Can you wash pillows in a washing machine?

Yes, most feather, down and synthetic fibre pillows can be machine washed. Wash two at a time on a gentle cycle with a small dose of liquid detergent, add an extra rinse, and dry them completely on low heat with dryer balls. Memory foam and latex pillows should not go in a washing machine because the foam breaks up; wash their covers and spot clean the foam instead.

How to wash feather and synthetic pillows

Wash pillows in pairs so the drum stays balanced. Use a gentle cycle at the label temperature, a small amount of liquid detergent (powder can leave residue in the filling), and an extra rinse. Spin as fast as the label allows.

Dry on low heat with dryer balls. Synthetic pillows usually take about an hour; feather pillows take longer. Squeeze the middle to check it is dry all the way through before using it.

Memory foam and latex

Foam soaks up water, takes days to dry and tears under the agitation of a drum. Unzip and wash the removable cover. For the foam itself, spot clean with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent, then let it air dry fully before covering it again.

When to wash and when to replace

Most pillows benefit from a wash every six months. Before washing, do the fold test: fold the pillow in half and let go. If it springs back, wash it. If it stays folded, the filling has broken down and a clean pillow will still be a flat pillow.

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