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Last Updated January 21, 2026
Once pillows leave the bed, they often get tucked away wherever there’s space. Guest room pillows get pushed into closets, and extras are stacked on shelves. Seasonal pillows sit untouched for months. Over time, this kind of storage flattens the filling and shortens a pillow’s lifespan. Storing pillows the right way helps preserve their comfort and support.
This article covers how to prepare pillows for storage, where different types should be kept, and what mistakes to avoid so they stay fresh and usable when you need them again.
Key Takeaways:
If you don’t have time to read the entire article, this table shows which storage options work best and when.
| Storage Option | Best For | Why It Works | What to Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closet shelves or linen closet | Everyday and guest pillows | Stable temperature, good airflow, easy access | Don’t overstack or push pillows to the back |
| Under-bed storage bins (breathable) | Extra and seasonal pillows | Saves space while keeping pillows accessible | Avoid airtight lids and damp floors |
| Fabric storage bags or cotton pillowcases | Long-term storage | Allows airflow, prevents dust buildup | Must be stored in a dry area |
| Baskets (wicker or woven) | Decorative and throw pillows | Breathable, easy to rotate | Not ideal for dusty or humid rooms |
| Storage ottomans or benches | Living room and bedroom throws | Doubles as furniture and storage | Don’t overfill; airflow still matters |
| Drawers or cabinets | Smaller pillows or inserts | Keeps pillows hidden and organized | Overpacking causes compression |
| Vacuum storage bags | Short-term moves only | Saves space temporarily | Long-term compression damages the loft |
| Plastic bins (with fabric liners) | Backup option when nothing else works | Protects from dust | Never seal pillows directly in plastic |
Pillows are built to stay airy and flexible, but those qualities work against them in poor storage conditions. Heat, humidity, pressure, and lack of airflow slowly damage the filling and fabric.
Common results of improper storage include:
Once these issues set in, they’re difficult to reverse. Proper storage prevents this gradual breakdown and keeps your bed pillows comfortable for longer.
Now, let's jump into the step-by-step process of storing pillows the right way.
Before doing anything else, take a moment to check the condition of each pillow.
Separate the ones that are still in good shape from those that are already flat or heavily stained. Storage will not fix worn-out pillows, and setting them aside now prevents wasted effort later.
This is also the right time to sort pillows by type.
Memory foam, down, latex, and specialty fills all need slightly different handling, so grouping them early makes the next steps easier.
No pillow should go into storage without being cleaned first.
Even freshly made beds leave pillows with accumulated sweat and skin oils. When sealed away, those residues become the source of stains/smells. Cleaning removes these contaminants and resets the pillow before it sits unused.
Here are the safest and most effective washing methods for common pillow materials:
→ Down pillows: Machine-wash on a gentle cycle using mild detergent. Wash two pillows at a time to keep the washer balanced. Use an extra rinse to remove soap residue, which can make the down feel stiff.
→ Feather pillows: Wash on a gentle cycle with cool or warm water and mild detergent. Avoid high heat, as it can damage the feathers and cause odor issues. Extra rinsing helps prevent residue buildup.
→ Synthetic fiber pillows: Most can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle. Use mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can coat the fibers, reducing loft over time.
→ Cotton pillows: Machine-wash on a gentle or normal cycle, depending on the care label. Cotton holds water easily, so thorough rinsing and drying are important to prevent mildew.
→ Wool pillows: Usually require spot cleaning or hand washing in cool water with wool-safe detergent. Avoid agitation and wringing, as wool can felt and lose its structure.
→ Memory foam pillows: Do not machine-wash or soak. Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then wipe with clean water. Allow to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
→ Latex pillows: Similar to memory foam, latex should not be machine-washed. Spot clean gently, then air dry away from heat and direct sunlight.
→ Buckwheat pillows: Never wash the hulls. Remove the filling and wash only the pillow cover. Air out the hulls separately if needed.
→ Shredded foam pillows: Check the care label. Some covers are washable, but the foam filling usually requires spot cleaning and thorough air drying.
Note: Always check the care label and brand website before washing. Using the wrong method can cause internal damage that proper storage cannot reverse.
Drying is not optional (nor a step you should rush). Any moisture left inside a pillow will remain trapped once stored, even in breathable containers.
