How to Wash Pillows

By Zach Pozniak, VP of Operations at Jeeves of Belgravia New York and fourth-generation dry cleaner · @jeeves_ny

How do I wash pillows at home?

The safest way to wash pillows is to match the method to the fill. Most synthetic, cotton, and many down pillows can be washed in a machine, but memory foam and latex should not go in the washer. For washable pillows, use a gentle cycle, a small amount of detergent, and dry them thoroughly on low heat so they don’t clump or hold moisture.

What is the quickest way to clean a yellow pillow?

For surface grime and body oils, start with warm water and a few drops of dish soap, then rinse well. If the pillow is yellowed, follow with hydrogen peroxide or an oxygen bleach soak to help brighten the fabric without using chlorine bleach.

How do I wash pillows step by step?

1. Check the care label. Confirm the pillow is machine washable before you start.
2. Remove dust and debris. Vacuum the surface to lift hair, lint, and loose dirt.
3. Pre-clean the surface. Wipe the pillow with warm water and a little dish soap to break up body oils.
4. Rinse away soap. Use a damp towel or clean water so residue does not stay in the fill.
5. Wash if the pillow is washable. Use a gentle cycle with a small amount of detergent; for deeper whitening, use hot water with oxygen bleach when the fabric allows it.
6. Dry completely. Tumble dry low with dryer balls or tennis balls, and stop only when the pillow is fully dry inside.
7. Fluff and reshape. Beat the pillow by hand and fluff it in the dryer if needed to restore loft.

Can I use bleach on pillows?

Skip chlorine bleach. It can be too harsh and may damage fabric or leave pillows looking worse over time. Hydrogen peroxide and oxygen bleach are the better whitening options for many washable pillows.

How do I keep pillows fluffy after washing?

Dry them on low heat for a long cycle, and use dryer balls or tennis balls to break up clumps. If the pillow still feels dense, keep drying in intervals until the filling is fully dry and evenly distributed.

When should I not wash a pillow myself?

Do not machine wash memory foam or latex pillows, and be cautious with decorative pillows, delicate covers, or pillows with special trims. If the pillow has fragile construction, persistent odors, or stains that do not respond to gentle cleaning, professional cleaning is the safer move.

Bottom line: Most washable pillows clean up well with a surface wipe, a gentle wash, and a thorough low-heat dry. The biggest mistakes are using too much detergent, using chlorine bleach, and putting the pillow away before it is fully dry.