fbpx
Header burger open
Search Logo

Jump To

Currently Viewing:

Which Pillows Can Be Washed And Which Can't?

a profile image of TSA author Alex

Written By Alex Petrović

Certified Sleep Consultant

washing-memory-foam-pillow-FI

14 June 2024 5 min read

Are you not so sure which pillows can be machine washed and dried? Do you wonder whether some types of pillows can be washed at all? Don’t worry, many people are not sure about these things since these things can get really tricky. So, today, we are answering all the pillow washing related questions you have! Let’s start and make washing pillows a little easier!

Down & feather pillows

down & feather filling

If you have never washed down or feather pillow you may be wondering whether putting them in the washing machine is such a good idea. But, don't worry! Machine washing feather and down pillows are possible, is easy, and, is recommendable! By machine washing your feather or down pillow you are not just doing a favor to your health and hygiene. You are also restoring the pillows former glory. So, how is it done? Let's see.

First of all, choose the detergent for your feather and down pillow carefully. It should be very mild and gentle. We recommend getting an extra sensitive detergent for baby clothes. This kind of detergents should be without any additives or aggressive chemicals which is very important in this case. So, after getting a gentle detergent also choose a gentle cycle. Now, here is one advice that we consider to be important. It's better if your feather and down pillow can have a friend in the washing machine. So, instead of washing just one feather pillow, put two of them. This will help during the spin cycle.

Water temperature shouldn't be too hot. You can also use some fabric softener, just also go with a gentle one and don't go overboard with it. As for the drying part is concerned, don't expect it to happen fast. These kinds of pillows need their time to get completely dry. Plus, it can be dangerous for your health if they don't dry properly. So, don't hurry up the process and use multiple cycles. Also, there is a pretty famous hack for drying feather and down pillows that you probably already heard of – the tennis balls trick! A couple of clean tennis balls can come in very handy when drying the feather and down pillows.

Foam pillows

a picture of memory foam pillow

These pillows cannot be machine washed. You can gently spot-clean them, or try to hand-wash them. Hand-washing these pillows are the ultimate line you mustn’t cross. Washing machines and dryers can ruin foam pillows. But, even when hand washing them, you shouldn’t sink them in a tub completely! It would be the best to thoroughly clean them with a moist gentle cloth. Very often, you might encounter a pillow that combines a cooling gel to ensure a “cooler side of the pillow” with a memory foam. We reviewed Simba Hybrid pillow so take a look at it.

Shredded foam pillows

a product image of shredded memory foam pillow

These kinds of pillows are easier to hand wash then the previous ones. Don’t machine wash or tumble dry these pillows. Also, avoid completely sinking these pillows in the tub.

Pillows with gel

an image of simba pillow with gel

Don’t wash these pillows! You can spot-clean them, though.

Cotton pillows

cotton pillows on a bed

These pillows are pretty easy to machine wash and dry. Just use a mild detergent and warm water that is not too hot. Cotton pillows are easy to maintain and hard to ruin.

Wool pillows

a wool pillow

Just as cotton pillows, these ones are also easy to wash. Just, in this case, use the special detergent that is suitable for wool. Also, choose the cycles and water temperature that are wool-friendly.

Buckwheat pillows

an image of a buckwheat pillow's filling

It’s best not to even try to introduce water to your buckwheat pillow! A large amount of water or moisture can ruin these pillows. And, about machine washing, well, don’t even think about that. These pillows would not leave the washing machine the same.

Polyester fiberfill pillows

an image of a polyester fiber pillow's fill

Yes, these pillows can be washed, but be more careful and gentler with them than with the cotton ones. These are a bit more sensitive. So, choose a gentle cycle, cold or lukewarm water (not too hot) and a mild detergent. Don’t put a lot of detergent, though.

Conclusion

A clean pillow is a happy pillow – always have this in mind. Pillows accumulate a lot of dust mites, stains, dead skin and other particles such as moist and skin oils. They should be cleaned at least twice a year. Just be careful about choosing the right cleaning method! As we saw, some pillows must never get completely wet. Some can be washed, but preferably hand-washed. Others can be machine washed just like a regular piece of clothes or bedding. So, let’s sum the thing up once more for the end!

