The short answer for how to wash a fibre pillow: at 30-40°C, on a delicate or wool cycle, with a low spin speed, in a standard washing machine. But the right method depends on the fill, down, wool and memory foam pillows each follow different rules, and memory foam should never go in the machine at all. Below is a step-by-step washing and drying guide for each fill type.
Washing Differences by Fill Type
| Fill Type | Machine Washable | Temperature | Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibre / Siliconized Fibre | Yes | 30-40°C | Delicate / Wool |
| Down | Yes (with care) | 30°C | Wool / Gentle |
| Wool | Usually not | Cold (hand wash) | Hand wash recommended |
| Memory Foam (Visco) | No | - | Cover only |
How to Wash a Fibre or Silicone Pillow
Fibre and siliconized fibre pillows are the easiest to wash in a home machine. For which cycle to use, a delicate or wool cycle is recommended, both spin at low speed and go easy on the filling.
- Keep the water at 30-40°C; higher heat weakens the silicone coating and speeds up clumping.
- Limit the spin speed to 600-800 rpm.
- Use liquid detergent; powder detergent can leave residue between the fibres after rinsing.
- Skip fabric softener; it can coat the fibre surface and reduce the effect of the silicone coating.
- Wash two pillows together when possible to keep the machine balanced.
See our Pillow Group for product details, or our Fibre Group page for filling specifications.
How to Wash a Down Pillow
Down pillows need gentle handling. Keep the water below 30°C and use a wool or gentle cycle. Down is sensitive to soap residue, so a dedicated wool detergent and an extra rinse help prevent it from clumping. Keep the spin speed low, and never hang a wet down pillow, since the weight of the wet down can distort its inner structure. Drying is critical here, using the pillow before it is fully dry risks mold forming inside.
How to Wash a Wool Pillow
Wool fibres felt (mat together permanently) when exposed to hot water and agitation, which is why most wool pillows should not go in the machine. Cold hand washing, or simply removing and washing the cover, is the safer route. Air the wool filling regularly in sunlight and open air to remove moisture and odor naturally.
Can You Wash a Memory Foam Pillow?
No. Memory foam (visco) pillows cannot be machine washed. Visco is an open-cell polyurethane foam that absorbs water deep into the material, and the machine's spin cycle crushes that cell structure irreversibly, so the foam loses its ability to recover shape. Only the outer cover should be washed; the foam itself should be wiped with a damp cloth and air-dried flat, out of direct sunlight, in a well-ventilated spot.
Drying Tips: The Tennis Ball Trick
If fibre or down filling clumps after washing, tumble drying on low heat with a few clean tennis balls helps break up the clumps and restore loft. Without a dryer, lay the pillow flat and periodically punch or shake it by hand to redistribute the filling. Avoid long direct-sun drying, which can fade or yellow some fabrics, a shaded, well-ventilated spot works better.
How Often Should You Wash a Pillow, and When to Replace It?
Wash the pillowcase monthly, and the pillow itself every 2-3 months or with the change of season. If you're sensitive to dust mites, washing more often can help; if you have allergy symptoms, consult a specialist.
Replacement timing depends on fill: fibre and siliconized pillows typically last 1-2 years, while down and wool can last longer with proper care. If a folded pillow won't spring back open, clumping persists after washing, or odor remains after cleaning, it's time to replace it.
What Causes Clumping, and How to Prevent It
Clumping, fibres sticking together into hard lumps, usually comes from:
- Water that's too hot: weakens the silicone coating, causing fibres to stick together.
- Insufficient rinsing: detergent residue reduces fibre slip and glues fibres together.
- Improper drying: wet filling left compressed too long lets clumps harden.
- Low-quality or untreated fibre: fibre without a silicone coating clumps faster.
The right temperature, thorough rinsing, the tennis ball drying method, and quality siliconized filling are the most effective ways to prevent it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cycle should you wash a pillow on?
Fibre and siliconized pillows do best on a delicate or wool cycle at 30-40°C with a low spin speed. Down pillows also suit a wool or gentle cycle.
How do you wash a pillow?
It depends on the fill: fibre and down pillows can go in the machine on low heat and a delicate cycle, wool pillows should be hand washed, and memory foam pillows should only have their cover washed.
How do you wash a down pillow?
Wash below 30°C on a wool or gentle cycle with a dedicated wool detergent and an extra rinse, and make sure it's fully dry before use.
How do you wash a wool pillow?
Because wool felts under hot water and agitation, most wool pillows shouldn't go in the machine. Hand wash in cold water, or wash only the cover, and air the filling regularly.
Can you wash a memory foam pillow?
No. Its open-cell structure is damaged by the spin cycle. Remove and wash only the cover, then wipe the foam with a damp cloth and air-dry it.
Washing a pillow correctly means matching the temperature, cycle and drying method to its fill type. To protect your mattress the way you protect your pillow, see our Mattress Protectors page, or reach out via Contact for bulk orders and custom manufacturing requests.