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Bedding

Published February 12, 2022

10 min

How to wash a pillow

As underrated as having a good sleep is, having clean pillows falls under the same category. Unfortunately, here is a fact that not many of the pillows are washable. You may have seen your mother chan
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Table of contents
When Should You Wash Your Pillows?How To Wash Different Types Of Pillows?How to Dry Pillows?When Should You Replace Your Pillows?ConclusionFrequently Asked Questions
As underrated as having a good sleep is, having clean pillows falls under the same category. Unfortunately, here is a fact that not many of the pillows are washable. You may have seen your mother changing pillow and mattress covers, but not many of us know how to wash pillows. Largely, pillows are filled with cotton, foam, fiberfill, or feather. Pillows tend to start looking dull when dust, oil, or dirt accumulates on them. Hence, it is time you consider washing it. However, keeping them that way might aggravate the collection of dust mites and might trigger allergic reactions, thus causing severe health problems. Read further to know how to wash your pillows. The materials you will need:
  • A washing machine
  • Detergent
  • Hot Water
  • Fabric Softener (optional)
  • Bleach (optional)

When Should You Wash Your Pillows?

You may be worried about when is the right time to wash pillows, and we are here to answer all your questions in detail. Well, your pillows should be washed once every six months. While mattresses have better durability, pillows have a shorter level of endurance.You must always keep a tab on when you need to give it a swirl and when you need to toss it off and bring home new ones.

How To Wash Different Types Of Pillows?

If you are surfing the internet to know how to wash throw pillows, or if you need to know how to wash memory foam pillows, the steps stand the same for all kinds.However, if you are looking to cleanse them perfectly, here are some steps to follow that not just make your job easier but also add to giving you a happy, healthy, and hygienic nap.
  • Down or feather:Washing down and feather pillows at home can save you a lot of money on dry cleaning. You can wash two down pillows at a time to keep your washing machine from getting imbalanced. Use cold water and gentle detergent. Run an extra rinse cycle to wash off the excess soap.
  • Memory foam or latex:A memory foam or latex pillow cannot be machine washed or soaked in water as it would damage the filling. One should remove the covers and wash them as per the instructions and the pillows should be spot-cleaned.
  • Polyester:Machine wash the polyester pillow using warm water and a mild detergent on the gentle cycle. Use only one tablespoon of liquid soap.
  • Buckwheat hulls:Remove the buckwheat hulls by emptying them into a large bowl. Use cold water (to avoid shrinkage) and mild detergent, washing it on a gentle cycle.
Don't forget to read the instructions on the pillow for easy washing!

How to Dry Pillows?

It is essential to get your pillows completely dry; otherwise, they will sag. Air is the key in most pillow types . Here are some general instructions that may help you out:-1. You can use sunlight for at least four hours for the memory foam to let them dry out completely. Flip or turn in between. Check if the pillow is still damp. If there is no moisture inside the pillow, it is completely dried for use.2. When drying down or feather pillows, use a no-heat air-dry setting. Use dryer balls or tennis balls to split the clumps.

Tips to Keep Your Pillows Clean

  • It is always a good idea to leave your pillows in the sun for a couple of hours to get rid of dust mites every 10 to 12 days.
  • Baking soda or vinegar is the best option to clean a pillow producing a rotten smell.
  • Use gentle cycles and only a little detergent. Preferably use cold or warm water for washing.
  • Let your pillow dry completely before you use them again.
  • Ideally, you should clean your pillow every 4 to 6 months. However, this span should be even less if you are prone to allergies.
  • Read the pillow care guide as written on the labels. In addition, it comes with step-by-step manuals for washing your pillows.

When Should You Replace Your Pillows?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, you must replace your pillows once every two years. Doing so will help you get the required support besides preventing the risk of specific allergies.

However, there are more reasons which could prompt you to buy a new one right away.1. You have more breakouts and acne than ever

Your pillow has a fair amount of drool, dust, oil, and dead skin, which could trigger the worst kind of acne on your face.

2. You wake up with a sore body

You might not know it entirely, but pillows have a big job. First, they alleviate pain by supporting your upper body and counterbalancing your entire body. So, if you are waking up to a sore neck, it cues that your pillow is not providing you enough support.

3. You are experiencing allergies

Pillows are the resthouse for dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses, the most significant allergens. So, if you have been sneezing, coughing, and congesting a lot these days, maybe it’s your pillow that needs to be blamed.

4. Night Sweats

Our head releases more heat than any other part of the body. So, constant sweating during the nighttime can trap the heat under the head and neck, causing you to experience night sweats. Thankfully there are breathable and heat-regulating pillows that can help sweaty sleepers. So, maybe it’s time for you to switch to new kinds of pillows now.

5. Your existing pillow no longer offers you support

If your old pillow is no longer fluffy to provide comfort and support, consider buying a new one. Pillows that have turned saggy or bowing should be replaced for health concerns.Note: Certain pillows have a longer lifespan than others. For instance, a polyester pillow usually spans one year, while a latex pillow might last up to three years.

Conclusion

There are many kinds of pillows available for all kinds of occasions, but most of us are not aware that they can be washed. From opting for dry cleaning to washing it in a washing machine, the options available these days are endless. Once you follow the wash guide mentioned above, this process would seem the easiest of all to begin with. We all love a clean bed; why not try having clean pillows too?This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should You Wash Your Pillows? You must wash your pillows once every six months, keeping their shelf life in mind. How To Clean Pillows That Cannot Be Washed? Pillows that cannot be washed can be dry cleaned or cleaned by a vacuum cleaner. For instance, memory foam pillows cannot be washed in a washing machine, but they come with a removable cover. So you may clean it with a vacuum attachment to get rid of any dust or dirt easily. Can You Damage Pillows By Washing Them In A Machine? Yes, if the agitator in your washing machine is too harsh, your pillows might get damaged. However, they may also get damaged if you spin dry them as their filling may get uneven and disrupted throughout. What Type Of Washing Machine Is Suitable For Washing Pillows? Washing machines, be it front or top load, those without an agitator will suit your pillow washing needs. How To Wash Pillows By Hand? Washing pillows by hand can be a tedious task as it might involve a lot of time, energy, and effort. We suggest you wash pillows by using a washing machine or get them specially cleaned – as per its requirements. How to dry wash pillows? Instead of washing the throw pillows or bed pillows, you may want to spot clean a little patch of dirt or stain. Here are some steps to dry wash pillows that have stains on them. Step1: Sprinkle a little bit of vinegar over the affected part. Step2: Use a mild dish soap solution and cloth to wipe the stain gently. Or you can use any stain remover based on the instructions given in the pillow washing guide. Step3: If spots remain, you can use a dab of cotton dipped in alcohol to wipe it out. Step4: Tumble the pillow on a clothesline for a day or longer in the sunlight.Steps to spot clean pillows with vinegar and baking sodaStep1: Using white vinegar and baking soda mixture also works in most cases. Dip the stain in vinegar, gently rubbing it with a mix of vinegar and baking soda. Step2: Rinse off the solution Step3: Air dry the pillow.