Pillows that cannot be washed in any way

Pillows that are best to spot-clean and air

Pillows that are best hand-washed

Pillows that are easy to machine wash

Freshly washed and aired pillows are better for your health and for the beauty of your skin and hair. So, when doing the laundry, don’t forget the pillows! If you’re unsure if the pillow you’re using is right for you, check out our guide for choosing the right pillow, too.

Spread the word

Comments (0)

There are no comments yet

About the author

Alex Petrović
Sleep Consultant
A CPD certified Sleep Consultant with more than 2000 hours of research into all the different ways we can get a great night's sleep. As a former insomniac, I know how difficult life can be without a nightly recovery and I love that I get to share everything I've learned with you all. So hopefully we can all sleep soundly!
Related Posts

Best of our Blog

10-positive-thoughts-before-bed-FI
30 May 2024

10 Positive Thoughts Before Bed That You Need to Fill Your Head With

Poor sleep habits: Irregular sleep schedules, too much screen time before bed, and consuming caffeine or alcohol too close to bedtime can al...
Featured image for who invented the alarm clock
29 March 2024

Who Invented the Alarm Clock

As we've mentioned, the most straightforward answer is that Levi Hutchins invented the alarm clock in 1787. It was constructed as part of a ...
Don't Miss Out!
Get the latest reviews, special offers, new releases and more…
@thesleepadvisors
'The Luxe Cooling Mattress' by @emmasleepuk  is award-winning!

Tried and Tested by The Sleep Advisors, we've awarded them the 'Best Mattress for Side Sleepers'🏆

Click the link in the bio for more 📖🥸

#thesleepadvisorsuk #awardwinningmattress #emmasleepuk  #mattressreviews
'Award Winning Softness' by @hypniauk 

Tried and Tested by The Sleep Advisors, we've awarded them the 'Best Soft Mattress'🏆

Click the link in bio to read the full review 📖🥸

#thesleepadvisorsuk #awardwinningmattress #hypnia #mattressreviews

#
The Sleep Advisors cover all the benefits of Panda Products 🐼🐼

Click the link in the bio for more🔗

#ɪɴsᴛᴀʀᴇᴇʟs #instareelsdaily #PandaMattress #thesleepadvisorsuk
The awards continue! @silentnightbeds 'Just Breathe Eco Comfort' receives one today 🥳

Tried and Tested by The Sleep Advisors, we've awarded them the 'Best Pocket Sprung Mattress'🏆

#thesleepadvisors #silentnightbeds #thesleepadvisors #comfortmattress
Details are key for TheSleepAdvisors... especially for those close-ups 👁

We look at every nook and cranky to capture every detail when reviewing mattress and bedding🎥

For our Latest reviews head over to our website via the link in the bio 🔗

#thesleepadvisors #mattressreview #thesleepadvisorsuk
If you want Luxury check out @nectarsleep Premier Hybrid Mattress!😎

Tried and Tested by The Sleep Advisors, we've awarded them the 'Best Luxury Mattress'🏆

Click the link in bio to read the full review 📖🥸

#thesleepadvisorsuk #awardwinningmattress #nectarsleep #mattressreviews
We know how hard it is to find the best mattress online!🧐

Don't worry, The Sleep Advisors are here to solve your problem and it has never been easier to compare mattresses thanks to our Mattress Comparison Tool!

Click the Link in our bio to find the mattress brand that suits your individual needs 🤩
For all your bedding needs, TheSleepAdvisors have you covered! 😁

From Price to Quality, we look at all aspects to enable you to make the best purchase for your needs.

#ɪɴsᴛᴀʀᴇᴇʟs #instareels #sleepadvisorsuk #BeddingEssentials #TheSleepAdvisors
Sent an embarrassing text? Just say you were asleep 😆

Turns out, our brains can get so wired even while catching Z's that we end up sending messages without even waking up! 

 #funfacts #sleepadvisors #TheSleepAdvisors  #DidYouKnow #DidYouKnowThis
Mattress Toppers are key! 🔑  They can bring your mattress to life. Want to learn more? 

The Sleep Advisors have got you covered!😎

#ɪɴsᴛᴀʀᴇᴇʟs #instareelsdaily #instareels #sleepadvisorsuk #reelsofinstagram #MATTRESSTOPPERS
Close button

Don't Miss Out!

Get the latest reviews, special offers, new releases and more…

By submitting this form, you are opting into our mailing lists.
See our privacy policy.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.