How to Wash Pillows and How Often Should You Do It?

Pillows collect sweat, body oils, skin cells, dust, pet hair, and everyday buildup over time. If they are not cleaned properly, they can start to smell, lose shape, clump, or feel uncomfortable.

At The Dutchman’s Laundry in Clarksville, TN, we regularly help customers with pillows, bedding, comforters, blankets, towels, and bulky household laundry. This guide explains how often to wash pillows, how to wash different pillow types safely, and when it is better to replace a pillow instead of washing it again.

How Often Should You Wash Pillows?

Most washable pillows should be cleaned every few months, but the right schedule depends on the pillow type, how often it is used, whether you use a pillow protector, and whether pets sleep on the bed.

Pillowcases should be washed much more often because they touch your face and hair directly. Pillow protectors can also help reduce buildup inside the pillow itself.

General Pillow Washing Schedule

• Pillowcases: Wash weekly or with your regular bedding.
• Pillow protectors: Wash every few weeks or as needed.
• Washable bed pillows: Wash every 3–6 months, depending on use.
• Guest pillows: Wash before or after guests use them.
• Pet-exposed pillows: Wash more often if pets sleep on the bed.
• Body pillows: Wash every 3–6 months if the care label allows it.

Always check the care label first. Some pillows are machine washable, while others should only be spot cleaned or professionally cleaned.

Before Washing: Check the Pillow Type

Different pillows need different care. Washing the wrong pillow the wrong way can cause clumping, shrinking, tearing, or permanent damage.

• Polyester pillows: Often machine washable.
• Down or feather pillows: May be washable, but need gentle washing and careful drying.
• Memory foam pillows: Usually should not be machine washed.
• Latex pillows: Usually should not be machine washed.
• Buckwheat pillows: Hulls should not be washed; only the cover is usually washable.
• Decorative pillows: Check labels carefully because covers and fillings vary.

What You Need to Wash Pillows

• Mild laundry detergent
• Large washer, if the pillow is machine washable
• Low-heat dryer setting, if the care label allows machine drying
• Clean towels to balance the load
• Dryer balls or clean tennis balls, if safe for the pillow type
• Pillow protector or clean pillowcase after washing

If you are not sure what detergent to use, read our guide on how to choose a detergent.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Pillows Safely

Step 1: Air Out the Pillow First

Before washing, air the pillow out in a well-ventilated space. This can help reduce light odor and moisture before the wash.

Step 2: Remove the Pillowcase and Protector

Remove pillowcases and pillow protectors and wash them separately. This helps the pillow itself wash and rinse more evenly.

Step 3: Check for Damage, Stains, or Odor

Look for tears, loose seams, heavy stains, mildew smell, or filling that has broken down. If the pillow is badly damaged or smells musty even before washing, it may be better to replace it.

Step 4: Use a Large Enough Washer

Pillows need room to move. If they are packed tightly into a small home washer, they may not rinse properly and can become misshapen.

For larger bedding loads, visit our self-service laundromat in Clarksville or use our bulky items laundry service.

Step 5: Use Mild Detergent

Use a small amount of mild detergent. Too much detergent can stay trapped inside the pillow and make it difficult to rinse fully.

Avoid strong fragrances, bleach, and heavy additives unless the care label specifically allows them.

Step 6: Choose the Right Cycle and Water Temperature

Use a gentle cycle and the water temperature recommended on the care label. For many washable pillows, warm or cool water is safer than hot water.

Use an extra rinse cycle if available. Pillows are thick and can hold detergent residue inside the filling.

Step 7: Dry Thoroughly

Drying is one of the most important steps. If a pillow is stored or used while damp inside, it can develop odor or mildew.

• Use low heat if the care label allows machine drying.
• Pause the dryer and fluff the pillow during drying.
• Use dryer balls or clean tennis balls if safe for the pillow type.
• Make sure the pillow is completely dry before using it again.
• Air dry if the care label requires it.

How to Wash Different Types of Pillows

Polyester Pillows

Polyester pillows are often machine washable. Use a gentle cycle, mild detergent, and low heat drying. Wash two pillows at a time if possible to help balance the washer.

Down or Feather Pillows

Down and feather pillows need gentle care. Use mild detergent, avoid heavy agitation, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely on low heat if the care label allows it.

Drying may take longer because moisture can stay trapped inside the filling. Fluff the pillow during drying to help prevent clumps.

Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows usually should not go in the washing machine. Machine washing can break down the foam and ruin the shape.

Instead, spot clean the cover or surface according to the care label, then air dry fully before using it again.

Latex Pillows

Latex pillows usually should not be machine washed or machine dried. Spot clean gently and avoid twisting, wringing, or high heat.

Buckwheat Pillows

Buckwheat hulls should not be washed. Remove the hulls and wash only the pillow cover if the care label allows it.

Decorative and Throw Pillows

Decorative pillows vary widely. Some covers are washable, while others may be spot clean only. Always check the care label before washing.

How to Keep Pillows Clean Longer

• Use pillow protectors under pillowcases.
• Wash pillowcases regularly.
• Air pillows out occasionally.
• Do not sleep on pillows with wet hair.
• Keep pets off pillows if possible.
• Spot clean small stains quickly.
• Make sure pillows are fully dry after washing.

If pet hair is a problem, read our guide on how to remove pet hair from clothes.

When Should You Replace a Pillow?

Sometimes washing is not enough. A pillow may need to be replaced if it no longer supports your head and neck, has a persistent odor, or has filling that stays lumpy after washing.

Consider replacing a pillow if:

• It stays flat after fluffing.
• It has a musty smell that does not go away.
• The filling is clumped or uneven.
• The pillow has visible mold or mildew.
• The cover or seams are badly damaged.
• It no longer feels comfortable or supportive.

Pillows, Bedding, and Bulky Laundry in Clarksville

Pillows are often part of a larger bedding load. If you are washing pillows, comforters, blankets, sheets, and mattress covers, a home washer may not have enough room for proper cleaning and rinsing.

For large bedding loads, use our bulky items laundry service in Clarksville.

If you want to wash the load yourself, visit our self-service laundromat in Clarksville.

Pickup and Delivery for Bedding and Pillow Laundry

If you have a full bedding load, family laundry, towels, pillows, or bulky items, pickup and delivery can save time.

Our laundry pickup and delivery service in Clarksville is a convenient option for busy households, families, students, and anyone with large laundry loads.

Related Bedding and Laundry Guides

For more bedding and laundry care help, read these related guides:

• How to wash big blankets and comforters
• How to remove pet hair from clothes
• How to choose a detergent
• How to get laundry detergent stains out of clothes
• Laundry tips blog

Key Takeaways

• Most washable pillows should be cleaned every few months, depending on use and pillow type.
• Always check the care label before washing any pillow.
• Polyester, down, and feather pillows may be washable, but memory foam, latex, and buckwheat pillows usually need special care.
• Use mild detergent and avoid using too much soap.
• Dry pillows completely before using or storing them.
• Replace pillows that are flat, lumpy, musty, damaged, or no longer supportive.
• The Dutchman’s Laundry in Clarksville can help with pillows, bedding, bulky items, drop-off laundry, self-service laundry, and pickup/delivery.

FAQs: How to Wash Pillows

Q. How often should you wash pillows?

A. Most washable pillows should be washed every 3–6 months, depending on use, pillow type, and whether you use a pillow protector. Pillowcases should be washed much more often.

Q. Can you put pillows in the washing machine?

A. Some pillows can go in the washing machine, but not all. Polyester, down, and feather pillows may be washable if the care label allows it. Memory foam, latex, and buckwheat pillows usually should not be machine washed.

Q. What temperature should I use to wash pillows?

A. Follow the care label. For many washable pillows, cool or warm water is safer than hot water because high heat can damage filling or fabric.

Q. How do you dry pillows without clumping?

A. Use low heat if the care label allows it, pause the dryer to fluff the pillows, and use dryer balls or clean tennis balls when safe for the pillow type. Make sure the pillow is fully dry inside.

Q. Can memory foam pillows be washed?

A. Memory foam pillows usually should not be machine washed. Spot clean the cover or surface and let the pillow air dry completely.

Q. Why does my pillow smell after washing?

A. The pillow may not be fully dry inside, or detergent may be trapped in the filling. Use an extra rinse and dry thoroughly before using or storing the pillow.

Q. Where can I wash pillows in Clarksville, TN?

A. The Dutchman’s Laundry in Clarksville offers bulky item laundry, self-service machines, drop-off laundry, and pickup/delivery options for pillows, bedding, blankets, and larger laundry loads.