Machine-washable pillows should be dried on low heat or air-dry settings.
Periodically pause the dryer and squeeze the center of the pillow. If it feels cool or dense, moisture is still present. Tennis balls / dryer balls can help restore loft during drying.
Foam and latex pillows need extended air drying in a well-ventilated space. Turn them periodically to allow moisture to escape evenly. Storing a pillow before it is fully dry almost always guarantees odor problems later.
Storage materials control airflow and moisture retention. The goal is protection without suffocation.
Sealed plastic bags trap moisture, creating condensation. Over time, this degrades both the fabric and the filling.
Better options include cotton pillowcases, fabric storage bags, canvas bins, or loosely wrapped clean bedsheets. These allow air circulation while keeping dust away.
Plastic bins can work if used carefully. Place pillows inside a cotton cover first and avoid snapping the lid airtight.
Vacuum storage bags compress pillows far beyond what they are designed to handle. While they save space, they also remove the air that gives pillows their structure.
Down and feather pillows lose loft when compressed for long periods. Foam pillows can develop permanent creases or internal cracks. Synthetic fills may rebound unevenly, leaving flat sections.
Vacuum-sealing is acceptable for short moves, but it is not suitable for long-term storage.
Even well-prepared pillows will degrade if stored in the wrong place. Storage areas should be cool and dry.
Interior closets and linen cabinets are ideal because they share the home’s climate control. Under-bed storage works when breathable containers are used, and the area stays dry.
Avoid damp basements, hot attics, garages, and utility rooms. Heat and humidity accelerate breakdown.
Short-term storage (a few weeks) is more forgiving, but long-term storage demands climate stability. The longer the pillows sit unused, the more important temperature and humidity control become.
Pillows should remain as close as possible to their natural shape. Heavy stacking compresses filling and encourages uneven wear.
If stacking is necessary, keep stacks low and place the lightest pillows on top. Never store anything heavy, like boxes or luggage, on top of the pillows. Leaving space around them improves airflow.
Natural protection helps keep stored pillows fresh without harming materials. Cedar wood sachets deter pests and absorb odors. Lavender sachets provide mild freshness without residue. Silica gel packets can be placed nearby to absorb excess moisture.
Avoid chemical deodorizers or dryer sheets, as they can leave buildup and overpower fabrics.
Basic pest prevention matters, too. Keep storage areas clean. Avoid storing pillows near food items. Vacuum shelves/bins before placing pillows inside.
Pillows stored for long periods should not be forgotten. Every few months, remove them from storage, fluff them gently, and allow fresh air to circulate. Doing so keeps the filling evenly distributed. It also prevents stale odors from settling in.
Most pillows handle 6 to 12 months of storage well when prepared correctly. Foam and latex benefit from occasional airing when stored for longer periods.
Not all pillow storage needs to be hidden. In living rooms and bedrooms, decorative solutions can hold extra throw pillows while improving the look of the space.
Decorative baskets are a simple option. They store throw pillows neatly while adding color, texture, or pattern to a room. Wicker baskets work particularly well because they allow airflow and blend easily with many décor styles.
Storage ottomans are another great option. They function as seating and footrests while holding pillows, blankets, etc., inside. Placed near sofas or chairs, they keep extra pillows within easy reach without creating clutter.
At the foot of the bed, a wicker trunk can store pillows while adding a touch of vintage charm. This option works especially well for bedrooms that lack closet storage.
Under-bed storage bins are one of the most effective ways to store pillows that are not used every day. They keep pillows out of sight but with quick access.
Low-profile bins work best. Look for ones with wheels that make them easy to pull out. Storing pillows vertically inside these bins saves space and reduces pressure on the filling.
You can also label bins/bags by pillow type or room. This makes seasonal rotation easier while also preventing unnecessary handling.
Storing pillows isn’t complicated, but it does require a little care. Heat, moisture, pressure, and poor airflow are what shorten a pillow’s lifespan, not time alone. Clean your pillows before storage. Let them dry fully. Choose breathable containers instead of plastic ones. Avoiding long-term compression. All of these steps make a real difference.
When pillows are stored in cool, dry spaces and checked occasionally, they keep their freshness and support far longer, so they’re ready to use when you need them again!
Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
