Do you cherish your pillows? Are you treating them with the utmost care and respect they deserve? Or are you guilty of neglecting their hygiene needs? If you’re yet to give them a thorough cleansing, then it’s highly likely that you’re guilty of the latter. Pillow maintenance is crucial, my dear reader. The build-up of oils is downright repulsive, wouldn’t you agree? Therefore, to ensure pillows stay fresh and pristine, it’s paramount to know how frequently they require washing, how to remove unsightly stains effectively, and whether they’re suitable for machine washing. Fear not, as I’ll guide you on how to wash every type of pillow and its cleaning requirements. So, let’s get cracking!
Can Your Pillow Handle a Spin in the Washing Machine?
Well, it all comes down to what kind of filling it has. If your pillow is stuffed with feathers, down, or polyester fiberfill, you can give it a good machine wash and tumble dry. However, if it’s made from memory foam or solid latex foam, you’ll need to proceed cautiously and stick to hand-washing only.
To get started, identify the type of filling in your pillow, and then follow the appropriate steps outlined below to give it a proper clean.
Let me jazz up that information for you with some perplexity and burstiness! Listen up, pillow lovers!
Do You Know How Often You Should Be Washing Your Beloved Sleep Companion?
If not, pay attention! For those who snooze on their pillows every night, it’s recommended to give them a good wash at least three times a year. However, if you’re prone to heavy sweating or illness, you should set up that frequency and wash them more often. And remember those pillowcases and covers! Change and wash them weekly and the rest of your bedding for optimal cleanliness.
What about those decorative pillows that adorn your couch or serve as your favorite footrest? Unless you’re using them on a daily basis, you can get away with washing them less frequently. But if you do find yourself snuggling up with them often, it’s a good idea to incorporate them into your regular pillow-washing routine. For decorative feather or polyester fiberfill pillows without removable covers, toss them in an automatic dryer set on the no-heat, air-only cycle for 10 minutes to remove pesky dust or hair. Add a few dryer balls to fluff up the filling and give them new life!
Remember, never put solid foam pillows in the dryer – hand-wash those bad boys instead.
And for those throw pillows without removable inserts, follow the cleaning directions on the care tag. You don’t want to risk ruining those precious decorative coverings that might be dry-clean only!
Relevant Article: How to wash silk pillowcases by hand
What You’ll Need The Right Equipment and Materials
You’ll need the right equipment and materials to properly wash your pillows. The specific items you’ll need will depend on your pillow type.
For Down, Feather, and Polyester Fiberfill Pillows
You’ll need a washer or bathtub, a dryer or drying rack, a soft-bristled nylon brush, low-sudsing laundry detergent, enzyme-based stain remover, dryer balls, and heavy cotton bath towels (optional).
For Solid Latex Foam and Memory Foam Pillows
you’ll need a microfiber cloth, a bathtub or large plastic tub, two large cotton bath towels, low-sudsing laundry detergent, and baking soda. You’ll also need a vacuum with a hose and upholstery attachment to clean the pillow after washing.
Instructions for Washing Down, Feather, and Polyester Fiberfill Pillows:
Step 1: Check for tears
Inspect the pillow covering for any tears or rips before washing. Repair any damages before washing the pillow to prevent filling from spilling out.
Step 2: Treat stains
Apply a small amount of enzyme-based laundry stain remover to any visible stains on the pillow cover. Use your fingers or a soft-bristled brush to work the stain remover into the fabric, then allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes to break down the stain.
Step 3: Choose the right detergent
Select a high-efficiency, low-sudsing detergent and add one or two teaspoons to the washer drum. Avoid fabric softener, as it can cause the filling to lose its loft.
Step 4: Set the washer and load the pillows
Choose a gentle cycle and cold water setting on your washing machine. It’s best to wash two pillows at a time to keep the washer balanced, but if you only have one pillow, use a couple of heavy cotton bath towels to balance the load.
Step 5: Rinse again
Run the pillows through a second rinse cycle to ensure that all of the soap is removed. If you are hand-washing, rinse the pillow thoroughly with fresh water until no more suds appear.
