You have your linen laundering schedule under control, but forgetting to clean this one item might be compromising the cleanliness of your home. We’re talking about pillows, and according to Marla Mock of Molly Maid, they should be washed at least twice a year. Here, the cleaning expert shares insights on how to care for pillows that aren’t machine washable, as well as factors that necessitate more frequent washing.
How Often to Wash Your Pillows
What’s happening outdoors is a key indicator of how often you should wash your pillows. During warm seasons or in climates where heat and humidity are a factor, you should clean your pillows more frequently—Mock suggests every three months.
If allergy sufferers live in your home, you’ll want to maintain a more frequent cleaning schedule for your pillows. “Over time, pillows accumulate dust mites, bacteria, and allergens, which can affect your health,” says Mock.
How you use your pillows can also contribute to a need for more frequent cleaning.
- If you eat in bed or have pets, wash your pillows quarterly.
- Kids’ pillows should also be washed more frequently.
- Down pillows are more prone to upsetting allergy sufferers, so you might find it helpful to wash pillows with this fill type more often.
Pillow Types That Can’t Be Washed
While it’s ideal to throw your pillows into the machine twice a year (or more frequently if you fit into one of the categories mentioned above), certain fill types aren’t safe for machine washing. Memory foam, latex, and gel pillows should all be avoided from machine washing, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to cleaning.
Mock says hand-vacuuming and spot-cleaning with a damp cloth should do the trick. Vacuuming is key for removing dust mites and allergens, while spot cleaning can help eliminate odors and other cleanliness issues.
Most other pillows, including down pillows, down alternative pillows, and pillows with polyester fill, are usually safe for machine washing. Just be sure to check your pillow’s care label.
What to Know About Cleaning Pillows
Use the below advice to learn how to properly and safely clean your pillows so they last for years to come.
Some Pillows Require Hand-Washing
For pillows that can’t be machine washed, Mock advises this process:
- Fill a bathtub or large sink with warm water and a few drops of liquid detergent.
- Submerge the pillow and let it soak for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the pillow with the warmest water your material can handle.
- Wrap the pillow in a towel and squeeze it to remove any moisture. This helps the pillow maintain its proper shape.
- Let the pillow air-dry completely before putting it back in its cover or case.
Machine Washing Comes With Its Own Pitfalls
If your pillows are machine washable, the cleaning process is much easier, but there are still pitfalls to avoid. “The biggest mistake people make is throwing their pillows in with a small load of laundry,” warns Mock. “This can cause your pillow to lump and damage more quickly in the wash.” Instead, the cleaning expert recommends washing two pillows simultaneously. This strategy will keep the pillows from becoming lumpy.
Be Wary of Top-Load Washers
If you have a top-load washer, Mock advises placing the pillows in the washer vertically to prevent damage. “Be sure to read the care label before washing, and follow the instructions,” she says. “However, if the label is no longer on your pillow, wash both of your pillows at the same time in hot water on a gentle cycle.”
Dry Using the Proper Technique
While staying on top of cleaning your pillows is important, ensuring they’re properly dried is just as important. Mock says that most pillows can be dried in the dryer on the low heat setting but, again, it’s best to consult your pillow’s care tag for best practices. “You can toss in a few tennis balls with the pillow when drying to help loosen up any clumped-up stuffing from washing,” she advises.
Source: Shannon, P. (2025j, August 9). How often you should actually be washing your pillows, according to a cleaning pro. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/how-often-to-wash-pillows-11787253