Guide: How to Wash Any Pillow

You probably know how important it is to wash your bedding regularly, but have you ever thought about your pillow?

Even with a pillowcase to cover it, dirt, oil, sweat, and saliva can build up on your pillow. Over time, the fill will begin to break down, resulting in a floppy and unsupportive shape.

While different types of pillows require different cleaning techniques to keep them fresh, you can wash most types easily at home—no dry cleaning required. Keep reading and we’ll share what you need to know to keep your pillows clean.

I. What to Know About Washing Pillows

The most common question we get is: can all pillows be washed? You’ll want to check the label (and make sure you know what type of pillow you have), but the answer is yes, most pillows can be washed. The most important distinction, though, is how to wash it. In the sections below, we’ll share the steps for washing your pillow depending on the type.

Next question: can pillows be put in the washing machine? Again, the answer to this depends on the type of pillow you have. As you’ll see in the sections below, certain pillows—including memory foam pillows — shouldn’t be submerged in water, so you don’t want to put them in your washing machine. Other types, like cotton and faux down, can easily be thrown in the wash.

Another common question people ask is: how often should you wash your pillows? A general rule of thumb is to wash your pillows about every four months or so. This will help address the dirt and oil buildup and maintain the shape and performance of your pillow.

Lastly, what about fluffing? It’s a good idea to fluff your pillows every day when you make your bed. After washing or spot cleaning, give your pillow a more thorough fluffing (more on this later).

II. How to Clean Memory Foam Pillows

Now, we’ll tackle how to clean specific types of pillows. First up, can you wash memory foam pillows? The answer is yes, but they require a bit of special care. Memory foam pillows cannot be placed in a washing machine and should never be fully submerged in water. A washing machine can shred and damage the material, and a dryer can work adversely by melting the foam.

Step 1: Remove & Wash Your Pillowcase

Remove your pillowcase and wash it. Most can be easily washed in your machine, but make sure to check the label. Some types, like silk pillowcases, have special care instructions to follow.

If your pillow has a protected scrim or inner cover, remove this carefully. This cover can be hand washed in a sink using mild detergent.

Step 2: Spot Clean

Identify the areas that need to be cleaned. Dampen a clean cloth with water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Lightly rub the area, pressing in gently to penetrate the stain.

Wet a second clean cloth completely and wring out almost all the water. Place the moist cloth over the area you just cleaned and press it into the pillow firmly. The clean, moist cloth works to “pull out” the detergent and the stain; you may need to repeat the process a few times.

Step 3: Spot Clean

Air drying is imperative for the memory foam to dry properly. A machine dryer may cause damage to the pillow.

Instead, firmly press a clean, dry towel onto the treated area. Continue this process, rotating the towel as needed, until the area is as dry as possible. Let the pillow stay uncovered in a well-ventilated area so it can dry out completely. This is very important to prevent mold.

III. How to Clean Cotton and Feather Pillows

Cotton and feather pillows are just as easy to clean. In fact, they’re probably the easiest types to wash and dry, because you can throw them right into your washing machine.

Step 1: Wash on Gentle

Remove your pillowcase, cover, and/or protector. You will wash these separately with your sheets before placing them back on the clean pillows. Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with warm water and add a gentle liquid detergent. As the water fills, place up to two pillows into the drum. Be careful not to overload your washer.

Step 2: Complete an Extra Rinse Cycle

Before putting your pillows in the dryer, make sure that all the detergent has been rinsed out. We recommend running the pillows through for an extra rinse cycle to be sure. Once the rinse cycle is over, run two spin cycles to get rid of all excess water.

Step 3: Dry

Drying cotton and fiberfill pillows in a dryer is perfectly fine. For extra-fluffy pillows, toss a tennis ball or two into the dryer also. Set on low to medium heat, for 30 minutes to start. Every 30 minutes, check your pillows for dampness, especially deep in the center. Fluff the pillow(s) and repeat the drying time until fully dry.

IV. How to Clean Wool Pillows

Cleaning wool pillows is also very easy, as you’ll see in the steps below! However, you’ll want to make sure your washing machine is large enough so that water can flow around and through the pillow. If it is, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Wash on Gentle

Add gentle liquid detergent and place on a delicate cold wash and rinse cycle.

Step 2: Combo Air Dry and Low Temperature Dryer

Hang the pillow to line dry for about four hours. Once the pillow is almost dry, place it in your dryer on a low temperature to finish drying and allow it to fluff up.

V. How to Clean Buckwheat Pillows

Cleaning a buckwheat-filled pillow is all about washing its cover and not the actual buckwheat. Once buckwheat hulls are soaked they will be ruined, making them soggy, unsupportive, and a breeding ground for mold.

Step 1: Remove Filling and Wash Cover

Unzip the cover and place buckwheat filling in a large container. Machine wash the cover in cold water with a liquid detergent. While the cover is being washed, sift through the buckwheat to make sure that all the hulls are in good shape. If there are any damp ones you may want to discard them. You can always buy and add new buckwheat if you need it.

Step 2: Air Dry

Air-dry the cover, preferably on a drying rack in the sun. While the cover is drying, place the container of buckwheat in the sun as well. Stir up the hulls during the drying process to cycle the bottom ones to the top.

Step 3: Replace Hulls

Once the cover is completely dry, pour or scoop the buckwheat hulls back inside and zip it up.

VI. How to Clean Microbead & Gel Pillows

Pillows with microfiber gel and/or beads give you that huggable, squeezable feel you crave—much like a down pillow—without the high price point or allergy potential.

Step 1: Wash on Gentle

Wash the pillow in cool water in a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. If your pillow is made with microbeads, it’s a good idea to place it into a large, tied-up pillowcase. This way, the loose beads will be contained if the pillow has any rips or tears in it that you didn’t notice before.

Step 2: Dry on Gentle

Dry the pillow in a dryer on the low temperature setting, along with a tennis ball to help the pillow fluff back up.

Microbead pillows should be taken out of the dryer before they’re completely dry to avoid overheating that might damage the beads; air dry or line dry the rest of the way.

VII. Shop GhostBed Pillows

Whether you prefer the soft and plush feel of a faux down pillow or a more customized pillow that allows you to add or remove fill to your liking, GhostBed has the pillow for you. Compare our pillows here, or start shopping with the links below!

GhostPillow Memory Foam

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GhostPillow Faux Down

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GhostPillow Shredded (2 Pack)

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GhostBed Silk Pillowcase

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