After a long time of use, pillows will become flat or dirty and you may want to replace them. Whether you're looking to buy new pillows or want to refresh your current ones, you may wonder if it's ok to tumble dry them. Although you can tumble dry some pillow types, not all are safe to dry in this way. 

The answer is, of course, it depends! You can tumble dry most pillows as long as you carefully follow the manufacture's instructions, however, not all pillow types are suitable for tumble drying.

In this guide, we'll explain the different types of pillows available, and how to safely dry your pillows at home.

The different types of pillows available

Before you dry your pillows, you'll want to make sure you know how to wash each pillow type available to buy. Read our guide for more information on how to wash your pillows.

The main pillow types you need to be aware of when washing & drying your pillows are:

• Feathers or down pillows
• Hollowfibre pillows
• Memory foam pillows

Each pillow type requires slightly different washing and drying methods. Feather or down pillows for example require special care when washing and drying at home. We've put together a step by step guide on how to wash feather pillows.

How to tumble dry each pillow after cleaning

Over time it's easy for pillows to become dirty and need a wash. It's a good idea to regularly clean your bedding, keep it fluffy and remove any sweat or dead skin cells. Once you've finished cleaning your pillows, you may wonder how you're going to dry them.

Firstly, always check the label on your pillows before cleaning and washing them. The instructions listed will provide more details on the recommended cleaning approach. We'll now talk you through our top tips on tumble drying each of the common pillow types available.

Feathers or down pillows

You can tumble dry feather pillows and down pillows at home in your dryer, however, getting them professionally laundered would be best.

It's better to place the pillows vertically in the dryer to reduce the chance of damage. Putting two pillows in the machine together helps it stay balanced, preventing overload. However, this could be too heavy for your machine so double-check the maximum weight load. 

Make sure to use a cool temperature and don't use a high heat setting. Keep two fresh tennis balls, tuck them into a sock, and put them inside the dryer to prevent clumping. They will bounce around, breaking up any clumps inside the pillow. It's essential to dry pillows thoroughly because any trace of moisture can cause mould and mildew growth. 

Hollowfibre pillows

Hollowfibre pillows are generally safe to tumble dry in your dryer at home.

You can wash hollowfibre pillows in the washing machine with warm water and a mild detergent on a gentle cycle. We recommend adding two pillows together to balance the washing machine.

Again, we recommend using a low heat setting on the tumble dryer, and it's also important to remember that polyester hollowfibre pillows dry fast compared to other pillow types. 

Memory foam

We do not recommend that you wash or dry memory foam pillows in a washing machine or tumble dryer.

A memory foam pillow case is of course safe to use in the washing machine and tumble dryers, but the pillow materials themselves can contain chemicals in the foam that can cause a reaction from the intense heat of your tumble dryer which could be a fire hazard.

However, you can still clean memory foam pillows using other methods: 

1. Before cleaning your memory foam pillow, determine how dirty the pillow is. If there's a spill or stain on it, it might need a deep clean. However, the memory cells in memory foam pillows can retain water if they're soaked, so if your pillow doesn't need a deep clean, use another method like spot cleaning.
2. You can deep clean your memory foam pillow by filling a big tub or sink with cold water. Next, mix a few dashes of washing-up liquid or weak laundry detergent in the water. Soak the pillow thoroughly in soapy water while gently squeezing the body of the pillow. 
3. Once the soapy water has been drained, add cold water to the tub when it looks refreshed. Continue gently squeezing the pillow to remove the soap and dirty water inside it. Continue draining and refilling as necessary until the water runs clear. 
4. If your pillow is sweaty but doesn't need a deep clean, sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda on one side of the pillow, then let it bake outside in the sun or by a sunny window for a few hours. Remove any leftover powder with your vacuum's upholstery attachment. Follow the steps again on the other side for a completely refreshed pillow. 
5. Drain the water from the tub and continue gently squeezing the pillow. The water should be removed as much as possible without wringing or being too rough. Lay your pillow flat on a dry towel and continue pressing it, flipping it over several times. 
6. To clean a stained memory foam pillow, grab a clean, dry rag and blot the stain. Then, combine water and washing-up liquid in a bowl and soak the cloth. Wring it out until it's damp, then rub it over the stain using a careful circular motion. 
7. Rub the affected area until the stain comes out. Use another dry cloth to absorb leftover water from the pillow, then let it air-dry in the sun until the moisture is gone. 
8. To dry memory foam pillows, put them on a washing line. You can air memory foam pillows every three to six months under direct sunlight, but you cannot wash them. Sunlight kills microorganisms, making your pillows germ-free. 

How to fluff your pillows if you can't tumble dry them

When you dry your pillows naturally or in your dryer on low heat, your pillows will be fluffier. Although, there are a few things you can do if you can't put them in a tumble dryer and want to fluff a pillow at home.

For feather, down and hollowfibre pillows, it's easy to even out the filling. Simply shake the pillows gently to even out the filling. 

Drying Pillows FAQs

Our sleep experts have answered common questions about drying your pillows at home.

Can you put memory foam pillows in the dryer to fluff them up?

No - do not put memory foam pillows in the dryer to fluff them up because the heat damages the foam. Air drying your pillows on a washing line once every three months can fluff them up.

Can you dry pillows on a high heat setting in the dryer?

No - it's best not to dry pillows on a high heat setting in the tumble dryer. Instead, you should put them on a low or cool setting.

Discover our range of pillows

If your pillows have started exhibiting any of the signs mentioned above, it's probably time to get new ones. As you choose your next pillow, consider how much you're willing to spend, if you have any allergies, prefer all-natural fibres, or need one that keeps its shape.

If you have any questions about our pillows, please contact us. We stock a wide range of bedding, including pillows, duvets, mattress protectors and wellbeing bedding.