How to Wash Pillow Covers in Washing Machine

You’ll learn step-by-step instructions, fabric-specific care, drying methods, and how to avoid the most common laundry mistakes that ruin pillow covers.

Check the Care Label Before Washing

Understand Cleaning Codes

Every pillow cover comes with a care label that tells you exactly how to clean it. These symbols are your first and most important step. Look for cleaning codes like:

• W: Safe for water-based cleaning (machine or hand wash)
• S: Requires solvent-only cleaning (dry clean or spot clean)
• WS: Can use water or solvent, but test first
• X: Vacuum or brush only, no liquids allowed

If you see “Dry Clean Only” or an S code, skip the washing machine entirely. These codes typically apply to silk, wool, or embellished fabrics.

What to Do When There’s No Label

When the care tag is missing, test a hidden seam before washing. Dab a white cloth with cold water and mild detergent, then press it onto the seam. Wait 10 minutes. If the color bleeds or the fabric changes texture, do not machine wash. Default to hand washing or spot cleaning instead.

Which Pillow Covers Are Safe for the Washing Machine

Machine-Washable Fabrics

These fabrics typically survive a gentle cycle without damage:

• Cotton
• Polyester
• Microfiber
• Nylon
• Linen (on delicate cycle only)

Even within this group, always confirm with the care label. Some blends or treated finishes may require special care.

Fabrics to Avoid Machine Washing

These fabrics risk damage from water, agitation, or heat:

• Silk
• Satin
• Faux or real fur
• Bouclé
• Leather or faux leather
• Embroidered or beaded covers

Washing these in a machine can crush textures, melt fibers, or loosen embellishments. Stick to spot cleaning or professional dry cleaning for these materials.

How to Machine Wash Pillow Covers Step by Step

Prepare Covers Before Washing

Before loading your washing machine, protect your covers by following these steps:

• Remove pillow inserts never wash the filling unless the label specifies otherwise
• Close all zippers, buttons, and Velcro to prevent snagging
• Turn covers inside out to shield prints, colors, and surface texture
• Pre-treat stains with a drop of mild detergent on a damp cloth

For delicate trims or sequins, use a mesh laundry bag. This reduces friction and keeps zippers from tangling during the wash cycle.

Load and Set Your Machine Correctly

Wash only 1 to 2 covers per load to avoid overcrowding. Never mix darks with lights because color bleeding is common in natural fibers. Use the gentle or delicate cycle with low spin speed at 800 rpm or less.

Overloading causes friction that wears down fibers and fades colors quickly. Choose these settings for best results:

Cold water prevents shrinkage and keeps dyes locked in. Warm water opens fiber pores, which can release color, especially in cotton and linen.

Wash Different Fabric Types the Right Way

Cotton Pillow Covers

Cotton is durable and machine washable, but still needs care. Wash in cold to warm water up to 40°C if the label allows. Use gentle or normal cycle. Tumble dry low or air dry flat. Iron on medium heat if wrinkled.

For white cotton, occasional warm washes help remove body oils. For dark cotton, always use cold water to prevent fading.

Linen Pillow Covers

Linen softens with each wash but wrinkles easily and stiffens if dried incorrectly. Wash in cold water only on the delicate cycle. Air dry flat never tumble dry. Press water out gently, never twist.

After drying, steam or iron on medium heat to smooth wrinkles.

Polyester and Microfiber Covers

These synthetic fabrics are low-maintenance and resist shrinking. Wash in cold to warm water on gentle or synthetic cycle. Tumble dry low or air dry.

Avoid fabric softener because it coats fibers and reduces absorbency over time.

Velvet Pillow Covers

Only machine wash velvet if the label says “W” or “Machine Washable.” Turn inside out and place in a mesh bag. Wash in cold water on gentle cycle with mild detergent. Air dry flat never tumble dry.

After drying, brush gently with a velvet comb to lift the pile. Never wring or twist because this crushes the nap permanently.

Bouclé and Textured Weaves

Bouclé traps dirt and is easily damaged by machine agitation. Do not machine wash. Spot clean only or hand wash in cold water. Lay flat to dry away from sunlight.

For snags, trim with small scissors never pull the threads.

Faux Fur Pillow Covers

Some faux fur covers can be machine washed but with caution. Wash only in a mesh bag with cold water on delicate cycle. Use fragrance-free, gentle detergent. Press water out gently and lay flat to dry.

Avoid heat because tumble drying can melt or mat the fibers. Brush with a soft comb after drying to fluff the fibers.

