Can you wash pillows, or should you dry clean them?
- Farthings
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
We often get asked the same question in the shop: “Can I wash my pillow at home?” or “The label says dry clean… but is that really right?”
So today, we are walking you through what you can wash, what you should dry clean, and what to avoid when cleaning your pillows and bedding.
Because, as we’ve seen time and time again, care labels don’t always tell the whole story.
1. Polyester pillows (synthetic) – Washable (with care)
Most standard pillows you buy from the supermarket or online are filled with 100% polyester. These are generally safe to wash at home, as long as your machine can handle it.
But be warned: lower-quality pillows — the ones that feel a bit “papery” instead of the normal cotton cover won't even tolerate a gentle cycle and will be ruined after the wash. Polyester can also become lumpy or lose its shape after washing.
Always check the label, wash gently, and tumble dry on low — or bring it to us if you’re unsure.
2. Feather pillows – we wash them
Feather-filled pillows sometimes say wash and sometimes say dry clean only on the care label. But at Farthings, we actually wash them — and we find that works best if it's done correctly.
However, the significant risk is drying. Feather pillows may feel dry on the outside, but if there’s still moisture deep inside, the whole pillow can smell musty or grow mould.
So make sure they’re dried completely (we use industrial dryers for this). If it happens to smell, don’t panic — a second wash usually sorts it.
3. Foam Pillows – Do not wash
These are the type of pillows we absolutely do not recommend washing.
Memory foam, or any other foam-filled pillow, holds water like a sponge, and it will never fully dry. Even if the label says “hand wash,” we’ve tested it. It doesn’t dry properly and ends up heavy, damp, and unusable.
You can wash the removable cover, though! Most foam pillows have an outer zip-off case, and that’s safe to clean.
4. Wool & silk pillows – Dry clean only (With Limitations)
Wool- and silk-filled pillows are dry clean only, but even then, dry cleaning won’t remove things like sweat marks or discolouration.
If you wash them (not dry clean them), they’ll likely become lumpy and misshapen — and once that happens, it’s usually irreversible.
Avoid home washing wool and silk pillows. Dry clean if needed, but understand the results are limited, and you will not see a visible change.
Not everything that says “dry clean only” needs to be dry cleaned, and not everything that says “wash” should go in your washing machine.
Our goal is to help you clean your laundry in a way that protects its shape, freshness, and lifespan. And if you’re ever unsure, we’re always happy to take a look, explain the risks, and help you make the best choice for your item.
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📍 Farthings Dry Cleaners Cambridge
143 Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1XE
📞 Call us: 01223 755180
🕒 Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am–4pm | Sat 8:30am–3pm
🗺️ Get directions to our Cambridge Branch
📍 Farthings Dry Cleaners Trumpington
1 Anstey Way, Trumpington, Cambridge, CB2 9JE
📞 Call us: 01223 625310
🕒 Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am–4pm | Sat 8:30am–3pm
🗺️ Get directions to our Trumpington Branch
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✨ Who is Farthings Dry Cleaners? Farthings Dry Cleaners is known as Cambridge and Trumpington's most sought-after dry cleaners. It's the ideal home for your high-end garments preservation and alteration to be cared for, helping them last as long as possible and always making you look stunning. Trust Farthings — where your garments are cared for like couture.
