How to Wash Pillows without Damaging Them
Pillows are an indispensable item for night sleep in a healthy and comfortable way. But after some time, they tend to accumulate dust, allergens, and even sweat down to stains. In this article, we go through how you can wash pillows without messing them up in an effort to keep the pillow fresh and durable. Whether your pillows are synthetic, down, feather, or memory foam, we have professional cleaning tips for pillows and care instructions to keep your pillows hygienically clean.
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Why It Is Important to Wash Your Pillows
Washing your pillows is an important part of good sleep hygiene. These are repositories of dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens that might affect your health. Keeping your pillows clean doesn't just improve the air quality of your bedroom but can also prolong the lives of your pillows by keeping them fresh and fluffy.
Check the Care Label First
First, always check the care label on your pillow. While some pillows are approved for use in a washing machine, others have to be hand washed. The care label will provide you with explicit directions in regard to the sort of filling it contains and its cover as well. Both will help you not to damage the pillow and keep its integrity.
Types of Pillows and Their Methods of Washing
Not all pillows are created equal, and neither is their cleaning. Below, we'll dive into the best means of washing synthetic, down-and-feather, and memory foam pillows.
Washing Synthetic Pillows
One of the easiest processes is washing synthetic pillows because most are machine washable. You can use a mild detergent and choose a gentle cycle to avoid damage to the fibres. Remember to wash two pillows at a time to keep the load balanced and add a couple of towels for extra padding.
Washing Down and Feather Pillows
Down and feather pillows can be machine washed also but require a little more care. Use a low-sudsing detergent and a delicate cycle. To avoid clumping, you may consider adding a couple of tennis balls in socks to the drum that will help fluff the pillows as they wash.
Washing Memory Foam Pillows
Unfortunately, memory foam pillows cannot be machine washed because the agitation will tear the foam. Instead, simply spot clean stains and odours using a mild detergent and water solution. Take the time to thoroughly rinse and then air dry before use.
Suggested Washing Machine Setting for Washing Pillows
To not damage your pillows during washing, it is important to pay attention to the settings you select when starting to wash pillows in a washing machine.
Type of Cycle
Delicate or gentle cycle should be used for washing pillows. This prevents excessive agitation that may affect the fill material adversely, especially the more delicate ones like down and feather.
Water Temperature
Most pillows should be washed in warm water. Hot water will eventually break down the fibres and cold water may not clean them properly. If in doubt always refer to the care label for confirmation of the temperature to use.
Spin Speed
Low to medium spin speeds are best. High spin speeds can cause clumping in both feathers and synthetic fill that makes it difficult to fluff up pillows after they have been washed.
Detergent
Use a mild liquid detergent. Powder detergents may leave behind residue inside the pillow. Don't use too much detergent, as excess soap can sometimes be hard to rinse out. This will make your pillows less puffy.
Size of Load
It is best to wash two pillows in one go so that the drum of the washing machine gets balanced. You may also add towels to provide extra cushioning and for an even clean.
How to Properly Dry Pillows
If your pillows are machine-safe, you can tumble dry them on low heat with a couple of tennis balls or dryer balls in it to help fluff the pillows. Make sure they are thoroughly dry before using them; otherwise, moisture on the inside may cause mould to form.
Air drying is the most feasible option for hand-washing pillows or memory foam pillows. All you have to do is lay them flat in a well-ventilated area and occasionally flip them over so both sides are evenly dried.
How to Maintain Your Pillows
To keep your pillows fresh during the period between washes, consider these simple pillow maintenance tips:
Fluff up your pillows every day to keep them plump and aerated.
Use a pillow protector to minimise contact with dust mites and potential stains.
Try to always spot clean spills or stains immediately, so that they don't permanently set in.
Fluff pillows periodically and set them out in the sun for a couple of hours.
With these basic tips for cleaning pillows, your pillows will last longer and remain comfortable and hygienic over time.
Now that you know the best way to wash pillows, it's time to give your pillows the care they deserve!
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