How to Wash a Pillow: 4 Easy Steps

Key Takeaways

• Different pillow types require specific care instructions. Ignoring these instructions can lead to damage, reduced lifespan, and even health issues like allergies and skin irritation.
• Use mild detergent and avoid harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals can damage the pillow's fibers and irritate your skin.
• Air dry or use a low heat setting to avoid damaging pillows. 

Cleaning bed sheets regularly is a standard practice, but you may be more inclined to replace your pillows than try to wash them. 

Because of their constant contact with hair and skin, pillows gather sweat, body oils, and bacteria. Knowing how to wash pillows and what types of pillows you should wash can ensure your pillows stay clean and last longer.

Here’s everything to know about how to wash pillows, from spot cleaning and hand-washing to using a washing machine.

Looking for information on Purple pillow care? Learn how to keep your Purple pillow clean here.

A Pillow for Everyone

From adjustable and shapeable to conforming and cooling, Purple’s pillow collection offers options for every sleep position and preference.

Shop Pillows

How To Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine

Only certain types of pillows can be cleaned in the washing machine. Down or microfiber pillows are machine washable, while memory foam or latex pillows should be hand-washed or spot cleaned. Machine washing the latter may tear and damage their material, and we don’t recommend fully submerging foam or latex cores.

It’s also important to consider your machine. Top-loading washers often have agitators that can be harsh on pillow fillings. Front-loading washers generally provide a gentler cleaning cycle. If you need to use a top-loading washer, you can insert the pillows vertically and two at a time — be sure to use a gentle cycle.

Here's how to clean your pillows using a washing machine without causing damage:

1. Check the care label: Always prioritize the manufacturer's instructions. If the label is missing and you’re wondering what setting to wash pillows, err on the side of caution and opt for a gentle cycle with cold water.
2. Pre-treat stains: Spot clean any visible stains with a gentle laundry pre-treatment solution or a mixture of white vinegar and water. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes before proceeding. 
3. Prepare the washing machine: Use cold water on a gentle cycle. Opt for a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Wash pillows two at a time to avoid overfilling the washing machine.
4. Dry properly: Once the cycle is complete, fluff the pillows by hand to redistribute the filling. Never wring or twist pillows, as this can cause clumping. Air dry pillows completely or machine dry using the lowest heat setting possible, adding tennis balls to the dryer to prevent clumping. If you’re drying down or feather pillows, use the no-heat setting.

How To Wash Pillows By Hand

Hand-washing is the safest approach for pillows that are delicate, too large for your washing machine, or have specific care instructions. 

Here's how to hand-wash pillows effectively: 

1. Prepare the pillow: Remove pillowcases from your pillows. Fill a large tub or sink with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. 
2. Wash the pillow: Submerge the pillow and gently agitate it to loosen dirt and grime.
3. Drain water: Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water. 
4. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the pillow until all soap is gone. 
5. Dry the pillow: Gently squeeze out excess water, but avoid wringing or twisting. Lay the pillow out to air dry in a well-ventilated area. 

How To Spot Clean a Pillow

If you’re wondering how to make pillows white again, spot cleaning is a quick and effective way to address minor stains or spills. 

Depending on the type of stain, you could use soap and water or a dedicated stain remover. Soap and water work great for general stains like dirt and grime, while a stronger stain remover will help remove tough stains, like blood, sweat, or vomit.

Remember to use cleaning solutions sparingly when removing stains. You can always add a little more if needed.

Here’s what to do: 

1. Identify the stain: Determine the type of stain to choose the appropriate cleaning solution. 
2. Apply the solution: Using a clean cloth, gently dab the stain with the cleaning solution. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
3. Rinse: After a few minutes, blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the cleaning solution.
4. Repeat: Repeat steps 1-3 if the stain is still present.

If you’re having trouble washing blood stains out of your pillow or other bedding, learn how to get blood out of sheets.

Want to keep your pillows clean and comfortable? It may be time to buy new pillowcases. Purple’s Complete Comfort Pillowcases use 100% cotton for a soft, breathable feel.

How To Dry Pillows

Proper drying is crucial to prevent mildew and maintain the pillow's shape and loft. Air drying is an effective method if you’re wondering how to dry pillows without a dryer. Machine drying is also an option. Here’s how to do both:

How to air dry: 

1. Reshape: Gently reshape the pillow to its original form.
2. Air dry: Place the pillow on a towel in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
3. Rotate: Periodically rotate the pillow to ensure even drying.
4. Fluff: Once the pillow is almost dry, fluff it to restore its loft.

How to machine dry: 

1. Use low heat: Use the lowest heat setting on your dryer.
2. Add tennis balls: Add a few clean tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff the pillow and prevent clumping.
3. Check often: Monitor the drying process and remove the pillow as soon as it's dry to prevent overdrying.

