You undoubtedly wash your sheets and comforter often, but do you give same attention to your pillows? It’s crucial to give your pillows the same level of care as the rest of your bed’s furnishings because they can harbor a wide variety of unwanted organisms, including bugs, dead skin, and dust mites and their droppings. For clean and fresh pillows every night, we sought advice from Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of communications, outreach, and membership at the American Cleaning Institute.
How to Wash Pillows
While most pillows can be washed in a washing machine using warm water on the gentle cycle, it’s always a good idea to check the label to see if there are any special cleaning instructions, advises Sansoni. The pillow may be one of the few that needs to be cleaned in a dry cleaning machine, he speculates. Because of the abrasive agitation and potential for breaking up the padding, most foam pillows should not be washed in the washing machine. Although this is the case, foam pillows can still be cleaned at home using another approach. Washing the removable cover is as simple as following the label’s cleaning instructions, if one is provided. You can use a vacuum attachment to clean the foam and remove any debris or dust.
You are reading: How To Wash Pillows? Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Air It Out
It’s best to fluffing your pillows every day to keep them in shape and remove dust. Every few months, put them outside on a clothesline in the sunshine and the breeze for about an hour or so. If that isn’t a possibility, like with some foam and latex pillows, use the no-heat cycle in the dryer.
Step 2: Wash It Gently
You should wash your pillow twice a year, or quarterly if you sweat, dine in bed or have pets lie in your bed with you, says Melissa Homer, chief cleaning officer of MaidPro, a housecleaning company in the United States and Canada.
Pillow washing isn’t difficult, but it does take a while to dry.
It’s best to spot treat any stains on your pillowcase and pillow before tossing them in the washer, especially those that are caused by liquid. (The same method can be used to remove stains off a mattress as well.)
Wash two pillows at once if your washer has the capacity. So that the water and detergent may flow more effectively, the load will be balanced. The agitator in typical top-loaders is hard on pillows, therefore the mild cycle should only be used for a few minutes (or the lowest possible setting if you don’t have control over the time). You might also go to the laundromat and use the front-loading machines there.
Pillow fillings should be used according to the following instructions:
It is possible to wash a down or feather pillow by placing it in a washing machine. Wash with lukewarm water and a mild detergent before drying gently with a hair dryer or electric blanket. (Excessive heat can cause the down to shrink.)
These pillows may need to be washed by hand, as movement in the washer can break down memory foam or latex. Clean the cushion with a moist cloth and a tiny bit of mild detergent after vacuuming off the dust. The cushion should be laid out flat to dry.
To care for polyester pillows, use warm water and the gentle cycle on your washing machine. Use only approximately a tablespoon of liquid soap each load.
Step 3: Dry It Thoroughly
If you don’t completely dry the cushion, you run the risk of mildew. Avoid using the auto-dry setting on your dryer because the sensors will only detect surface moisture, leaving you with a pillow that’s still damp within.
It is possible to dry pillows on moderate heat for up to an hour. The addition of a few dry towels will hasten the process. As they bounce around the drum, two new tennis balls or dryer balls will keep the contents from clumping.
To break up clumps of dried down or feather pillows, use a dryer ball or tennis ball and the no-heat air-dry option (this will take some time).
It is possible to dry the majority of pillows on the clothesline if it is a mild day. Regardless of the drying method, you must still inspect the pillow for any signs of dampness. Unless there are still some left, it’s bedtime.
In order to keep your pillows clean, we recommend that you use pillow covers. The pillow cover and pillowcase should be washed with your linens at least once a week.
How To Wash Different Types Of Pillows?
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Regardless of whether you’re looking up how to wash throw pillows or how to wash memory foam pillows on the internet, the steps are the same for both.
Nevertheless, if you want to thoroughly clean them, there are a few steps you can take that will make your task easier while also ensuring that you have a restful, healthy, and hygienic nap.
Down or feather:
To save money on dry cleaning, wash your down and feather pillows at home. Keep your washing machine from becoming imbalanced by washing two down pillows at once. Cold water and a mild detergent should be used. Repeat the rinsing process one more time to remove any remaining soap.
Memory foam or latex:
Hand-washing a pillow made of foam or latex is recommended. Use only a small amount of detergent and lukewarm water. Gently squeeze the pillow after submerging it in the solution. Rinse and put the pillow out to dry on a level surface, allowing it to dry naturally.
Polyester:
Use a moderate detergent and warm water to wash the polyester cushion on the gentle cycle. Just one spoonful of liquid soap is enough.
Buckwheat hulls:
Empty the buckwheat hulls into a big dish and discard them. Wash it gently in cold water with a light detergent (to prevent shrinkage).
Also, remember to follow these washing directions for a quick and easy clean!
A. Read The Instructions Carefully
Even if you think you understand everything, taking the time to carefully read the directions might save you a lot of time. If you’re a perfectionist, this should be the first item on your to-do list. We’re putting greater emphasis on this stage because there are pillows that can’t be washed in the machine, some that need to be dry cleaned, and so on. You’ll save time and money by paying attention to the smallest of details.
B. Hot Water Bath Is A Must!
Pillows should be washed in hot water for the best results. The best way to clean your pillows is to wash them on the hottest cycle possible with detergent and fabric softener.
C. Soak & Shine
If you leave your pillow in the water for at least 30 to 40 minutes, you’ll be pleased with the outcomes of your wash.
D. Hot Cycle On Repeat!
Once the soak period is up, repeat the heat cycle to help remove any remaining dirt stains from the pillow.
E. Bleach It Well
There are several ways to get rid of undesirable allergies and bacteria, and bleach is one of the most potent disinfectants.
Whether for a nap, pillow battle, or just a warm companion to keep by your side at all times, your beloved pillows are now ready for action!
