To keep your pillows fresh and in top shape, you'll definitely need to take the time to clean them. While they don't need to be washed as often as your sheets, it's still vital to take the time to understand how to wash a pillow.  Each pillow type will follow a different set of instructions, so in general, check the care tag of your pillow. Most feather pillows can be washed on a gentle cycle, or hand washed, while a foam pillow will last longest when hand washed or spot cleaned.