can you wash pillows
Yes, you can wash many pillows, but how you do it depends on the type of pillow and its care label.
Quick Scoop
- Most synthetic, feather, and down pillows can go in the washing machine if the care label says so.
- Memory foam and many silk pillows should not be machine‑washed; they’re usually cleaned by hand, spot cleaning, or just airing out.
- Always check the care label first; that’s your safest guide for temperature, cycle, and drying method.
Basic rules by pillow type
- Synthetic / microfibre / down-alternative: Often machine‑washable on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, usually warm or cool water.
- Feather / down: Commonly machine‑washable on a gentle cycle; wash two at a time to balance the drum and dry thoroughly to avoid clumps or mildew.
- Memory foam: Do not machine‑wash; hand wash the foam carefully or just spot‑clean, and wash only the removable cover in the machine if allowed.
- Silk pillows: Usually not meant for full washing; use spot cleaning and “sun‑curing” (airing in sunlight) rather than soaking or machine‑washing.
- Special fills (buckwheat, etc.): Often you empty the fill and only wash the outer shell, then air the fill in the sun.
Simple machine‑wash steps (for pillows that allow it)
- Check the care label and confirm it says the pillow is machine‑washable.
- Wash one or two pillows at a time on a gentle/delicate cycle with mild, bleach‑free detergent.
- Use an extra rinse if needed to remove all soap.
- Dry on low heat or air‑dry, making sure the pillow is completely dry inside to prevent mildew.
When in doubt
If the label is missing or unclear, it’s safer to spot‑clean stains and air the pillow in a sunny, well‑ventilated place instead of fully soaking or machine‑washing it.
Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.