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Most people wash their pillowcases every week or two. Their actual pillows? Rarely, or never. That's a problem, because pillows absorb sweat, shed skin cells, and collect dust mites over time, no matter how often you wash the case on top.
Here's how often to wash your pillows, how to do it without damaging them, and when it's time to stop washing and just replace.
A pillowcase keeps the surface clean, but moisture and oils pass through fabric over time. Inside the pillow, things accumulate: sweat, body oil, dead skin cells, and, in humid environments, mold or mildew.
If you have allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin, this matters more. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid bedding. Regular washing reduces the allergen load significantly.
Even if you're not sensitive, a freshly washed pillow simply smells better and holds its loft longer.
The general recommendation: every 3–6 months. Some sources say annually, but every 3–4 months is more realistic given how much contact pillows have with your face and neck each night.
Wash more frequently if you:
Pillowcases should be washed weekly with your sheets. Pillow protectors (the zippered covers that go under pillowcases) should be washed every 1–2 months.
These are the most forgiving. Most synthetic pillows are fully machine washable.
Drying time: 1–2 hours. Check that the center is fully dry, not just the surface.
More delicate than synthetics, but still washable, just requires more care.
Important: Never use high heat on down. It can damage the fill and cause the ticking fabric to shrink or crack.
Memory foam cannot go in the washing machine or dryer. The agitation and heat will break down the foam structure.
Quick freshen without washing: Sprinkle baking soda over the surface, let it sit for 1–2 hours, then vacuum off. This absorbs odors without moisture.
Similar to memory foam, never machine wash or machine dry.
Washing extends life. It doesn't make a worn-out pillow good again. Signs it's time to replace:
Most synthetic pillows last 1–2 years. Down and latex pillows can last 3–5 years or longer with proper care. Memory foam typically lasts 2–3 years.
Synthetic, down, and feather pillows can go in the dryer on low heat. Memory foam and latex cannot, heat degrades the material. Always check the care label first.
It should smell neutral (not musty or soapy), feel fully dry throughout, not just on the surface, and be free of visible stains. If it still smells after drying, it may not have dried completely, or it may be time to replace.
Hot water does kill dust mites more effectively, but it can damage certain pillow materials (especially down and latex). For most pillows, warm water with proper drying is effective enough. Encasing your pillow in a dust mite-proof protector is the more practical long-term solution.
Pillow protectors last a long time, typically several years, but they should be replaced if they develop holes, tears, or no longer zip properly. Wash them every 1–2 months regardless.
Yes, and it's often better than a top-loading machine with an agitator, which can stress pillow materials and seams. If you only have access to a top-loader, use the gentlest cycle available.
Start with a mattress type that suits how you sleep, then compare the feel in person.
Prices for Queen · Choose options for other sizes


Est. $124.84/month for 6 months
Item-price payoff target · excludes taxes and fees.
Synchrony · No interest if paid in full within 6 months. Subject to credit approval.
Interest is charged from the purchase date if not paid in full in time. Minimum monthly payments are required and may not repay the balance in time.
This item price meets the 6-month deferred-interest threshold. We use the longest confirmed period available at this price. Avoiding interest requires paying the promotional balance in full before the deadline. Lender fees can affect total cost; this selection does not establish the lowest total borrowing cost.
This illustration divides the displayed price of $749.00 for one selected item by 6 months, rounding up to the next cent. It is not the lender’s required payment or billing schedule. Check the promotional deadline on your statement and pay the full promotional balance before it ends.
Taxes, delivery, recycling charges and any lender promotional fees are excluded. Fees may add to the total borrowing cost. Additional discounts can change plan eligibility and the amount financed. Confirm the final purchase amount and applicable terms with the store before arranging financing.
Credit approval, applicable account terms and purchase eligibility apply.
How Synchrony deferred interest works
Est. $158.17/month for 6 months
Item-price payoff target · excludes taxes and fees.
Synchrony · No interest if paid in full within 6 months. Subject to credit approval.
