At the end of a long day, there's nothing quite like laying your head on a clean, fresh pillow. But here's the thing most of us don't think about — your pillow collects dead skin cells, body oils, sweat, and dust mites every single night. After a few months, what started as a crisp new pillow is quietly becoming a home for allergens.
**Quick Answer:** To wash pillows, first check the type. Memory foam pillows must be hand-washed in lukewarm water with gentle detergent — never machine-washed. Synthetic, down, and cotton pillows can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Wash pillows every 3–6 months, dry them thoroughly to prevent mould, and replace them every 2–3 years.
Why Your Pillows Need Regular Washing
A [2005 study from the University of Manchester](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1257659/) found that a typical used pillow can contain over a million fungal spores — with synthetic pillows harbouring particularly high levels of *Aspergillus fumigatus*, a fungus that feeds dust mites and can trigger asthma.
Beyond fungi, pillows accumulate:
**Dead skin cells** — the primary food source for dust mites
**Body oils and sweat** — which cause yellowing over time
**Dust mites** — microscopic creatures whose droppings are a common allergen trigger
**Bacteria** — from saliva, nasal discharge, and skin contact
The [National Asthma Council Australia recommends](https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/patients-carers/factsheets/dust-mites-trigger-my-asthma) washing bedding in water hotter than 60°C to kill dust mites and remove their allergens. For pillows specifically, aim to wash them every 3–6 months — or more often if you sweat heavily at night or have allergies.
How to Tell When Your Pillows Need Washing
Not sure if it's time? Here are the signs:
**Yellow or brown stains** — caused by sweat and body oils soaking through the pillowcase
**A musty or stale smell** — even with a fresh pillowcase
**Flat, lumpy, or misshapen filling** — the pillow has lost its support
**Allergy symptoms in the morning** — sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes after waking
**The fold test:** Fold your pillow in half. If it doesn't spring back to its original shape, it's either ready for a wash or ready for the bin.
How to Wash Memory Foam Pillows by Hand
**Never put memory foam in the washing machine.** The [Sleep Foundation confirms](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-pillows/how-to-clean-memory-foam-pillows) that memory foam breaks down when exposed to the agitation and excess moisture of a machine cycle. The spin cycle can tear the foam structure, leaving you with a lumpy, unusable pillow.
Here's how to hand-wash memory foam safely:
Step 1: Dust Off Debris
Remove the pillowcase and protector. Pat the pillow firmly on both sides to release surface dust, hair, and dead skin cells. Do this outdoors if possible — it keeps the mess out of your bathroom.
Step 2: Prepare the Wash
Fill a bathtub, laundry tub, or large basin with **lukewarm water** (not hot — high temperatures damage memory foam). Add about 1 tablespoon of gentle liquid detergent per 4 litres of water. Swirl to dissolve before placing the pillow in.
Step 3: Wash by Hand
Submerge the pillow and gently press down on different areas to work the detergent through the foam. Use a kneading motion — like you're making bread — without folding, twisting, or wringing the material.
Press and release across the whole surface
Flip the pillow and repeat
Pay extra attention to the corners and edges, where oils tend to concentrate
Drain and refill with fresh soapy water 2–3 times for a thorough clean
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Hold the pillow under running lukewarm water and gently squeeze to release detergent. Then refill the basin with clean water, submerge the pillow, and press down — if bubbles appear, there's still soap left. Repeat until the water runs clear. Residual detergent can irritate skin and eyes, so take your time with this step.
Step 5: Dry Flat
Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Place the pillow **flat on a clean, dry surface** — a drying rack or clean towels in a well-ventilated area. Never hang memory foam to dry, as the weight of the water can stretch and distort the shape.
Air drying takes **24–48 hours** depending on humidity
A fan or cool setting on a hair dryer can speed things up
Flip the pillow every few hours for even drying
**Never use a tumble dryer** — the heat can cause memory foam to crumble
Make sure the pillow is completely dry before putting it back on the bed. Any remaining moisture can lead to mould growth inside the foam.
How to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine
**Best for:** synthetic (polyester), down (feather), and cotton pillows.
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Most synthetic and down pillows are machine-washable, but always check the tag first. Remove pillowcases and protectors before washing.
Step 2: Load Two Pillows at a Time
Washing two pillows together keeps the machine balanced and prevents excess tossing. If your machine has an agitator (top-loader), place the pillows vertically around it rather than on top.
Step 3: Add Detergent
Use a **mild liquid detergent** — about 1–2 tablespoons. Powder detergent can leave residue in the dense filling. For yellowed pillows, add half a cup of **oxygen-based bleach** (such as Napisan or Vanish Oxi Action, available at Coles and Woolworths) to brighten without damaging fibres.
**⚠️ Safety note:** Never use chlorine bleach and ammonia-based cleaners together — or even one after the other without thorough rinsing. Mixing these chemicals produces toxic chloramine gas, which can cause serious respiratory harm. The [Washington State Department of Health warns](https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/contaminants/bleach-mixing-dangers) that exposure to chloramine gas can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, fluid in the lungs. Stick to one cleaning agent at a time, and when in doubt, use oxygen-based bleach — it's effective and much safer.
