How to wash pillows: down, feather, fibre, memory foam and latex

Most down, feather and polyester fibre pillows can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with a little mild detergent, then tumble dried on low heat until they are completely dry inside. Memory foam and latex pillows should not go in a washing machine: spot clean the surface, air them out and wash the cover instead. Always check the care label first, because it overrides general advice, including this guide.

Can you wash your pillow? Check the fill first

How to machine wash down, feather and fibre pillows

1. Remove the pillowcase and protector. Wash those with your normal bedding.
2. Check the shell for holes or split seams. A small tear can let fill escape in the drum, so stitch it before washing.
3. Wash two pillows at once. This keeps a front loading machine balanced. Top loaders with a central agitator can be rough on pillows, so use the gentlest setting or wash by hand.
4. Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Too much leaves residue in the fill. Skip fabric softener, which can coat down and fibre and reduce loft.
5. Choose a gentle or delicates cycle and add an extra rinse to clear the soap.
6. Spin on a low or medium setting. This removes water without crushing the fill too hard.

How to hand wash a pillow

If your machine is small or you would rather not risk it, fill a bath or large basin with lukewarm water and a little mild detergent. Press the pillow under the water and squeeze it gently several times, working the water through the fill. Drain, refill with clean water and repeat until no suds appear. Press out as much water as you can without wringing or twisting, then roll the pillow in a towel to absorb more.

How to dry a pillow fully

Drying is where most pillow washing goes wrong. A pillow that feels dry on the outside can still be damp in the middle, and trapped moisture can lead to a musty smell and mildew.

• Use low heat. High heat can scorch shells and damage fibres.
• Add two or three dryer balls or clean tennis balls. They break up clumps and help restore loft.
• Take the pillow out every 30 minutes or so. Pull apart any clumps by hand, then put it back.
• Expect it to take a while. Down and feather pillows often need two to three hours or more.
• Squeeze and sniff the centre. Any dampness or musty smell means it needs longer.

If you line dry, choose a warm, breezy day, lay the pillow flat or peg it by the corners, and turn and shake it every hour. Finish with a short, low tumble if you can to lift the fill. Our guide on how to fluff a pillow covers restoring the shape afterwards.

How to clean memory foam and latex pillows

1. Remove the cover and wash it according to its label.
2. Vacuum the foam with an upholstery attachment to lift dust.
3. Spot clean marks with a cloth dampened in water and a drop of mild detergent. Dab rather than rub, and avoid soaking the foam.
4. Wipe with a cloth dampened in clean water to remove the soap.
5. Let it air dry completely, flat, in a well ventilated room and out of direct sunlight, before putting the cover back on.

How often should you wash pillows?

Typical guidance is to wash pillowcases weekly, pillow protectors every month or two, and washable pillows themselves two to four times a year. Wash more often if you sweat a lot at night, sleep with pets, or notice marks or smells. Yellow patches usually come from sweat and skin oils working into the fabric over time, and our guide on why pillows turn yellow explains how to slow that down.

A protector is the easiest way to wash pillows less often, because it takes most of the daily wear. See do you need a pillow protector for how they work.

When washing will not help

If a pillow stays flat after drying, has lumps that will not break up, or does not spring back when folded in half, washing will not bring it back. That is usually a sign it is time for a new one. Our guide on how often to replace a pillow walks through the signs.