Should new pillows be washed before use?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 23, 2026
Always wash your new pillows before use. Most of the reasons that new pillows might be unclean are not apparent to the naked eye. While new pillows are rarely dirty, they can have chemicals, dust mites, and more.
How do you wash a brand new pillow?
Avoid the washer and instead opt for hand-washing or vacuuming and spot treating. Hand-washing is best done by filling your bathtub with water and a low suds, mild detergent. Submerge the pillow and allow the water and laundry detergent solution to seep all the way through. Rinsing can be done the same way.
Should you wash pillows or buy new ones?
You can air dry the pillows or place them in a dryer on a low setting for about 20 minutes. Wash these pillows every 3 to 6 months, and replace them every 1 to 3 years. You can tell it's time for a replacement if the pillow doesn't spring back to its normal shape after you fold it in half.
Do pillows have to be washed?
At the very least, pillows should undergo a good wash every six months. To ensure that your pillows are consistently in their best, consider washing them "at least every three months—or four times a year," says Sansoni. As for pillowcases, wash them with your bedding, which should be a weekly cleaning routine.
How do you treat new pillows?
Start the wash cycle using warm water and opt for the gentle cycle, unless otherwise specified. Tumble dry the pillows on low heat, fluffing and turning them often. Add a softener sheet for freshness, and add a couple of sneakers or tennis balls to help fluff them.
31 related questions foundHow do you disinfect a pillow without washing it?
If it is not washable, you can try spraying it with a spray disinfectant. You can also sanitize the pillow by sprinkling it with borax. Leave the powder on the pillow for an hour, then gently vacuum it with a vacuum cleaner.
Should I wash new pillow cases?
Washing New Pillowcases Won't Hurt Either.
It's also a health-friendly practice to wash new pillowcases. They usually have a chemical coat that protects against water. These chemicals aren't always safe for everyone. Harmful particles may get trapped in these chemicals and cause an allergic reaction.
Can you wash pillows 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.
What temperature should you wash pillows?
Use cold water to avoid shrinking your pillows during the wash cycle. Step 4: Wash your pillows on delicate and set the machine for an extra rinse. This will help ensure that no detergent residue remains after your down pillows come out of the washing machine.
How do you disinfect a pillow?
The best disinfectant may not be the wash, but the drying process. Tumble-drying laundry, including pillows, on high heat for at least 30 minutes is sufficient for killing most influenza germs. Don't hesitate to tumble dry for longer, however.
Should you throw away old pillows?
If possible, it's best to avoid throwing pillows directly into the garbage because they get sent straight to the landfill, which has a tough effect on our environment. Luckily, there are many environmentally friendly ways to get rid of your pillows by repurposing, donating, and recycling them.
Should you put new pillows in the dryer?
Unless your pillow is made of foam, most pillows can be placed in the dryer on a low-heat setting. However, make sure to read the label on your pillow to check the specific instructions before throwing it in the machine. How to dry pillows: Gently tumble dry most types of pillows using the air or low-heat setting.
When should you throw away a pillow?
The Sleep to Live Institute in America (which again has industry links) recommends replacing them every six months. Many – though not all – sleep experts say that if you fold your pillow in half and it doesn't spring open straight away by itself then it's dead: it can't support your head and neck, so bin it.
Can you wash pillows in the washer?
Down or feather: Most down pillows can be put in the washing machine. But use cool water and a mild detergent, then dry on low heat. (High temperatures can damage the down.) Memory foam or latex: Washer agitation can break up foam, so these pillows will probably need to be hand-washed.
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.
How often should you wash your pillow cases?
While you should wash your pillowcases every two weeks, at least, along with your sheets and other bedding, you can get away with leaving your actual pillow for longer. If it's been six months or more since you last gave it a clean, however, it's time to take the plunge!
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.
How often should you wash 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.
How do you wash throw pillows?
Machine wash in warm water using a front loading washer on the delicate cycle. Use mild detergent. Hang dry in a ventilated area until most of the way dry. Fluff the pillows in a dryer with no heat, using a few dryer balls to reshape the pillows.
Can you wash pillows in washing machine with agitator?
Once the washer is filled, press 2 pillows down into washer around the agitator drum. Don't try to cram more than that into your washer, you really want them loose to clean them well.
How long does it take for pillows to dry?
It takes a pillow approximately one hour to be dried in a dryer, and potentially several hours of leaving the pillow to air dry. Regardless of the drying method your pillow requires, you must ensure it is completely dry before using it again. Leaving your pillow damp encourages the growth of mold and bacteria.
How do you activate my pillow?
When you first open your My Pillow, put it in the dryer with a damp cloth for about 15 minutes on high heat to give the pillow's interlocking material a chance to activate. Clean it in the washer and dryer as often as you wash anything else. Use the washer's regular cycle with cold or warm water.
Can I spray Lysol on my pillow?
Lysol is safe to spray onto your pillows to keep them hygienically clean and sanitized. Lysol disinfectant spray is a strong antiseptic cleaning agent containing ethanol and isopropyl alcohol and kills 99.9 percent of the bacteria found on your pillows on contact.
Can you spray Lysol on bed pillows?
Lysol Max Cover Disinfectant Mist can be sprayed onto pillows, mattresses and other bedding materials. Allow the bedding to dry completely before contact with skin.