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You're accustomed to washing sheets for bed (and perhaps pillows); However, you might not be aware of how to clean your pillows or why you need to bother with them at all. The pillow is a sponge for body oils, dead skin cells, sweat, and allergens when you sleep in the bed. We know it's filthy, but don't be afraid.
Regularly cleaning your pillowcases helps combat this; it is the most important thing to do.
Well, cleaning your pillow cover regularly can help combat this, but your pillow must be washed often as well. Most pillows need to be cleaned every six months. However, other pillows, such as memory foam, require attention every two or three months.
Are you unsure of how to clean pillows? Check out our guide for appropriate cleaning instructions.
STEP 1: AIR OUT
Like you, the pillows in your home require regular maintenance. Take some time and fluff your pillows every once in a while, and then let them dry in the sun for a few months to rid them of any moisture. Regularly vacuuming your pillows is also essential. We recommend you do this now and then, but make sure to remove some of the surface-level gunk off your pillow before washing.
STEP 2: WASH UP
After you've vacuumed the pillows, you can clean them if there is evidence of marks. It can be done using an ordinary dish towel and some mild soap. Clean the stain with a gentle scrub, take extra care when using foam pillows to avoid tear.
Washing pillows in the Washing Machine
Many pillows can survive the washer, but they require a different type of maintenance. Before you throw any dirty pillow in the washer, be aware of what kind of filling it comes with and check the fabric for tears or rips. It isn't a good idea to have the fill block the drain in your machine and cause problems for you, so trust us.
To prevent unevenly distributed loads, ensure that you put two pillows in simultaneously. Also, you should set your spin-cycle speed to a higher level to eliminate as much water as you can. Finally, always check the tag or website for the specific guidelines for your particular pillow.
Each pillow has its guidelines; here's how to wash the various types of pillows.
How To Clean a Down Pillow
Down pillows are relatively easy to clean. Wash them in the washing machine at any temperature for a wash cycle; however, be aware that warm or hot water may cause the fabric to shrink. Make use of mild powder soap, and then add an extra rinse cycle to clean the pillows of soap.
How To Clean a Feather Pillow
Feather pillows and down pillows generally are washed similarly. Any temperature is acceptable for washing down and feather pillows. However, a cooler temperature is recommended to prevent shrinkage of fabric. Set the wash cycle gently and do a second rinse spin cycle to eliminate the remaining suds.
How To Clean Pillow with Buckwheat Hulls
Since liquids can ruin the buckwheat hulls, the hulls should not be placed in the wash. To wash your pillow's cover, take out the buckwheat hulls and put them in a tub of a large size. Before placing it in the washer, read any specific instructions printed on the cover's tag. To take care of the buckwheat, place them uniformly on a baking tray or sheet, and then move them onto a window sill or outside in the sunlight to air dry any moisture present within.
How To Clean Memory Foam Pillow
Even though memory foam can be a lifesaver for some at night, they require a bit more attention to keep them clean. Do not wash them in a washing machine and choose hand-washing, vacuum, or spot treating. Hand washing is best accomplished by filling the bathtub with water and using a low suds detergent. Then, submerge the pillow and let the water and laundry detergent solution flow all the way through. Rinsing is done similarly.
STEP 3: DRY OUT
Feather and down pillows may both be dried with a no-heat, air-dry, or tumble-dry low setting dryer. Use tennis balls or dryer balls to air-fluff the pillows and avoid clumping. Pillows that can not be dried in a dryer like memory foam must be dried in the air. If you can, hang them on a line outside (but only when it's not too humid).
Let your pillows completely dry before using them again. If you're not sure whether your pillow is dry, adhere to the old maxim, "it's better to be safe than sorry," and allow it to dry more. If you end up with a damp or humid pillow, you're at risk for mildew.
How Long Does It Take for a Pillow to Dry?
Whatever method you employ, drying your pillows may take up to a few hours. Make sure to check in every hour or so to determine the need to dry out for longer. Press or squeeze each pillow one at a time to check for remaining water.
To Wash or Toss?
If you've just cleaned your pillow, but it has the same odor that it did before washing, it's the right time to throw it away. The old pillows that fold in half with no assistance may indicate it's time to replace.
Pillows that smelled fresh before washing but stale afterward may not have been dried enough. Rinse it and allow it to sit for an extended amount of time. To prolong the life of your pillows, place a cover over your pillowcase and wash it frequently.
Now that you've learned how to wash your pillows, it's time to incorporate them into your cleaning routine and benefit from the advantages. If your washer is large enough to handle the entire load in one go, throw the sheet and pillowcase in the washer together and prepare to have the best night of your life.
You can also read the article about how to wash a weighted blanket.
