Can you put pillows in the washer and dryer?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 19, 2026
Tossing your pillows in the washer and dryer is a fast, simple way to get your bedding basics in tip-top shape. To do this at home, you'll need a front-loading, non-agitating washing machine so your pillows aren't damaged.
Is it safe to put pillows in the dryer?
Give your pillows a daily fluffing to restore their shape and remove dust. Then, every month or so, hang them outdoors on a clothesline for a few hours, ideally on a bright, breezy day. If that's not an option, as with some foam and latex pillows, run them through the dryer on the no-heat cycle.
Can pillows catch on fire in the dryer?
"There were pillows in it and when you're drying pillows is what happens is that they retain a lot of heat, by their very nature they have insulating properties, and so what happens is they can overheat, and spontaneously combust."
How long do you put a pillow in the dryer?
Place pillows in dryer with several dryer balls (you can also use a tennis ball or two). Set heat on a medium to low setting. Time dry for at least one hour. Allow pillow to cool, then check to see if the inside is dry.
Can you wash pillows with sheets?
Down and fiber pillows
As with your sheets, warm water is better than hot. You'll want to let the pillows take an extra rinse cycle or two to ensure all the detergent gets out. Additionally, overloading the washer can knock it off balance, so don't wash more than two pillows at one time.
43 related questions foundCan you put pillows in the dryer on high heat?
Never dry feather or down pillows on any heat setting in the dryer. Always use an air-dry setting with no heat. Use dryer balls to prevent the down and feathers from clumping. You can also hang dry your down and feather pillows, but make sure they dry all the way through before you make the bed.
What should you not put in the dryer?
7 Things You Should Never Put in the Dryer
- Bathing suits. ...
- Pantyhose or tights. ...
- Rubber-backed rugs. ...
- Bras. ...
- Garments with embellishments. ...
- Anything with a care tag that warns against dryers. ...
- Running shoes.
How many pillows can I put in the washing machine?
Step 2: Place at least two pillows in the washing machine at a time. You always want to wash two pillows together to keep the load balanced. Step 3: Set the wash cycle to delicate and add the laundry products of your choice. Use cold water to avoid shrinking your pillows during the wash cycle.
Can you air dry pillows?
Drying: Down or feather pillows can be dried on the no-heat air-dry setting in your dryer, or air-dried naturally. Keep two fresh tennis balls (or tennis balls tucked in socks) inside the dryer with the pillows to reduce clumping.
Can you wash down pillows in the washing machine?
Washing down and feather pillows is easy. In fact, it reinvigorates them to be as fluffy as when they were new, unlike synthetic pillows. Down and feather pillows fit in any size washing machine and they come out of the wash beautifully.
How do I dry my pillow after washing?
Tumble dry with high heat. No dryer balls or fabric softener. Use extra spin cycles to lessen drying time. Do not worry about over-drying.
How often should I buy new pillows?
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity. Generally, you'll be able to tell when it's time to replace your pillows.
How often should I wash pillows?
How Frequently Should Pillows Be Washed? The consensus among experts seems to be that the average person should throw their pillow in the washing machine two to three times per year (so about once every four to six months).
How do you dry a pillow in the dryer without tennis balls?
How to fix a lumpy pillow in your dryer without tennis balls
- Use wool dryer balls.
- Scrunch up some aluminium foil into a ball and add to the dryer. It should help your pillow dry more quickly.
- Use Ecoegg Dryer Eggs. ...
- Add another (dry) pillow to the dryer.
- Add some dry fluffy towels to the dryer.
How do I get my pillows white again?
Toss old pillows in the washing machine and set to soak. Washing two at a time balances the washing machine so they clean evenly. Add the hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to the drum of the washing machine. (Hydrogen peroxide is a natural whitener, and vinegar tackles deep-set stains.)
Can you put a memory foam pillow in the dryer?
Do not put your memory foam pillows in the washing machine or dryer. The motions of a washing machine and dryer could tear apart the padding of your memory foam pillow. Not only will it weaken the material but it will also cut the pillow's usual life span of 18 to 36 months.
Can leggings go in the dryer?
Don't put your leggings in the dryer
Just like your washing machine's hot cycle, the dryer can damage stretchy fabrics and even warp the fibers, so that your leggings no longer fit like a dream. Instead, hang them to dry by draping them over a laundry rack, a clothesline or even your shower curtain rod.
Do dryers ruin your clothes?
Over dry your clothes in the dryer: The dryer is what does most damage to clothes causing shrinkage, warping elastic, and the tumbling action is very rough. The best way to dry your clothes is to put all garments (except line-dried dedicates) in the dryer at low temperature.
Can I put 100 cotton in the dryer?
While cotton clothes are common, you'll have to be careful when it comes to drying, as 100% cotton clothes may shrink if put in the dryer, although most cotton blends should be able to survive the drying cycle shrink-free.
What happens if you don't wash your pillow?
1. Dirt And Oil Can Build Up. While your pillowcase may look clean at first glance, there's actually all sorts of tiny but nefarious things going on. "Not washing your pillowcase regularly results in a build-up of many things including oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and even breakout-causing bacteria," Axe says.
How often should you change your sheets?
Most people should wash their sheets once per week. If you don't sleep on your mattress every day, you may be able to stretch this to once every two weeks or so. Some people should wash their sheets even more often than once a week.
Do pillows go bad?
Pillows should be replaced as often as every 6 to 12 months for synthetic fill pillows, and every 2 to 3 years for down pillows. Pillows should be replaced as often as every 6 to 12 months for synthetic fill pillows, and every 2 to 3 years for down pillows.
Why do pillows turn yellow?
Pillows turn yellow because of sweat. There are other reasons why a pillow may start to turn yellow including falling asleep with wet hair, lotions and oils on the skin, and moisture. When moisture or sweat remains on the pillow for long periods of time, the pillow will turn yellow.
Can Old pillows make you sick?
What's Hiding in Your Dirty Pillows and Upholstery? (And Can It Make You Sick?) Pillows and upholstery can carry bacteria, allergens and tiny insects such as dust mites, bed bugs and fleas. Here's how to minimize germs in your home's comfiest places.
How often should you change your mattress?
Under normal conditions, mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years. Of course, this is a general guideline and not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are various factors that influence when you should replace your mattress.