're still damp, as trapped moisture can encourage mould and mildew.

Yes—many synthetic, feather and down pillows can be tumble dried, but again, always check the care label first.

Tumble drying often helps restore the pillow's loft and prevents clumping after washing.

1. Check the care label.

2. Set your tumble dryer to a low heat.

3. Add two or three clean tennis balls or dryer balls wrapped in socks. These gently beat the pillow as it dries, helping it stay fluffy.

4. Pause the cycle occasionally to fluff the pillow by hand.

5. Continue drying until the pillow feels completely dry inside and out.
   
   

Even if the outside feels dry, the centre can still hold moisture, so don't rush the process of getting your pillows completely dry. 

No. Memory foam should never be tumble dried, as heat can damage the foam and affect its supportive properties.

Instead:

• Blot away excess water with a towel

• Leave the pillow to air dry flat

• Keep it away from direct heat and sunlight

• Turn it regularly to help it dry evenly

Memory foam requires a gentler approach.

To clean a memory foam pillow:

1. Remove the cover and machine wash it according to its care instructions.

2. Vacuum the pillow to remove dust and debris.

3. Spot clean stains using a damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent.

4. Wipe away any soap residue with clean water.

5. Leave the pillow to air dry completely before using it again.

Avoid soaking the foam, as it absorbs water easily and takes a long time to dry.

If you're looking for lasting comfort and pressure relief, our Elite Gel Memory Pillow combines supportive memory foam with cooling gel technology to help you enjoy a more comfortable night's sleep.

Feather pillows can usually be machine washed, provided the care label allows it.

Use:

• A gentle cycle

• Mild detergent

• Cool or warm water

• Two pillows per wash for balance
  
  

Dry feather pillows on a low heat with dryer balls to stop the feathers clumping together.

Make sure they're completely dry before putting them back on your bed, as damp feathers can develop unpleasant odours.

Yellow stains are completely normal and are usually caused by sweat, body oils, saliva and moisture building up over time.

To brighten white pillows:

• Wash them with a quality biological detergent.

• Add half a cup of bicarbonate of soda to the wash.

• For white cotton pillow covers, oxygen-based whitening products can help lift stubborn stains (always follow the manufacturer's instructions).

• Dry thoroughly before use.
  
  

Remember that some older stains may not disappear completely, especially if they've built up over several years.

Using a pillow protector can help prevent future yellowing.

Absolutely.

Regularly washing your pillows helps:

• Remove sweat and body oils

• Reduce dust mites and allergens

• Improve freshness

• Extend the life of your pillow

• Create a cleaner, healthier sleep environment
  
  

Even with pillowcases, your pillow is exposed to moisture every night. Over time, this build-up can affect both hygiene and comfort.

Experts generally recommend washing washable pillows every 3–6 months and replacing them every 1–2 years, depending on their condition.

You don't always need to fully wash your pillows to keep them fresh.

Try these simple habits:

• Wash pillowcases weekly.

• Use pillow protectors.

• Vacuum pillows occasionally to remove dust.

• Air pillows outside on a dry day.

• Spot clean small stains as soon as they appear.
  
  

These small steps can help keep your pillows fresher between deep cleans.

Looking for more ways to create your perfect sleep sanctuary? Explore the Time4Sleep blog for expert advice, practical tips and bedroom inspiration, from choosing the right mattress and pillow to creating a relaxing bedtime routine that helps you wake up feeling refreshed.