A clean pillow (or a pair of pillows, depending on your preference) is an important part of your sleep setup. Not only do pillows contribute to spinal alignment and support throughout the night, but they also factor into your comfort and nightly hygiene.Â
In our article, we explore why it’s important to care regularly for your pillow. We offer tips for washing your pillows and pillowcases and discuss how often they should be replaced so that you can enjoy fresh, peaceful rest night after night.
Why is it important to care for your pillow?
Caring for both your pillows and your mattress helps to maintain a clean, healthy sleep environment. A clean space is conducive to deep sleep, particularly if you suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions. Over time, pillows can accumulate dead skin cells, dust mites, body oils and other allergens, making regular cleaning and maintenance an important part of bedroom hygiene.
Proper pillow care can also help preserve its shape, comfort and support for longer. Following the recommended cleaning instructions and replacing your pillow when necessary will help ensure it continues to perform at its best.
In order to prolong the life of your pillow, aim to do the following:
- Wash your pillows on a regular basis, usually every 3–6 months
- Air them out once a week to expose them to fresh air and sunlight — this helps to kill germs and reduce odours
- Use clean pillowcases and pillow protectors
Which pillows can be washed and dried?
Before you get started, always check the care label for washing instructions. Depending on the fill and materials of your pillow, it may be dry-clean or surface-clean only, and may need specialist care. Some fillings like memory foam should not be soaked in water at all.
Here is quick reference guide for washing and drying different types of pillows, but always follow manufacturer guidance.
| Pillow type | Washing method | Drying method |
|---|---|---|
|
Cotton |
Machine wash or hand wash |
Air dry or tumble dry on low |
|
Feather/down |
Machine wash or hand wash |
Air dry or tumble dry on low |
|
Gel/cooling foam |
Spot clean only |
Air dry only |
|
Latex |
Hand wash |
Air dry only |
|
Microfibre |
Machine wash or hand wash |
Air dry or tumble dry on low |
|
Memory foam |
Spot clean only |
Air dry only |
|
Polyester |
Machine wash or hand wash |
Air dry or tumble dry on low |
|
Wool |
Spot clean or dry clean only |
Air dry only |
How to wash and dry your pillow
As a reminder, always check the care label before washing your pillow. Some materials require specialist care or spot cleaning, while fillings such as memory foam should not be soaked in water or exposed to direct sunlight.
How to wash your pillow in a washing machine
It’s a good idea to wash two pillows at once so the washing machine stays balanced and cleans them equally. Machines without agitators are best, as the agitator can damage pillows.
- Use a gentle or ‘bulky’ cycle with warm water
- Use mild liquid detergent
- Avoid fabric softeners
- Run a second time on a rinse cycle without detergent
- Finish with a low or gentle spin cycle
How to wash your pillow by hand
Even if your pillow is machine-washable, hand washing can sometimes offer a deeper clean because it soaks the pillow fully.
- Submerge the pillow in lukewarm water
- Use mild detergent
- Squeeze gently several times
- Using cool water, rinse thoroughly
- Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting
How to air dry your pillows after washing
It is vitally important to dry your pillows thoroughly before putting on pillowcases and protectors. Any trapped moisture can lead to mould or mildew. The safest option is to air dry pillows after washing.
- Place on a flat surface (such as a drying rack) outside or in a dry room with ventilation
- Flip the pillow periodically to allow the other side to dry
- Avoid hanging your pillow to dry as this will cause it to become misshapen
How to tumble dry your pillows after washing
Some pillows can be dried in a tumble dryer. While this is a faster option, it should be done carefully to avoid damaging your pillow.
- Use low heat or an ‘air dry’ setting
- Consider using dryer balls to help your pillows dry faster and prevent clumping
- Pause the dryer every so often, taking the pillows out and giving them a shake or a fluff to restore their shape and ensure the material has not bunched up
When to replace your pillows
How long a pillow lasts depends on the material it’s made from, how often you use it, and how well you wash and care for it. Your pillow’s care label or casing may have a recommend replacement date, which can be helpful to keep track of whether your pillow is starting to age.
Regardless of how long your pillow is intended to last or how recently it was purchased, you should replace it if it has become lumpy, flattened, stained or no longer provides adequate head and neck support. A common test is to fold your pillow in half (if it’s not a foam pillow) and let it go. If the pillow does not spring back to its original flat position, then it has lost its supportive structure and should be replaced.Â
How often should you buy new pillows?
Replacing your pillow every 1–2 years is a good baseline to follow. This routine will help keep your bed feeling fresh, clean and comfortable. Some pillows tend to need replacing sooner, while others may last longer.
- Standard polyester: replace every 6–12 months
- Microfibre and cooling gel: may last 1–2 years
- Cotton and wool: may last 3–5 years
- Foam, latex, feather and down: may last up to 10 years
How often should you change your pillowcase?
Your pillowcase helps to absorb some of the sweat, skin cells and dust that collect on the surface of your pillow. This helps to increase the amount of time between washes as well as prolonging the overall life of the pillow. We recommend washing your pillowcases at least once a week.
You can also invest in a pillow protector for even tougher protection. These are usually placed between the pillow and the standard pillowcase, zipping up around the pillow. This blocks even more absorption and is great for anyone with allergies. They should be washed regularly with your bedding.
Proper pillow care can do wonders for your sleep, which affects your energy levels, stress levels, productivity and much more. Take care of yourself by taking care of your pillows, but remember to always check the label and the manufacturer’s guidelines first.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a pillow in the washing machine?
Many cotton, polyester, microfibre, feather and down pillows can be machine washed. However, some materials, particularly foam and latex, require different care. Always check the manufacturer’s care label before washing.
Can you put pillows in the dryer?
Some pillows, including polyester, microfibre, feather and down varieties, can be tumble dried on a low setting. Foam and latex pillows generally should not go in the dryer. Always follow the care label and ensure your pillow is completely dry before use.
How often should you wash your pillows?
As a general guide, aim to wash washable pillows every three to six months. Using a pillow protector and washing your pillowcases weekly can help keep your pillow cleaner between washes.
How do you know when a pillow needs replacing?
Replace your pillow if it has become flat, lumpy, stained or no longer comfortably supports your head and neck. For non-foam pillows, you can also try folding the pillow in half. If it does not spring back, it may be time for a replacement.
Why do pillows turn yellow?
Pillows can gradually develop yellow stains as they absorb sweat, natural body oils, skincare products and moisture. Regularly washing your pillowcases and using a washable pillow protector can help reduce staining and keep your pillow fresher for longer.
