Washing a pillow in a washing machine depends heavily on the type of pillow fill. While some pillows can be safely machine washed to keep them clean and fresh, others, like memory foam and latex foam pillows, cannot be machine washed.
According to the provided information, one of the biggest cons of memory foam block and latex foam pillows is that they can't be machine washed. However, a practical solution is available: both memory foam block and latex foam pillows will usually come with a cover that can be removed and washed separately.
For other types of pillows that are suitable for machine washing, the process involves careful steps to protect the pillow and the washing machine.
Pillow Types and Washing Suitability
Understanding your pillow's filling is the first step. Check the care tag for specific instructions.
Here's a quick look at common pillow types and their machine washability:
| Pillow Type | Machine Washable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Foam | No | Wash cover only. |
| Latex Foam | No | Wash cover only. |
| Down/Feather | Yes | Use gentle cycles, mild detergent. |
| Synthetic (Polyester) | Yes | Use gentle cycles, mild detergent. |
Washing Memory Foam and Latex Pillows
As noted, memory foam and latex foam pillows cannot be machine washed. The agitation and water can break down the foam material, ruining the pillow's structure and support. Submerging them can also lead to issues with drying, potentially fostering mold or mildew growth inside the dense foam.
Instead of washing the entire pillow:
- Remove the Cover: Most memory foam and latex pillows come with a removable cover.
- Wash the Cover Separately: Follow the care instructions on the cover's tag. Typically, these can be machine washed in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle and then air-dried or tumble-dried on low heat.
- Spot Clean the Pillow: For minor stains or spots on the foam itself, gently spot clean the area using a small amount of mild soap and water. Avoid soaking the foam and allow it to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
Washing Down, Feather, and Synthetic Pillows
Unlike foam pillows, those filled with down, feathers, or synthetic fibers (like polyester fill) are generally machine washable. Washing these types helps remove allergens, dust mites, and sweat, extending their lifespan and keeping them hygienic.
Follow these steps to wash machine-washable pillows:
- Check the Care Tag: Always verify the washing instructions on the pillow's tag first.
- Use a Large-Capacity Machine: A front-loading washing machine without a central agitator is ideal, as an agitator can damage pillows. Use a large machine to give pillows plenty of room to move.
- Wash Two Pillows at Once: To balance the load in the washing machine, it's best to wash two pillows together. This prevents the machine from becoming unbalanced during the spin cycle.
- Use Mild Detergent: Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid using too much, as it can be difficult to rinse out of the pillow filling.
- Select Gentle Cycle and Cold Water: Use a delicate or gentle cycle with cold or warm water (check the tag; cold is often safest).
- Add Extra Rinse Cycle: Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap residue is thoroughly removed from the filling.
- Squeeze Excess Water: Carefully remove the pillows from the machine and gently squeeze out excess water without twisting or wringing them.
- Drying Thoroughly: Proper drying is crucial to prevent mildew.
- Machine Dry: Tumble dry on low heat or the air-fluff setting. Add two or three clean dryer balls (like tennis balls or wool balls) to the dryer to help fluff the pillows and ensure even drying. Periodically remove the pillows to fluff them by hand.
- Air Dry: You can also air dry pillows completely flat in a well-ventilated area, rotating and fluffing them frequently. This can take a long time.
By understanding the material of your pillow and following the correct washing or spot-cleaning methods, you can keep your pillows clean and maintain their quality. Remember that memory foam and latex pillows should never go into the washing machine; focus on cleaning their removable covers instead.
