You likely clean your sheets and comforter very well, but can you do the same for your pillows? Make sure your pillows get as much attention as everything else on your bed. They can be home to bugs, dead skin, dust mites, and their droppings, so make sure they get the same attention as everything else.
It isn’t often that pillows get washed, but they are used almost every day. Pillows should be washed if they start to look yellow and you can see spots of dirt or sweat on them. They can collect dust mites, which can cause allergies and make it hard for you to sleep.
But how do you clean pillows, and when do you do it? So, how do you dry them? This article will show you how to wash a pillow without causing it to break down.
Step 1: Air Out
These pillows of yours, like you, require frequent maintenance. Allow them to dry in the sun for a couple of months every couple of months and fluff them up weekly.
It would help if you also vacuumed your pillows regularly (as you would your mattress). Pre-washing your pillow can help remove some of the more surface-level cruds, so try it out now and then.
Step 2: Wash Up
Spot cleaning may be necessary after vacuuming your pillows if there are apparent markings. A dishtowel and a mild soap solution are needed to accomplish this task. Take additional care with foam pillows because you don’t want them to tear while removing the stains.
Things are a little more complicated when wiping blood from a cushion. If this occurs, you should clean them in the same way you would blood from linens.
Washing Pillows in a Washing Machine is Safe?
Many pillows can be washed, but they require a different level of care than other items. Inspect the fabric for tears or rips before tossing any filthy pillows in the washing machine. Having the fill clog your washing machine is not something you want to deal with.
Always use two pillows at a time to avoid unbalanced weight distribution. If you want to get rid of as much water as possible, set the spin cycle speed to the highest. Check for specific cleaning recommendations, such as those for Casper pillows, on the label or the company’s website.
Here’s how to clean the various pillows based on the filling.
How to Take Care of a Down Pillow?
Washing the down pillow is a breeze. Washing them in a washing machine at any wash cycle temperature is fine, but be aware that the cloth may shrink in warm or hot water. Add an extra rinse cycle to eliminate any soap residue left on your pillows.
How to Clean a Feather Pillow
Both down and feather pillows can be cleaned in the same manner. The washing can be done at any temperature. It is possible to wash feather and down pillows in the same manner.
The washing machine can be used at any temperature; however, a lower temperature is recommended to prevent shrinkage of the cloth. Removing any remaining suds can be done with a gentle and additional spin cycle.
Using Buckwheat Hulls to Clean a Pillow
Buckwheat hulls can’t be washed since the hulls are water-damaged. Buckwheat shells can be removed from the pillow cover and put into the tub to be washed. Before putting the cover in the washing machine, be sure to read the tag to see if there are any particular instructions.
To dry the buckwheat, spread them out equally on a baking sheet or similar surface and lay them on a windowsill or outside in the sun.
Cleaning a Memory Foam Pillow
Memory foam mattresses can be a lifesaver for some people when it comes to cleaning, but they require a little extra attention. Hand washing or vacuuming with spot treatment should be preferred over using the washing machine.
If you want to wash your hands properly, use a bathtub filled with water and a moderate detergent with low suds. Allow the water and laundry detergent solution to permeate the pillow entirely before removing it from the water. There is no difference in the method of rinsing.
Step 3: Dry Out
It is possible to air-dry or tumble-dry feather and down pillows in the same dryer. Use a dryer or tennis balls to fluff your pillows to avoid clumping. Because of the nature of memory foam, it should only be air-dried. If it’s not too humid, hang them outside on a clothesline (but only if possible).
Please do not use your pillows again until they have been allowed to air dry ultimately. As long as you’re not sure whether your pillow is completely dry, it’s best to be safe than sorry and let it dry out for a little longer. You risk mildew if you use a wet pillow.
A Pillow Takes How Long to Dry?
Drying your pillows can take many hours, no matter what method you employ. Every hour, check to see whether they need more time to dry. Each cushion should be squeezed one at a time to check for any wetness.
