Are You Washing Your Pillows Often Enough? Here’s What Cleaning Experts Recommend

You know it’s important to wash your bedding every week or two, but what about the pillows you sleep on every night? Pillow inserts often get overlooked, but keeping them clean is just as essential for proper hygiene. Body oils and sweat can still make their way onto the insert, even with a pillowcase, leading to bacterial growth. Plus, inserts harbor plenty of dust mites and allergens. So, how often should you actually wash them? We asked experts to find out.

How Often Should You Wash Pillow Inserts?

According to Robin Murphy, author of Who Likes It Dirty and president of Maid Brigade, the pillows you sleep with should be washed every three to six months. “They might not look dirty, but they’re slowly collecting oils, dust, and sweat through the pillowcase,” Murphy says.

However,  if you have allergies or tend to overheat at night, she advises washing them approximately every three months. “Just like sheets and pillowcases, inserts benefit from a regular freshening up—even if they’re out of sight most of the time,” she adds.

Children’s pillows, however, should be washed more frequently, explains Alicia Sokolowski, president and CEO of AspenClean. “Wash your kids’ room pillows ideally every one to two months, as they can accumulate more dirt and allergens.” Kids are kind of messy, after all!

On the other hand, decorative pillow inserts (like the ones you have on your sofa) do not need to be washed as often. “Every six months to a year is usually fine, unless you nap on them, have pets that like to curl up on the couch, or eat snacks a little too close to the throw pillows,” she says. “In that case, treat them more like the everyday ones.”

Signs It’s Time to Wash Your Pillows

If you can’t remember when you last washed your pillows, then you probably need to wash them. There are also some other signs you should look out for. “If your pillows have a stale or sour smell, feel unusually flat, or trigger sneezing fits when you lie down, it’s probably time,” explains Murphy. “Yellowing or visible stains are also a clear sign.” A fresh insert should feel soft, springy, and clean—if yours doesn’t, it’s due for a wash or possibly a replacement.

How to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine

A washing machine without an agitator is the best way to wash pillows. (While you can use washing machines with an agitator, they may not get as clean or could potentially become stuck.) “You should read the care label, but most polyester or down-alternative inserts can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with warm water and mild detergent,” says Murphy.

If you have down or feather inserts, check the label. Many can be washed, but they usually need an extra rinse and a low-heat tumble dry with dryer balls to fluff them back up. Always dry pillow inserts completely to avoid mold and mildew inside.

Should You Wash All Types Of Pillows?

Not all pillows should go in the washing machine though. “Internal components, such as latex, shredded foam, or other advanced materials, typically don’t react well to lots of water,” says Adam Tishman, co-founder and president of Helix Sleep. “It’s best to focus on cleaning the pillow cover more thoroughly while spot-treating the insert as needed.”

So what’s the best way to clean off those sweat stains? Tishman recommends using a mild detergent mixed with lukewarm water to spot treat. For tougher stains or discoloration, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and even sunlight can be effective solutions. “If you’re caring for a latex pillow, follow the same spot-cleaning method but be especially mindful to avoid excess moisture,” he notes.

Can’t Wash Your Pillows? Try This Instead

If you don’t have time to wash your pillows or are unable to put them in the washing machine, Tishman recommends leaving them outside in the sun. “Don’t underestimate the power of the sun when it comes to cleaning pillows!” he says. “Airing pillows out in the sun for a few hours can help kill bacteria, remove moisture, and reduce odors naturally.”