You wash your pillowcases, your sheets, even your duvet but when did you last actually wash the pillow itself? Even if the pillows look fresh, they might not be as clean as they look. Studies have shown that 30% of a pillow’s weight, which has been used for over 2 years, consists of bacteria, dead skin and feces from dust mites.
While washing your pillowcases does provide some protection, it is not enough. Sweat, body oils, dead skin, and dust debris still seep through. They settle inside your pillows over time. This means your pillow is likely home to germs and allergens, so washing it regularly matters.
But how to wash pillows the right way? Do you wash them in the washing machine, or should you hand-wash them? In this guide, we will make that clear.
How Often Should You Wash Your Pillow?
Your pillow is a silent witness to your dreams and, occasionally, your midnight snacks. But while you’re off in dreamland, your pillow is busy collecting a microscopic history of skin cells, natural oils, and uninvited dust mites. To keep it truly fresh, most experts suggest a deep clean every 3 to 6 months. However, not every sleeper has the same pillow profile. So, here is how to decide when to schedule a clean:
- Every 3 months: If you wake up with the sniffles, live with asthma, or happen to be a heavy night-sweater, aim for a wash every 3 months. Keeping that cycle tight prevents allergens and bacteria from claiming permanent residency in your fluff.
- Every 6 months: For those who stay cool through the night and use a reliable pillow protector, a refresh once every 6 months is usually the sweet spot for maintaining a clean sleep environment.
| Pro Tip: Always check the care label before the plunge. Whether it’s down, memory foam, or synthetic, your pillow has its own preferences for how it likes to be pampered. |
Why Washing Pillows is Important?
There are several reasons you should wash your pillows, which you should be aware of before asking, “Can I wash pillows in washing machine?”
Here’s what happens when you don’t clean your pillow regularly:
- Breakouts + Skin Irritation: The buildup of bacteria can lead to random breakouts and irritate your skin.
- Allergy Central: Pillows are more attractive to dust mites than to humans. They are the ones who cause itchy eyes and sneezing fits.
- Bad Smell Alert: Your pillow will start smelling bad with all the accumulated dirt and germs.
- Compromised Structure: Pillows lose support and bounce over time when not cleaned regularly.
- Poor Sleep Quality: Personal hygiene counts. You might be surprised how much a dirty pillow can disrupt your sleep.
| If you use a Sleepwell Nexa Regular Pillow, the built-in Neem Fresche anti-microbial technology actively protects against dust mites, allergens, and breathing irritants. |
Can You Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine?
Now to answer the common question: Can I wash pillows in washing machine?” The answer is that it depends on certain factors. The first factor is the material; you should only wash your pillows in a washing machine if they are:
- Polyester fibre pillows
- Cotton-filled pillows
- Down alternative pillows
Do not, under any circumstances, wash the following type of pillows in a washing machine:
- Memory foam pillows
- Latex pillows
- Orthopaedic pillows with foam cores
Before starting the washing machine, set the machine in the gentle or delicate cycle, make sure that you use mild liquid detergent and not a harsh powder, and the water should be either warm or cold. Please use the extra rinse cycle to remove any soap residue. Now, follow the following steps:
- Remove pillow covers and protectors
- Pre-treat stains with baking soda or mild detergent
- Place two pillows together for balance
- Start a gentle wash cycle
- Rinse thoroughly
- Squeeze out excess water carefully
Please do not overload top-load machines, as they are the most common type used in India. Indian monsoons can be a breeding ground for mould and bacteria, which will cause your pillows to smell, so make sure that your pillows are dry before you reuse them.
How to Hand-Wash Pillows Properly
If your pillow is made of a material that you cannot wash in a washing machine, it is better to go for hand washing. Make sure to use a mild detergent and have the following ready before you start:
- Bucket
- soft cloth or a sponge
- some clean towels
Step-by-Step Hand Washing Process
Follow these steps for proper hand-washing of the pillows:
- Fill the bucket with lukewarm water
- Add mild detergent
- Soak the pillow for 15–20 minutes
- Gently press and clean without twisting
- Rinse repeatedly until the water runs clear
- Remove excess water using towels
| Tip: Please take special care when cleaning memory foam pillows. Soaking can damage the structure, so instead of washing them, use a wet towel to remove any dirt spots, if present and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust. |
So, which method is better for cleaning your pillows? Here is a comparison table to make an informed choice.
| Factor | Machine Wash | Hand Wash |
| Convenience | Faster | Time-consuming |
| Cleaning Power | Better for deep cleaning | Gentle cleaning |
| Suitable For | Polyester/cotton pillows | Foam/delicate pillows |
| Risk of Damage | Moderate if settings are wrong | Lower |
| Water Usage | Higher | Lower |
Common Mistakes to Watch Out For While Washing Pillows
Stay away from the following practices so that you do not end up damaging your pillows.
- Using too much detergent: It can leave soap residue and damage the quality of the pillow.
- Washing one pillow at a time in the machine: You can use 2-3 pillows at once in the machine and save time, just do not overload it.
- Using very hot water: hot water will ruin the quality of the pillow, so use lukewarm or cold water.
- Not rinsing properly: Soap residue can damage the quality in the long run, so rinse the pillow properly.
- Not drying completely: Leaving your pillow even slightly damp invites the growth of mould and bacteria.
When to Replace a Pillow Instead of Washing It?
When you come across the following signs, know that it’s time to replace:
- The pillow feels flat and no longer provides proper support
- It stays lumpy even after fluffing or washing
- You wake up with neck pain or stiffness regularly
- There is a persistent bad smell that does not go away after cleaning
- The pillow has visible stains, mold, or yellowing
- The filling is coming out or the cover is damaged
- It triggers allergies, sneezing, or breathing discomfort
- The pillow is more than 1–2 years old, depending on the material and usage
Conclusion
Washing your pillows is a quite missed aspect of maintaining your home accessories. While there is no clear winner for which method is better between machine washing and hand washing, it depends on the material. The bottom line is to keep your pillows clean to maintain good hygiene and prevent bacterial growth.
At the same time, even the best care cannot make a pillow last forever. Most pillows should ideally be replaced every 1-2 years depending on the material, usage, and support condition. If your pillow feels lumpy, flat, loses shape quickly, or no longer supports your neck properly, it is probably time for a replacement.
Remember, a good night's sleep is the ultimate luxury, and clean pillows just make it better!
FAQs
Q1. What washer setting should I use to wash pillows?
Make sure to choose a gentle or delicate cycle when washing your pillows.
Q2. Can dirty pillows cause an itchy scalp?
Dirt and debris from your scalp can accumulate and later cause an itchy scalp when your pillow is dirty.
Q3. Is it better to hand-wash pillows?
There is no clear winner in hand-washing or machine-washing of pillows. It depends on the material and what the manufacturer says.
Q4. Can I dry pillows in sunlight?
Yes, you can. Placing your pillows in sunlight is an excellent way to dry, freshen, and sanitise them. The sun's UV rays act as a natural disinfectant.