How to Wash and Care for Your Pillow the Right Way

Let’s be real—how often do you actually wash your pillow? Not the pillowcase (we know you're on top of that), but the actual pillow inside. If your answer is somewhere between “once in a blue moon” and “wait, I’m supposed to wash it?”, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But giving your pillow a little TLC can help it last longer, stay fluffier, and most importantly, keep it fresh and clean.

Here’s a quick guide from us at Pillows and Fibers on how to wash and care for your pillow the right way.

🧼 Step 1: Check the Tag First

Before you do anything, look at that little care tag on the side of your pillow. It’s got all the important info: what the pillow is made of and how it likes to be cleaned. Not all pillows are machine washable—some materials like memory foam or latex prefer spot cleaning only. Down or fiber-filled pillows, though? They usually love a good wash.

🌀 Step 2: Machine Wash Like a Pro

If your pillow is machine washable, here’s how to do it right:

✓ Use a front-loading washer: Top loaders with an agitator can be rough on pillows. If you only have a top loader, try to balance the load by washing two pillows at once.

✓ Gentle cycle, warm water: A mild detergent and warm (not hot!) water is usually the sweet spot.

✓ Extra rinse: This helps get all the soap out, especially with thick or fluffy pillows.

🌬️ Step 3: Drying Without the Drama

Wet pillows can be heavy—and if they don’t dry properly, they can grow mold or mildew (yikes). Here’s how to dry them safely:

• Toss them in the dryer on low heat.

• Add dryer balls (or clean tennis balls in socks) to help fluff them up and break up clumps.

• Pause and fluff: Every 30 minutes, stop the dryer, give your pillows a good fluff, and check for any damp spots.

• Air dry bonus: If it's sunny out, a little time in the sun can help freshen and finish the drying process.

🧽 Step 4: Spot Clean Between Washes

For small stains or spills, use a mild soap and a damp cloth to spot clean. Make sure the pillow dries completely after!

🛏️ Step 5: Keep It Fresher, Longer

Here are a few quick tips to keep your pillow feeling and smelling great between washes:

• Use a pillow protector: It adds an extra layer of defense against sweat, oils, and spills.

• Fluff daily: Give your pillow a few good shakes in the morning to help it keep its shape.

• Let it breathe: Every now and then, air it out by placing it in a sunny spot.

🕒 How Often Should You Wash Your Pillow?

About every 3–6 months is a good rule of thumb. But if you sweat a lot at night or have allergies, you might want to do it more often.

Your pillow supports you every night—literally. Taking a little time to care for it means better sleep, better hygiene, and a longer-lasting product. And hey, if your pillow’s looking flat, lumpy, or just plain tired even after a wash… it might be time to treat yourself to a new one (we know a great place 😉).

Happy sleeping, from all of us at Pillows and Fibers!