TL;DR
Get kitchen staples and gadgets delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab says to check a pillow’s care label before cleaning: many down and fiberfill pillows can be machine-washed, but solid foam pillows should not. The guide recommends washing pillows every three to six months and replacing them if they no longer spring back or retain an odor after washing.
Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab recommends checking each pillow’s care label before washing, because cleaning methods differ by filling: many down and fiberfill pillows can go in a washing machine, while solid foam pillows should not. The guidance also suggests washing pillows every three to six months and replacing them if they stop regaining their shape or continue to smell after cleaning.
For pillows marked as machine-washable, the lab’s instructions call for washing two pillows at a time to help balance the machine. A front- or top-loading washer without a central agitator is preferred. If using a top-loader with an agitator, place pillows vertically in the tub to reduce the chance of damage. The recommended cycle is gentle, with warm water, a small amount of detergent and an extra cold-water rinse. The care label takes priority over these general directions.
Dry machine-washable pillows on low heat, turning and fluffing them during the cycle. Dryer balls can help keep them plump, according to the guide. Stop the dryer periodically to fluff the pillows and work apart any clumps by hand. The source does not give a fixed drying time, so pillows should not be returned to use until they are fully dry.
Solid memory foam and latex pillows should not be put directly in a washing machine, the guidance says. Remove and wash covers according to their labels; vacuum both sides of the pillow or use an air-only dryer cycle for 20 minutes to remove dust and dirt. For stains, Carolyn Forté, former executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, recommends a cloth dipped in mild soapy water, followed by a light wipe with a damp cloth. Foam can tear when wet, so the instructions caution against saturating it. Let it air-dry completely before putting it back on a bed or couch. Some shredded foam pillows may be machine-washable, but their labels should determine the method.
Cleaning Without Damaging Pillow Fillings
The guidance matters because a cleaning method that works for one pillow can damage another. Reading the label first helps avoid exposing foam to machine washing or using settings that conflict with a manufacturer’s instructions. Matching the method to the filling also gives readers a practical way to clean pillows without assuming that every type can be treated alike.
The recommended schedule offers a routine for cleaning an item that can be overlooked when household laundry focuses on sheets and pillowcases. Good Housekeeping says pillows should be washed two to four times a year, while pillowcases should be washed every one to two weeks and liners roughly every other month. The source presents these as general guidance, not a substitute for the care instructions on an individual product.
Products Worth Considering
Breville BES870BTR Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Truffle
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Sesame
Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Espresso and Drip Coffee Machine with AutoFroth, Stainless Steel (ES351)
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
A Routine for Bedding Care
Good Housekeeping’s report says pillows can collect dust mites, body oils and skin cells over time. It advises using pillow liners or protectors beneath pillowcases to help extend a pillow’s life. These recommendations sit alongside regular washing of the bedding in direct contact with the sleeper: the report gives a one-to-two-week interval for pillowcases and suggests washing liners about every other month.
The advice is divided by construction rather than treating all pillows as interchangeable. Down and fiberfill are described as commonly machine-washable, subject to the care label; solid latex and memory foam require a gentler approach. The source also notes that some shredded-foam products may be washer-safe, making the tag particularly important even within a broad pillow category.
“If you fold the pillow in half, and it doesn’t spring back into shape, plan for a shopping trip.”
— Carolyn Forté, former executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab
Care Labels Set the Limits
The source does not specify a publication date or provide testing results comparing cleaning methods, so the recommendations should be understood as Good Housekeeping’s practical guidance rather than a universal product standard. Pillow materials and construction vary, and the care label remains the best guide where it differs from general instructions.
The report does not set a precise drying duration or address every possible filling, stain or washer model. It also does not say that a particular washing schedule guarantees removal of dust mites or other material. For pillows without readable instructions, the article offers fallback steps, but readers may need to check manufacturer information before cleaning an unfamiliar product.
Check the Tag Before Washing
Before cleaning a pillow, identify its filling and read its care label. If it is machine-washable, follow the specified settings and make sure it is completely dry before use. For solid foam, remove and wash the cover separately, vacuum the pillow, spot-clean gently and allow it to air-dry fully. Going forward, the report’s suggested routine is to wash pillows every three to six months and keep cases and liners on their separate schedules.
To decide whether cleaning is still worthwhile, fold the pillow and see whether it springs back. A pillow that stays folded, or has a persistent odor after washing, may be due for replacement, Forté says. The source does not give a fixed lifespan for pillows, so those checks and the product’s condition are the stated indicators.
Key Questions
How often should pillows be washed?
Good Housekeeping recommends washing pillows every three to six months, or about two to four times a year. Follow the care label if it gives different instructions.
Can all pillows go in the washing machine?
No. Many down and fiberfill pillows can be machine-washed if their labels allow it. Solid memory foam and latex pillows should not be put directly in the washer; some shredded-foam pillows may be washable, depending on the label.
What washer settings does the guide recommend for washable pillows?
For pillows whose labels permit machine washing, the general instructions are a gentle cycle with warm water, a small amount of detergent and an extra cold-water rinse. Washing two pillows together can help balance the washer.
How can I tell when a pillow should be replaced?
Carolyn Forté says to fold the pillow in half: if it does not spring back into shape, it may be time to replace it. The guide also identifies an odor that remains after washing as a reason to consider a new pillow.
Source: rss
