How to Clean All the Pillows in Your House
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You clean your bed sheets and blankets regularly, and even your area rug likely gets a good wash every now and then, too. But no matter how much care you put into your lounge spaces, the job isn’t done if you’re not cleaning your pillows. Unwashed pillows can trap dirt, bacteria, germs, oils, residue, and so much more (and that includes all the pillows in your home!). From the beaded throw pillows on the couch to the comfy chair cushions in the kitchen and the bed pillows you lay your head down onto at night, your pillows should be cleaned at least twice a year—it’s essential for keeping your house fresh and clean. And learning how to wash your pillows properly is the first step.
The process of washing pillows can be a lot more challenging than washing your everyday linens. Pillows come in a wide variety of fills, fabrics, and embellishments, and you have to take each element into account before deciding how to proceed with your cleaning. To help clear up the confusion, we’re here with expert advice on how to wash and clean every type of pillow in your home to keep them looking, feeling, and smelling their best.
How to Wash Pillows
First thing’s first: If you’re worried about damaging your pillows in the process of washing them yourself, we recommend getting them professionally cleaned. Should you decide to wash your items yourself, there are a few common steps you can follow for any pillow in the house.
Step 1: Remove the Pillowcase
If your pillow has a removable sham, cover, or pillowcase, separate it from the pillow insert. You’ll likely find cleaning instructions on a care tag attached to the pillow, as well as a separate care tag attached to the pillow cover. The cleaning instructions can often differ between the two. At the very least, the tags should identify the material(s) it’s made from.
Step 2. Check the Pillow Material
Different pillow fills and fabrics require specific care. If you can’t find cleaning instructions on your item, here’s a quick cheat sheet you can follow:
Machine-Wash On a Gentle Cycle: Polyester, fiberfill, cotton, linen, down/feathers, down alternative.
Hand Wash or Spot Clean: Memory foam, latex foam, wool.
Dry Clean/Professional Clean Only: Velvet, silk, beaded, embellished.
Keep in mind: You should always follow the care label first—don’t just assume the item is machine washable.
Step 3: Inspect, Repair, and Pretreat
Check the naked pillow for holes or damage. It’s vital that you make sure all the filling stays put inside the pillow when you wash it. If you see stains or discoloration, apply a pretreatment that is approved for your pillow’s materials.
Step 4: Gather Your Supplies
Have laundry detergents, cleaners, and other items you’ll use readily available to you. Keep a few clean, dry cloths nearby for spot-cleaning. If your vacuum has an upholstery attachment, that could come in handy, too.
Step 5: Wash the Pillow
If the pillow is machine washable, use the water temperature and cycle specified on the pillow label. Give the pillow an extra rinse to remove any detergent that might be trapped deep within the filling.
For pillows that can’t go into the washing machine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for hand washing, spot cleaning, or dry cleaning, or take a look at our tips below.
Step 6: Dry Thoroughly
If the label specifies that the pillow is machine washable, follow the given instructions. Typically, pillows that go in the dryer should be dried on low or no heat. If you’re air-drying, do so on a flat surface in a well-ventilated room.
Before you put your pillow back inside the sham or pillowcase, make sure that it is totally, completely, 100% dry. Any dampness trapped inside can lead to a smelly, mildewy pillow, and no one wants that!
How to Clean Throw Pillows
Throw pillows come in all sorts of materials and fills, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for cleaning them. If yours have any embellishments, like fringes, ruffles, or beading, we recommend having them cleaned professionally rather than attempting to do so yourself. If not, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Remove the Covers and Check the Material
For throw pillows with slip covers, separate the pillow from the cover. In the best-case scenario, both pieces (insert and cover) will have care tags with washing instructions. If so, follow them.
If your throw pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, only use a washing machine and/or dryer if both the fill and the fabric are machine washable.
Step 2: Remove Debris
Unlike bed pillows, throw pillows often have nooks and crannies that trap dirt, crumbs, pet hair, and more. Brush away what you can by hand or with a stiff cleaning brush. If your vacuum has an upholstery attachment, use it to remove pesky, deeper debris.
Step 3: Spot-Treat Stains
If you’re aiming to eradicate a particular stain on your throw pillow or case, pretreat it with a product that is approved for the fabric you’re working with. Blot the product onto the stain (don’t rub or scrub!) and let it absorb.