Pillow Care: How Often Should You Clean Your Pillows?
Depending on the directions, washing your pillows once every four months is innovative. You should wash your pillows even if they appear clean since they are a breeding ground for dust, sweat, and drool.
Cleaning your pillows regularly will ensure that they are free of allergens. If you suffer from allergies, cleaning them every two months can be good.
A Guide to Machine-Washable Pillows
There are a lot of pillows that can be washed in a washing machine, just like your ordinary clothes. Before washing your pillow, check the pillow care label and look for the symbol on the tag above to see if it advises a machine wash.
To wash bed pillows in the washing machine, follow these steps:
- Turn on the easy cycle after adding warm water.
- A small amount of mild dishwashing liquid can be added.
- To rinse and spin, add a few gallons of cold water.
- Use a low-heat tumble dryer to dry your pillows.
Choosing a front- or top-loading washing machine without an agitator is always preferable. The agitator can damage pillows in most top-loading washing machine models. Using a washing machine with a vertical orientation is the best way to keep your pillows safe.
Using the Washer to Clean Down and Fiberfill Pillows
For a quick refresh, most down and fiberfill pillows are machine-washable. Washing two pillows at a time helps keep the washer balanced and clean.
Front- or top-loading machines without agitators (the enormous spindle in the center of specific machines) are your best chance. If you must use an agitator-style top loader, position the pillows upright in the tub to avoid damage.
You should always follow the instructions on your pillow’s care label, no matter what. If you can’t find the instructions or snipped off the tag, follow this step-by-step guide:
- Use warm water when using a gentle cycle, then add cold-water rinse and spin cycle.
- Tide with the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval can be used as a modest amount of detergent.
- Use a low heat tumble dryer to dry the pillows, fluffing and rotating them frequently. Hand-fluffing and lump-breaking should be done a few times during the drying cycle, rather than waiting until the end.
How to Wash Solid Foam Pillows
It is impossible to wash latex or memory foam pillows using an ordinary washer and dryer. It is essential to clean your foam pillows regularly to prevent them from becoming infested with dust mites.
As a general rule, you should follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions, which are usually found on the pillow itself.
- Use a mild detergent and a gentle cycle to clean your pillowcases or covers. To wash pillows and covers, remove the care tag, place them in a washing machine, use a standard or casual cycle, and add detergent.
- You can vacuum both sides of the pillow or use a dryer on a low or no heat cycle for 20 minutes to remove dust and debris from the pillowcase.
- Use a damp cloth dipped in a moderate sudsy soap solution to clean any contaminated spots. Use a moist cloth to quickly and lightly clean the dish. Please make sure you use soap and water sparingly, as wet foam shreds readily when it’s wet.
- Remove the wet pillow from the bed or couch and allow it to air dry completely before re-using it.
Tips For Cleaning Your Pillows
- Be sure to check the pillow’s fabric care label before using it. Using this approach is the best way to clean your pillows.
- Remove the pillow from the cover that can be removed
- Pillows should be cleaned every four months. If you are susceptible to allergies, you may want to consider more frequent cleanings.
- Use vinegar or baking soda to freshen up musty pillows.
- Make sure to fluff your pillows consistently. They’ll stay in shape this way.
- Even if you don’t wash your pillows, you can get rid of dust mites by hanging them on a clothesline in the sun for a few hours.
- Before bringing your pillow back inside, make sure it’s entirely dry.
- Some pillows can’t be washed in a washing machine since they’re too delicate. Pillows must be washed by hand as well.
Final Word
An irritated or allergic reaction to a soiled pillow is possible. Learning how to wash a pillow can lead to a cleaner lifestyle and benefit those who suffer from allergy symptoms. You should also make a point of washing any throw pillows or cushions in the living room.
In addition, the longevity of your pillows will be extended as well. We hope that this guide will assist you in keeping your pull-out pillows squeaky clean and help you sleep better.