Step 6: Fluff and Dry
Remove the pillows from the washer and give them a good shake to redistribute the filling. Add some wool dryer balls and set it to medium heat. Tumble and fluff the pillows by hand every 15 minutes until they are dry. If you air-dry the pillows, use a drying rack and turn and fluff them frequently as they dry.
How to Wash Solid Latex Foam and Memory Foam Pillows
Step 1: Spot clean stains
If you don’t have time for a full washing, spot-clean any stained areas on the pillow. Mix a few drops of laundry detergent with warm water and apply the solution to the stained area with a microfiber cloth. Let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping away any soapy residue with a clean cloth.
Step 2: Prepare a pillow bath
Fill a bathtub or large plastic tub with lukewarm water and add one teaspoon of laundry detergent. Stir well to mix.
Step 3: Wash the pillow
Place the pillow in the soapy water and gently squeeze it to help loosen dirt and grime. Leave the pillow in the water for at most 10 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse and repeat
Drain the soapy water and fill the tub with cool water. Submerge the pillow and gently squeeze it to help release the suds. Change the water several times until no more suds appear. Don’t twist or wring the foam.
Step 5: Absorb Excess Moisture
After rinsing, remove the pillow from the tub and sandwich it between two heavy cotton bath towels. Press down to absorb excess moisture. Change the towels as needed until no more water is absorbed. Lay the pillow flat on a drying rack and turn it frequently. Don’t put the foam pillow in a tumble dryer.
Tips for How to wash Every Type of Pillow
- Always use a pillowcase on bed pillows. Using a zippered pillow cover under the pillowcase will help control allergic reactions to dust mites.
- Spot clean pillows between thorough washings.
- Freshen smelly foam pillows by sprinkling the foam with baking soda. Lightly spritz the baking soda with water and rub it on the surface. Allow the pillow to dry, and then vacuum away the baking soda using your vacuum’s upholstery brush attachment.
- Try to wash pillows on a low-humidity, sunny day for quicker drying.
- Keep pillows as dry as possible to prevent mildew growth. Never go to sleep with wet hair.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you wash multiple pillows?
If you have multiple pillows that need washing, it’s best to wash them in batches of two or three at a time. This will prevent the washing machine from becoming unbalanced and ensure the pillows are thoroughly washed. It’s also important to use a mild detergent and avoid using fabric softener, as this can cause the pillows to become lumpy.
How do you wash pillows that are not washable?
If your pillows are labeled as “dry clean only” or are made from materials that can’t be washed, such as down or feather pillows, it’s best to have them professionally cleaned. You can also try spot cleaning them with a mild detergent and water but avoid getting the filling wet.
Should you wash your whole pillow?
It’s recommended to wash your whole pillow every six months to a year, depending on how often you use it. Washing your pillow can help remove sweat, oils, and dust mites that can accumulate over time. However, it’s important to check the care label on your pillow before washing, as some pillows are not washable.
Why do pillows turn yellow?
Pillows can turn yellow due to sweat, body oils, and dead skin cells accumulating over time. This natural process can be exacerbated by not washing your pillow often enough. Additionally, using bleach or fabric softener can cause yellowing.
Does washing a pillow ruin it?
Washing a pillow can actually help prolong its life by removing dirt, oils, and bacteria that can break down the filling over time. However, it’s important to follow the care label instructions and use a mild detergent to avoid damaging the filling or causing the pillow to become lumpy. Ensure the pillow is completely dry before using it again.
How do I wash my pillow without it getting lumpy?
To wash your pillow without it getting lumpy, it’s important to use a mild detergent and avoid using fabric softener. Use a gentle cycle on your washing machine and avoid washing more than two pillows at a time to prevent the machine from becoming unbalanced. After washing, make sure to fluff the pillow and hang it to dry completely before using it again.
How often should pillows be replaced?
Pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on the quality and how often they are used. Over time, pillows can lose shape and support and become home to dust mites and other allergens. Replacing your pillow regularly can help improve your sleep quality and overall health.
Is it safe to put pillows in the dryer? Can I tumble dry my pillows?
It is generally safe to put pillows in the dryer on a low or medium heat setting as long as they are completely dry before being put back on your bed. However, it’s important to check the care label instructions before doing so, as some pillows may not be suitable for drying in a machine. Additionally, be sure to avoid using high heat settings, as this can damage the filling or cause the pillow to shrink.
