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 Pillows In A Washing Machine?
The next thing concerning most people is- how to wash pillows in a washing machine. Trust us when we say that a washing machine is the easiest way to wash your pillows.
If you have a front or top load washing machine without the agitator (usually the spindle in the center of the machine), you are in good hands. It is because they help in better cleaning and assure minimal damage to your pillows in the definite time of washing.
However, if you have an agitator in your machine, you can also use the gentle cycle to wash your pillows. The former only makes your pillow-washing procedure an easier one.
Here are some steps to washing pillows in a washing machine:
Step1: Use warm water and go for a gentle cycle
Step 2: Use only a dollop of mild detergent.
Step3: You can use cold water to rinse off the excess soap.
Step4: Spin dry to remove the excess moisture and use them again!
Important Note:
Read the label in the first place before you instigate and look if your pillow can actually be machine washed.
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.
Also, give these instructions a read for easy washing!
A. Read The Instructions Carefully
You may know everything you need to, but one close look at the instructions can help you save time. If you are a perfectionist, we are sure this must be the first thing on your to-do list. We are emphasizing more on this step more because there are pillows that may not be fit to put in the washing machine, some may be suited best for dry cleaning, and so on. Looking at these details will save you a lot of effort and your pillows.
B. Hot Water Bath Is A Must!
It is recommended that pillows get cleansed best in hot water. You may use detergent and fabric softener to suit your needs, but, ideally, you wash your pillows in the hottest possible cycle.
C. Soak & Shine
If you put your pillow to soak for at least 30 to 40 minutes, the results from your wash can be pretty satisfying.
D. Hot Cycle On Repeat!
Repeat the hot cycle once the soak period is over, as it helps in removing the residual dirt stains from the pillow efficiently.
E. Bleach It Well
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant, so if you are a frequent user, you may utilize it to eliminate any unwanted allergens or bacteria.
Now, you are ready to use your favorite pillows to have a nap, pillow fight, or just as a cozy friend to stay by at all times!
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?
