A quality pillow is an important part of restful sleep whether you're at home or traveling. Proper care helps maintain loft, support, and freshness. If you're looking to upgrade your sleep setup, explore our premium bed pillows made in the USA, designed for lasting comfort wherever you rest.
This guide explains how to wash, dry, and protect your bed pillows so they stay clean, supportive, and ready for wherever you rest next.
Why Proper Pillow Care Matters
Regular pillow care helps:
- Maintain loft and support
- Remove dust, oils, and allergens
- Extend the life of your pillow
- Keep bedding fresh and comfortable
Even well-made pillows benefit from occasional laundering to keep them performing their best.
Pillows for Home and Life on the Road
Pillows are used in more places than just the bedroom. Whether you’re sleeping at home or traveling, proper pillow care helps maintain comfort and support.
AB Lifestyles bedding is designed for a variety of spaces, including: RVs, Airstream travel trailers, home bedrooms, college dorm rooms, living quarter horse trailers and semi truck sleeper cabs.
These environments often experience more movement, temperature changes, and frequent use, making proper pillow care even more important.
The care guidelines below will help keep your pillows clean, supportive, and ready for wherever you rest next.
Recommended Professional Care
For best results, we recommend professional laundering once or twice per year. This helps thoroughly clean the pillow while protecting the structure of the fill and outer fabric.
Important: Do not dry clean pillows as dry-cleaning chemicals can damage the fill.
How to Wash Pillows at Home
If you prefer to wash your pillow at home, follow these guidelines.
1. Use the Right Washing Machine
- Wash pillows in an oversized machine without a center agitator
- Select the delicate cycle
- Use warm water
2. Use a Mild Detergent
- Use a small amount of mild detergent to protect the pillow fill and fabric.
- Run 1–2 additional rinse cycles to ensure all detergent is completely removed.
3. Avoid Harsh Products
Do not use bleach or fabric softener. These products can damage pillow fill and reduce performance.
How to Dry Pillows Properly
Drying pillows thoroughly is the most important step.
- Tumble dry on medium heat
- Continue drying well beyond the point when the outer fabric feels dry
- The inner fill clusters must be completely dry
Drying may take 3–4 dryer cycles.
Between cycles:
- Remove the pillow from the dryer
- Gently shake to redistribute the fill
- Return to the dryer for continued drying
This ensures consistent drying and helps maintain loft.
Do Not Iron
Pillows should not be ironed. Heat and pressure can damage the fabric and fill structure.
Protect Your Pillow for Longer Life
Using a pillow protector is one of the simplest ways to keep your pillow clean and extend its lifespan.
A protective cover creates a barrier that helps prevent moisture, oils, and everyday wear from reaching the pillow itself.
Benefits of pillow protectors include:
- Reduced need for frequent washing
- Protection from moisture and spills
- Reduced buildup of dust and allergens
- Longer pillow life
Adding a protector helps keep your pillow fresh while maintaining the loft and structure of the fill.
Waterproof Pillow Protection
A waterproof pillow protector creates a moisture barrier that helps prevent liquids, sweat, and spills from reaching your pillow.
This type of protection is especially helpful for:
- Everyday bedding
- RV and travel use
- Protecting new pillows
Explore our waterproof pillow protectors designed to keep pillows clean and protected.
Quilted Pillow Covers
For added softness and durability, quilted pillow covers provide a protective layer while adding gentle cushioning.
Quilted covers help:
- Protect the pillow from wear
- Maintain pillow shape
- Add an extra layer of comfort
Discover our quilted pillow covers for added protection and long-lasting performance.
When to Replace a Pillow
Even with proper care, pillows eventually lose their ability to provide proper support.
You may want to replace your pillow if:
- It no longer holds its shape
- The fill has flattened or shifted
- It no longer provides comfortable support
Replacing worn pillows can significantly improve sleep quality.
Upgrade Your Sleep with AB Lifestyles Bed Pillows
When it's time for a replacement, choose pillows designed for durability and lasting comfort.
AB Lifestyles pillows are crafted with premium materials and the same commitment to quality that defines all of our bedding — Made in the USA from the world's finest fabrics.
Whether you're resting at home, traveling in your RV or Airstream, sleeping in a semi truck sleeper or living quarter horse trailer, AB Lifestyles pillows are designed for lasting comfort and dependable support.
Explore our bed pillows to find the right fit for your sleep.
Bed Pillow FAQs
How often should you wash bed pillows?
Most pillows should be professionally laundered once or twice per year, depending on use.
Can pillows be washed in a washing machine?
Yes, many pillows can be washed in an oversized machine without a center agitator using warm water and a delicate cycle.
Why do pillows need extra drying time?
The outer fabric may feel dry while moisture remains inside the fill clusters. Thorough drying prevents clumping and maintains pillow loft.
Can you use bleach on pillows?
No. Bleach can damage pillow fabrics and reduce the performance of the fill.
Explore more Bedding FAQs here.