Interest is charged from the purchase date if not paid in full in time. Minimum monthly payments are required and may not repay the balance in time.
This item price meets the 6-month deferred-interest threshold. We use the longest confirmed period available at this price. Avoiding interest requires paying the promotional balance in full before the deadline. Lender fees can affect total cost; this selection does not establish the lowest total borrowing cost.
This illustration divides the displayed price of $949.00 for one selected item by 6 months, rounding up to the next cent. It is not the lender’s required payment or billing schedule. Check the promotional deadline on your statement and pay the full promotional balance before it ends.
Taxes, delivery, recycling charges and any lender promotional fees are excluded. Fees may add to the total borrowing cost. Additional discounts can change plan eligibility and the amount financed. Confirm the final purchase amount and applicable terms with the store before arranging financing.
Credit approval, applicable account terms and purchase eligibility apply.
How Synchrony deferred interest works
Est. $146.50/month for 6 months
Item-price payoff target · excludes taxes and fees.
Synchrony · No interest if paid in full within 6 months. Subject to credit approval.
Interest is charged from the purchase date if not paid in full in time. Minimum monthly payments are required and may not repay the balance in time.
This item price meets the 6-month deferred-interest threshold. We use the longest confirmed period available at this price. Avoiding interest requires paying the promotional balance in full before the deadline. Lender fees can affect total cost; this selection does not establish the lowest total borrowing cost.
This illustration divides the displayed price of $879.00 for one selected item by 6 months, rounding up to the next cent. It is not the lender’s required payment or billing schedule. Check the promotional deadline on your statement and pay the full promotional balance before it ends.
Taxes, delivery, recycling charges and any lender promotional fees are excluded. Fees may add to the total borrowing cost. Additional discounts can change plan eligibility and the amount financed. Confirm the final purchase amount and applicable terms with the store before arranging financing.
Credit approval, applicable account terms and purchase eligibility apply.
How Synchrony deferred interest works
Est. $91.63/month for 24 months
Item-price payoff target · excludes taxes and fees.
Synchrony · No interest if paid in full within 24 months. Subject to credit approval.
Interest is charged from the purchase date if not paid in full in time. Minimum monthly payments are required and may not repay the balance in time.
This item price meets the 24-month deferred-interest threshold. We use the longest confirmed period available at this price. Avoiding interest requires paying the promotional balance in full before the deadline. Lender fees can affect total cost; this selection does not establish the lowest total borrowing cost.
This illustration divides the displayed price of $2,199.00 for one selected item by 24 months, rounding up to the next cent. It is not the lender’s required payment or billing schedule. Check the promotional deadline on your statement and pay the full promotional balance before it ends.
Taxes, delivery, recycling charges and any lender promotional fees are excluded. Fees may add to the total borrowing cost. Additional discounts can change plan eligibility and the amount financed. Confirm the final purchase amount and applicable terms with the store before arranging financing.
Credit approval, applicable account terms and purchase eligibility apply.
How Synchrony deferred interest works
Est. $92.42/month for 12 months
Item-price payoff target · excludes taxes and fees.
Synchrony · No interest if paid in full within 12 months. Subject to credit approval.
Interest is charged from the purchase date if not paid in full in time. Minimum monthly payments are required and may not repay the balance in time.
This item price meets the 12-month deferred-interest threshold. We use the longest confirmed period available at this price. Avoiding interest requires paying the promotional balance in full before the deadline. Lender fees can affect total cost; this selection does not establish the lowest total borrowing cost.
This illustration divides the displayed price of $1,109.00 for one selected item by 12 months, rounding up to the next cent. It is not the lender’s required payment or billing schedule. Check the promotional deadline on your statement and pay the full promotional balance before it ends.
Taxes, delivery, recycling charges and any lender promotional fees are excluded. Fees may add to the total borrowing cost. Additional discounts can change plan eligibility and the amount financed. Confirm the final purchase amount and applicable terms with the store before arranging financing.
Credit approval, applicable account terms and purchase eligibility apply.
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