Pro tip: When applying a cleaning solution directly to the fabric, always test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the pillowcase first before applying it where it’s more visible.
Step 5: Dry Completely
Dry your pillow as instructed on the label. If there are no instructions, let it air dry on a flat surface in a well-ventilated room. Ensure your pillow is fully dry by squeezing and feeling around the filling, and if you detect any moisture, give it more time. You can also place a fan nearby in the room to speed up the process.
Step 6: Reassemble the Pillow
Once everything is clean and dry, slip the covers back onto your throw pillows, and put them back on display looking better than ever.
How to Clean Bed Pillows
The proper way to clean your bed pillows depends on what they’re made of and what type of equipment you have in your home. If you’re using a washer and dryer, they should be large enough to accommodate two pillows at once. Otherwise, wash by hand, or take them somewhere to get professionally cleaned.
Step 1: Identify the Materials and Prep the Pillows
Identify the fill and fabric materials as outlined above, reading the care tag for specific details. Sew up any holes, and pretreat any stains according to the pillow and cleaning product instructions.
Step 2: Using Mild Detergent, Wash According to the Label Instructions
Depending on the fill type, you can either wash the pillows by hand or in the washing machine. Since detergent can get stuck in pillows much more easily than it does in clothing, give your load an extra rinse cycle if that’s an option for you.
Note: Memory foam and latex pillows should never be put in the washing machine, and should not be submerged in water, even by hand. For these pillow types, you can only spot clean the foam by hand and wash the outer cover.
Step 3: Dry Thoroughly
Machine-dry or air-dry your pillows as directed on the label. If there’s no care tag, let everything air dry in a well-ventilated room.
How to Wash Down Pillows
The great thing about washing down pillows is that you don’t have to guess their care instructions. Since you know what you’re working with, all you need to do is follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Undress Your Pillow
Remove the pillowcase, and pretreat any visible stains according to the cleaning product instructions.
Step 2: Examine for Holes
One of the most important things to do when washing down-filled pillows is to double-check (and triple-check!) that there are no holes or tears in the fabric. The last thing you want is to open your washer and find a heap of loose feathers and an empty pillow.
Step 3: Machine Wash
After pretreating stains, use a mild detergent to wash your pillows on the gentle cycle. Give the load an extra rinse to get rid of any detergent residue on the feathers and fabric.
Step 4: Dry Thoroughly
Dry your pillows in the dryer using low or no heat. Every so often, reach in to fluff and separate any feather clumps, then continue the drying process.
Feather fill can trap moisture, so your pillows might take longer to dry than you anticipate. When in doubt, let it keep drying. You don’t want to put a damp pillow into your pillowcase!
How to Hand-Wash Pillows
Hand-washing pillows is a bit more labor-intensive than using a washing machine, but it’s definitely the way to go if you’re concerned about damaging your items.
Step 1: Prep the Water
Fill a bathtub or large basin with clean, warm water.
Step 2: Add Soap
Pour in a small amount of mild laundry detergent, and agitate to dissolve the solution in the water.
Step 3: Submerge the Pillow In the Water
Submerge the pillow in the solution, and knead with your hands to break up dirt.
Step 4: Drain and Refill
Drain or pour out the dirty water, and refill your tub or basin with clean, cool water. Submerge the pillow again, and knead it to remove the soap and dirt.
Step 5: Repeat Until Water Runs Clear
Repeat Step 4 until the water is clear, with no dirt or soap coming out of the pillow.
Step 6: Dry Thoroughly
Air dry completely on a flat surface in a well-ventilated room. Place a fan nearby in the room to speed up the process.
More Tips for How to Wash and Dry Pillows in the Washing Machine and Dryer
- In order to even out the weight distribution inside your washing machine, wash two pillows at once when you can. If you’re only washing one, you can balance it out with towels or other bulky items.
- Don’t over-saturate your pillows with soap—you can always add more detergent if necessary.
- Dryer balls can help break up clumps in your pillow’s filling during the drying process. Throw them directly into the dryer with your pillows.
Must-Have Pillow Washing Products
Amy Gordon
Amy Gordon is a freelance writer and editor who splits her time between New York, NY and Vieques, PR. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll probably find her on a plane with her nose in a book, in the Caribbean snorkeling through coral reefs, or on the couch watching true crime TV. Learn more and read her work at www.amygordonmedia.com.
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