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How to clean your pillows—they're full of dead bugs

Your pillows are full of little nightmares.

Pillows on a blue background Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

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You probably wash your bed sheets and pillowcases about once a week—on a rare occasion, maybe every two weeks. But has it ever occurred to you to wash your pillows?

Perhaps this tidbit will be the bit of encouragement you need: They’re grosser than you could possibly imagine. To put a finer point on it, they’re ideal breeding grounds for everything from dust mites to the flu.

It's not exactly a financially sound decision to buy new pillows every week. But take a look at a pillow’s care label and you might find some welcome news: Your pillows are washing-machine friendly.

Experts recommend washing your pillows every six months to prolong the lifespan. Here's what you need to know.

How to wash pillows

hand pulling shredded memory foam out of an unzipped coop home goods pillow
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

Read a pillow's care label before you toss it in the washer. We love the Coop Home Goods Original pillow partly because it's machine-washable.

  1. First, check the wash instructions on your pillows’ tags to make sure they can be tossed in the washing machine. This will vary based on the material and even the manufacturer.

  2. Remove pillowcases and pillow protectors.

  3. Put pillows in the washing machine. If you have a top-loading machine, the trick is to wash at least two pillows at a time to keep the washer balanced.

  4. Add a small amount of laundry detergent to the washing machine.

  5. Use warm water on the gentle cycle, unless otherwise specified by the pillows’ care instructions.

  6. Once the pillows are washed, add them to the dryer with a couple of tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff them. If you’re in the market, we think the Budieggs wool dryer balls last for at least 10,000 loads.

  7. Tumble dry on low heat. Wait until the pillows are completely dry before remaking your bed.

How to wash memory foam pillows

hand pressing down on memory foam pillow
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

We love the Leesa memory foam pillow, but it's not machine-washable.

If you own a memory foam pillow, chances are you’ll have to stick to spot-cleaning. The process will be similar to cleaning a memory foam mattress.

  1. Remove your memory foam pillow from the pillowcase.

  2. Use a handheld vacuum to remove dust and other debris.

  3. Tackle any stains with a lint-free cloth and gentle cleaning agent, such as baking soda or a diluted laundry soap solution.

  4. Let the pillow air dry, checking that it’s not wet before placing it back on your bed. The material can trap moisture, which leads to mold.

When is it time to buy new bed pillows?

pile of several bed pillows
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

It's probably time for a new bed pillow if it's been a couple years since you last replaced it.

No pillow is meant to last forever. Some stains won't wash out, or maybe your aching neck and sore back demand a change. Sleep experts suggest replacing a pillow every few years, however, this list of questions may be helpful in deciding when to upgrade:

  • Did you purchase your pillow more than two years ago?

  • Do your head and neck feel unsupported?

  • Do you wake up sneezing or congested every day?

  • Is the pillow losing its shape or lumpy?

  • Does your pillow have to be fluffed up for support?

  • If you fold the pillow in half, does it stay folded?

What pillow should you buy?

Did too many of those questions resonate? Then it's time for a new pillow. Of course, your purchase will depend on your sleep position—for example, the best pillow for side sleepers isn’t necessarily the best pillow for stomach sleepers. Your budget and the material you’re after will factor in, too. But here are some of the best pillows we’ve tested.

Product image of Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow

Picky about your pillow? The Coop Home Goods pillow can be adjusted to your preferences.

$75 at Amazon
  • We can’t say enough great things about the Coop Home Goods Original pillow. It’s overstuffed with a blended fill (shredded memory foam and microfiber), so you can tinker with the amount to find your ideal height. We also like that the brand says every part can be tossed in the washing machine. Coop recommends avoiding fabric softener and bleach, as well as fastening the zipper with a safety pin to contain the filling.
Product image of Leesa Latex Pillow
Leesa Latex Pillow

Ideal for back sleepers, the Leesa pillow is also machine-washable.

$71 at Leesa
  • If you’re a back sleeper, we’d steer you toward the Leesa premium foam pillow. It’s lightweight yet firm and sinks in just a bit when you plop your head down at night. The cashmere-soft cover is machine-washable, though you’ll have to stick to spot-cleaning the actual foam pillow.
Product image of Brooklinen Down Pillow
Brooklinen Down Pillow

If you love a classic down pillow, Brooklinen has the best.

$93 at Brooklinen
  • The Brooklinen down pillow comes in three firmness levels to accommodate different sleep positions. Spot-clean as needed, or take it to the dry cleaner. We’re also fans of Brooklinen’s 365-day return policy.
Product image of Brooklinen Pillow Protectors
Brooklinen Pillow Protectors

Your pillows need protectors, and Brooklinen makes the best ones.

$25 at Brooklinen
  • If you’re investing in a new pillow, pick up a pillow protector, too. It’ll help keep out sweat and drool—a good thing, as moisture can lead to various fungi. Our favorite is the Brooklinen pillow protector. It’s got a silky texture and, best of all, our tester didn’t even notice it under her pillowcase.

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