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
Pillows, on the other hand, don’t need to be washed as frequently as the rest of your bedding. Pillows should be cleaned every six months at the absolute least. Sansoni recommends washing your pillows “at least every three months—or four times a year” to keep them fresh. Pillowcases can be washed along with your bedding on a weekly basis.
Even if you wash your pillows on a regular basis, knowing when to replace them is just as crucial. It’s recommended by Sansoni that you replace your pillows once every one to two years at the most. According to the National Sleep Foundation, pillows should be replaced every three to five years. However, it’s crucial to note that some types of pillows can last longer.
Can you wash pillows in the washing machine?
You can wash a lot of different kinds of pillows, whether they’re made of cotton, down, or synthetic fibers. Before doing anything else, check the care label on the product. The main drawback of washing pillows at home is that they can take a long time to dry once they’ve been washed.
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If you’re going to wash your pillows in the machine, be sure it’s big enough. Make sure that the cloth case is sturdy enough to keep the filler from escaping, which could cause major harm to the machine. You should not wash foam cushions in a washing machine. Foam pillows’ care labels may suggest that they can be hand washed.
When washing foam pillows by hand, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter and use caution. However, professional dry cleaning may be the best solution, but you must ensure that the pillows are thoroughly aired afterward to remove any remaining odors.
Does the Type of Washing Machine Matter?
Pillows are best cleaned in a machine without an agitator, such as a top-loading or front-loading model. This does not preclude using a top-loading machine with an agitator to clean pillows; Sansoni just recommends inserting the pillows vertically to minimize damage and agitating for no more than one or two minutes on the mild cycle.———— In order to remove as much moisture from the pillows as possible, he recommends using the spin dry option of your machine two or three times after you’ve rinsed them.
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How to Spot-Treat Pillows
Spot-treating pillows varies depending on the type, just like washing them. Sansoni recommends using a mild washing solution to clean any stained places on a foam pillow. If the pillow contains stains from things like blood or saliva, you may want to pre-treat them to help get them out for different types of pillows. You should be able to get the job done with enzyme-containing detergents (digestants).
How to Dry Pillows
Allowing your pillows to air-dry is entirely acceptable. You can also put them in the dryer for a few minutes, depending on the label’s instructions. (For example, foam cushions can catch fire if they come into contact with hot surfaces.) To make sure your pillow is completely dry, Sansoni suggests running it through the dryer several times. To avoid clumping, Sansoni recommends taking pillows out of the dryer to fluff them. Throwing in a few tennis or dryer balls will help keep your pillows from clumping, too.
Caring for Down Pillows
You may think your down pillows need specialized care, but they can easily be washed at home. A delicate setting in lukewarm water is usually sufficient for cleaning, but you should always check the fabric label. Sansoni advises washing two at a time to keep the machine balanced throughout the spin cycle.
Top tips for washing pillows
- Always use a pillowcase to protect your pillows from stains.
- As soon as a stain gets through the cover to the pillow, treat the stain immediately. Pre-treat the afflicted area with a dab of Persil small & mighty, and then wash as usual. Shake away the feathers from the stained area if the filler is feather or down. Then, deal with the stain as it is.
- Is it okay if I wash my pillows as well? – Of course! Scatter cushions can be washed in the same manner as pillows. The care recommendations on the cushion’s label should be followed, as well as the advice provided in the preceding section on different fillings.
Tips to Keep Your Pillows Clean
- Every 10 to 12 days, it’s a good idea to place your pillows outside in the sun for a few hours to kill dust mites.
- Baking soda or vinegar are the finest ways to get rid of a rotten-smelling pillow.
- Gentle cycles and a small amount of detergent are recommended. For best results, wash your hands with cold or warm water.
- Before you use your pillows again, make sure they are thoroughly dry.
- You should wash your pillow at least once every four to six months. However, if you suffer from allergies, this period should be considerably shorter.
- The pillow care instructions are printed on the label. It also includes instructions on how to wash your pillows step-by-step.
When Should You Replace Your Pillows?
Pillows should be replaced every two years, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Aside from preventing certain allergies, this will help you acquire the support you need.
However, there are more reasons which could prompt you to buy a new one right away.
There are more pimples and acne breakouts than ever before.
As drool, dust, oil, and dead skin are all present in your pillow, they might cause the worst sort of acne on your face.
2. You wake up with a sore body
Pillows have an important role that you may not be aware of. The first thing they do is support your upper body and counterbalance your entire body, which reduces the pain you feel. As a result, if you wake up with a hurting neck, this indicates that your pillow is not providing you with enough support.
3. You are experiencing allergies
Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, germs, and viruses find refuge in pillows. It’s possible that your pillow is to blame if you’ve been sneezing, coughing and congested a lot lately.
4. Night Sweats
Our heads produce the most heat of any region of our bodies. When you’re constantly sweating at night, the heat from your head and neck might build up, leading you to have night sweats. Fortunately, there are pillows that are both breathable and heat-regulating, which can aid those who sleep with a lot of perspiration. Perhaps it’s time for a change in your bedding.
5. Your existing pillow no longer offers you support
Consider purchasing a new pillow if your old one is no longer fluffy enough to provide comfort and support. In order to protect your health, you should replace sagging or bowed pillows.
The lifespan of some pillows is longer than others. One year is the average life expectancy for polyester pillows, but latex pillows can last for up to three years.
Conclusion
Most people are unaware that pillows may be washed, despite the fact that they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. There are so many ways to clean a garment these days, from dry cleaning to washing it in a washing machine. This step appears to be the simplest at first glance if you follow the above-mentioned washing instructions. Having clean pillows is just as important as having a clean bed.
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Source: https://bestpillowsleepers.com
Category: Sleep Advisors