Stop Color Bleeding and Fabric Damage

Why Colors Run

Color bleeding happens when hot water opens fiber pores, harsh detergents break down dye bonds, friction from overloading rubs color off, or hard water weakens fabric over time. Synthetics like polyester and nylon resist bleeding better than cotton or linen.

How to Prevent Damage

Prevent color bleeding and fabric damage by washing in cold water. Use mild, bleach-free detergent. Wash similar colors together. Turn covers inside out.

Test colorfastness by dabbing a white cloth on a seam. If color transfers, do not machine wash. For dark or new covers, wash alone the first time to catch excess dye.

Dry Pillow Covers Without Ruining Them

Air Drying Safely

Air drying is the safest method for delicate or textured fabrics. Lay flat on a clean, dry towel indoors away from sunlight. Flip once for even drying.

Air drying takes 6 to 24 hours depending on thickness. This method prevents shrinkage and keeps textures intact.

When to Use the Tumble Dryer

Use tumble drying only for durable fabrics like cotton, polyester, or blends. Set heat to low or air fluff with no heat. Add dryer balls to reduce static and improve airflow.

Remove covers while slightly damp to prevent stiffness. Never tumble dry silk, velvet, faux fur, or bouclé.

Refresh and Care for Pillow Covers After Washing

Restore Fabric Texture

After drying, refresh each fabric type properly. Cotton and linen need ironing on medium heat or steaming. Velvet and faux fur need gentle brushing to lift the pile. Silk and satin need light steaming or ironing with a pressing cloth on low heat.

Leather and faux leather need monthly conditioning to maintain suppleness.

Inspect for Damage

Check each cover for loose threads, zipper issues, fading, or pilling. Fix small snags early before they worsen. Always ensure covers are completely dry before reinserting pillows because dampness breeds mold and mildew.

Remove Stains from Pillow Covers Safely

When to Spot Clean

Spot cleaning is safer than full washing for minor spills or delicate fabrics. Blot do not rub with a white cloth to absorb excess liquid.

Mix cold water with mild detergent. Dampen a cloth and blot the stain. Rinse by blotting with clean water. Air dry completely.

Tackle Tough Stains

For grease or oil, sprinkle baking soda, wait 10 minutes, brush off, then spot clean. For wine or coffee, make a paste of baking soda and white vinegar, apply, wait 5 minutes, blot, and rinse. For ink, use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, but test first on a hidden area.

How Often to Clean Pillow Covers

Recommended Cleaning Schedule

Cleaning frequency depends on how you use your pillow covers:

• Daily use: Every 2 to 4 weeks
• Occasional use: Every 3 to 6 months
• With pets or kids: Every 1 to 2 weeks
• Allergy sufferers: Every 1 to 2 weeks, or weekly in allergy season
• After spills: Clean immediately

Regular washing removes dust, skin oils, and allergens that build up over time.

Pro Tip: Rotate Your Covers

Keep 2 to 3 sets and rotate them weekly. This extends fabric life and keeps your space looking fresh.

Store Pillow Covers to Keep Them Fresh

For long-term storage, wash covers first because dirt attracts pests. Use breathable cotton bags, not plastic, because plastic traps moisture and causes mildew.

Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths and odors. Avoid basements or attics because humidity and temperature swings degrade fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Pillow Covers

Can I machine wash all pillow covers?

No. Only cotton, polyester, microfiber, and some labeled linens and velvets are safe. Silk, satin, bouclé, faux fur, and leather should not be machine washed.

What if there’s no care label?

Start with spot cleaning. If full washing is needed, hand wash in cold water with mild detergent and air dry flat.

Can I put pillow covers in the dryer?

Only if the label says yes. Use low or no heat. Delicate fabrics must always air dry.

Why did my cover shrink?

Hot water or high-heat drying causes shrinkage. Always use cold water and low spin. Air dry when possible.

How do I keep velvet soft after washing?

Wash inside out in a mesh bag, air dry flat, and brush gently after drying to lift the pile.

Does silk need dry cleaning?

Yes, if labeled “S” or “Dry Clean Only.” Otherwise, hand wash with pH-neutral detergent.

Key Takeaways for Washing Pillow Covers

Always check the care label before washing any pillow cover. When in doubt, hand wash or spot clean because it’s cheaper than replacement. Use mesh bags for zippers, beads, or delicate trims. Wash in cold water to protect color and fibers.

Air dry flat when possible because tumble drying shortens fabric life. Rotate covers and store properly to maintain freshness and prevent wear. By following these steps, you’ll keep your pillow covers clean, soft, and looking new without risking damage.