Step 4: Set the Cycle
Select a **gentle or delicate cycle** with warm water (40–60°C). Use the longest cycle your machine offers, including at least two rinse cycles to remove all detergent from the dense pillow filling.
Step 5: Flip Mid-Cycle (Optional)
If your machine allows it, pause after the first wash cycle, flip the pillows, and restart. This ensures a more even clean on both sides.
How to Dry Pillows Without Ruining Them
Drying is where most people go wrong. A damp pillow is a mould risk, and the wrong heat setting can destroy the filling.
For Synthetic Pillows
Tumble dry on **low heat**
Add 2–3 clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to prevent clumping and help the filling fluff evenly
Run for 2–3 cycles, checking between each — the pillow should be completely dry throughout, not just on the surface
For Down and Feather Pillows
Use the **air/no-heat setting** on your dryer
Add dryer balls to break up clumps
This takes longer — allow 2–3 hours with periodic fluffing by hand between cycles
Down must be fully dry or it will develop a musty smell
For All Pillow Types
If you don't have a dryer, air-dry in direct sunlight on a flat surface or drying rack
Flip every couple of hours
In Australia's coastal humidity, allow extra drying time — don't put a damp pillow back on the bed
When to Replace Your Pillows
Washing extends the life of a pillow, but every pillow has a limit. The [Cleveland Clinic recommends](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-often-should-you-wash-your-bed-sheets) replacing pillows every **1–2 years** to maintain proper support and hygiene.
Signs it's time for a new pillow:
The fold test fails even after washing (it stays folded instead of springing back)
Persistent stains or odour that washing can't remove
Visible lumps or flat spots that don't fluff out
You're waking up with neck pain or stiffness
When shopping for replacements, look for pillows with **removable, washable covers** — they're easier to maintain between full washes. Kmart, Adairs, and Pillow Talk all carry good options across different firmness levels.
If your mattress is also overdue for attention, our guide to [cleaning and stain-treating a mattress](/cleaning-101/bedroom-living/how-to-clean-a-mattress-and-get-rid-of-stains) covers the full process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should you wash your pillows?
Every 3–6 months is a good rule. If you have allergies, asthma, or tend to sweat at night, wash them closer to every 3 months. Pillowcases and protectors should be washed weekly with your regular bedding.
Q: Can you put memory foam pillows in the washing machine?
No. Memory foam breaks down in the washing machine — the agitation tears the foam structure and excess water damages the material. Always hand-wash memory foam pillows in lukewarm water with gentle detergent, and air-dry them flat.
Q: Why do pillows turn yellow and can you fix it?
Yellowing is caused by sweat, body oils, and moisture soaking through the pillowcase over time. You can treat it by washing with oxygen-based bleach (like Napisan) on a warm cycle. For stubborn stains, pre-soak the pillow in a solution of oxygen bleach and warm water for an hour before washing.
Q: What temperature should you wash pillows at?
For synthetic and down pillows in the machine, use warm water (40–60°C). The National Asthma Council Australia recommends at least 60°C to kill dust mites. For memory foam, use lukewarm water only — hot water damages the foam.
Q: Should you use tennis balls when drying pillows?
Yes — placing 2–3 clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls in the dryer helps prevent the filling from clumping and keeps pillows fluffy. Use them on low heat for synthetic pillows and no-heat for down pillows. Avoid high heat with tennis balls, as it can cause a rubber smell.
Related Reading
[How to Clean a Mattress and Get Rid of Stains](/cleaning-101/bedroom-living/how-to-clean-a-mattress-and-get-rid-of-stains)
[Why It's Important to Have Your Mattress Cleaned](/cleaning-101/bedroom-living/why-its-important-to-have-your-mattress-cleaned)
[How to Make Up the Perfect Guest Room](/cleaning-101/bedroom-living/how-to-make-up-the-perfect-guest-room)
[10 Types of Stains You Can Get Out From Clothes](/cleaning-101/laundry/10-types-of-stains-you-can-get-out-from-clothes)
[Green Cleaning 101 — How to Make and Use Natural Cleaning Solutions](/cleaning-101/sustainability/green-cleaning-101-how-to-make-use-natural-cleaning-solutions)
Sources & References
**University of Manchester** — [Fungal Contamination of Bedding (PMC)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1257659/). Cited for the finding of over 1 million fungal spores in used pillows, with synthetic pillows harbouring particularly high levels.
**National Asthma Council Australia** — [Dust Mites and Asthma Factsheet](https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/patients-carers/factsheets/dust-mites-trigger-my-asthma). Referenced for the 60°C wash recommendation to kill dust mites in bedding.
**Sleep Foundation** — [How to Clean Memory Foam Pillows](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-pillows/how-to-clean-memory-foam-pillows). Referenced for memory foam care instructions and the warning against machine washing.
**Cleveland Clinic** — [How Often Should You Wash Your Bed Sheets](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-often-should-you-wash-your-bed-sheets). Cited for pillow replacement timeline (1–2 years) and bedding hygiene recommendations.
**Washington State Department of Health** — [Dangers of Mixing Bleach with Cleaners](https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/contaminants/bleach-mixing-dangers). Referenced for the safety warning about chloramine gas from mixing bleach and ammonia.
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