How To Remove Odor From Pillows

Depending on the materials used, some brand new pillows may have a smell that will fade over time. If the smell of a new pillow bothers you, try airing it out — you may need to remove the core from the liner and cover, leaving it in a well-ventilated room for 24 to 48 hours.

Odors can also accumulate in pillows the longer you use it, affecting your sleep quality and the pillow’s life span. Disinfecting your pillow can help kill odor-causing bacteria and mites. Here are some effective ways to disinfect your pillow: 

• Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the pillow, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it off.
• Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray the solution on the pillow, let it air dry, then vacuum.
• Sunlight: Expose the pillow to sunlight for a few hours to naturally disinfect and deodorize.
• Essential oils: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a spray bottle with water. Mist the pillow and let it air dry.

If you’re just disinfecting your pillow, there’s no need to wash it, although you can if you wish. 

Prevent your pillows from musty smells with Purple SoftStretch® Pillowcases. The moisture-wicking bamboo fabric can protect against sweat and spills, keeping your pillows fresh and clean for longer.

How Often Should You Wash Your Pillows?

Pillows should be washed at least twice a year. If your pillows are more often exposed to dirt, debris, spills, or pets, washing pillows every 3-6 months is recommended. If you eat and drink in your bed, sleep with pets, or tend to sweat excessively, you should wash your pillows every three months.

You should also consider replacing your pillows every 1-2 years. Once you know the best way to clean pillows, learn how to clean your mattress to boost the longevity and comfort of your sleep sanctuary .

If your bed starts to sag, smell, or cause discomfort, it may be time to upgrade. Choose a durable mattress that provides the support, pressure relief, and temperature balancing you need to rest comfortably.

Maximum Comfort and Support

With our GelFlex Grid®, Purple mattresses provide targeted, adaptive support.

Shop Mattresses

How To Clean Different Types of Pillows 

The best cleaning method for your pillow will depend on its filling material. Here's a breakdown of how to clean common pillow types:

*Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle only.

Can You Wash a Purple Pillow?

Purple offers a variety of pillows to fit your sleeping style and needs (our Purple pillow comparison guide breaks down these key differences). These different options also mean that cleaning and care instructions will differ depending on the pillow.

To find proper cleaning instructions, refer to our manufacturer tag on your Purple pillow or find further instructions here. With proper cleaning and care, your Purple pillow will last many years and many restful sleeps.

Here’s a breakdown of how to care for our different types of pillows:

• Purple Harmony™ Pillow: 
  • Cover: Machine wash cold, separately. Lay flat to dry.
  • Core: Spot clean only. Do not wash the pillow core in the washing machine. 
• Purple Harmony Anywhere™ Pillow: 
  • Cover: Machine wash cold and lay flat to dry.
  • Core: Spot clean only. Do not wash the pillow core in the washing machine. 
• Purple DreamLayer™ Pillow: 
  • Cover: Machine wash cold and lay flat to dry.
  • Core: Spot clean only. Do not wash the pillow core in the washing machine. 
• Purple Freeform™ Pillow: 
  • Outer Cover: Remove the liner filled with MicroFlex™ Moon Foam and turn the cover inside out, with GelFlex Grid® facing out. Machine wash separately in cold water on the gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry.
  • Liner filled with MicroFlex™ Moon Foam: Spot clean only.
  • Foam/fiber fill: Do not wash.
  • Throw pillow case: Cover must be emptied of fill. Machine wash separately in cold water on gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low. Iron on reverse side with medium temperature.
• The Purple Pillow® and Kids Purple Pillow®: 
  • Cover: Machine wash the cover with similar colors in cold water and tumble dry low.
  • Interior grid material: Remove from the cover, wash in warm water with gentle soap, and let air dry.
• Purple Cloud™ Pillow: 
  • Machine wash in warm water on delicate cycle. Only use non-chlorine bleach when needed. Unzip to tumble dry on low heat and delicate cycle; do not iron. May require more than one dry cycle, but will fluff and bloom like new when completely dry.
• Purple TwinCloud™ Pillow: 
  • Machine wash in warm water on a gentle cycle. Unzip to tumble dry on low heat and delicate cycle.

How To Wash Pillows Without Ruining Them

The best way to wash your pillow without ruining it is to check the care label first. This provides specific instructions tailored to your pillow's materials and construction. 

Generally, down alternative and down pillows can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Alternatively, foam, latex, and memory foam pillows aren’t typically machine-washable and should be spot-cleaned or hand-washed. To dry your pillows, air dry them or use a low heat setting in the dryer with tennis balls to prevent clumping.