Introduction
Keeping pillows clean is an essential part of bed hygiene. A buildup of sweat, body oils, and dust mites in pillows can lead to allergies and other health issues. Washing pillows regularly every 6 months is key to ensuring your pillows stay fresh, allergen-free, and in top condition.
This comprehensive guide will teach you the right techniques for washing all types of pillows using a washing machine, by hand, and other methods. You’ll also learn common pillow washing mistakes to avoid along with tips for proper daily pillow care and maintenance.
What You’ll Learn
This guide covers everything you need to know about washing pillows correctly, including:
- When to wash pillows
- Preparing pillows for the wash
- Washing machine method
- Drying pillows
- Other washing methods
- Mistakes to avoid
- Daily pillow care
Armed with these pillow washing tips, you’ll be able to keep your pillows clean and hygienic for better sleep and health. So let’s get started!
Why It’s Important
Washing pillows regularly every 6 months is critical for the following reasons:
- Removes buildup of dust mites, their droppings and allergens.
- Eliminates body oils, sweat, dead skin cells that can discolor and degrade pillows.
- Cleaning pillows helps freshen and disinfect them.
- Extends the life span of pillows.
- Provides allergy relief and prevents respiratory issues.
- Improves your sleep comfort, quality and health.
So make sure to wash your bed pillows and other pillows used around the house frequently as part of your cleaning routine. It makes a big difference!
Overview of Washing Methods
There are several good options for washing pillows depending on the pillow material:
- Washing machine — For machine washable polyester, cotton or microfiber pillows.
- Handwashing — For delicate materials like silk, wool, or feather pillows.
- Spot cleaning — For minor stains on all types of pillows.
- Dry cleaning — For pillows not suitable for water washing.
This guide provides best practices for all of these techniques. Read on to learn how to clean your pillows thoroughly and safely. And be sure to check out the great selection of affordable, comfortable pillows at Mattress To Door!
When to Wash Pillows
Washing your pillows regularly is the key to keeping them fresh and hygienic. Here are the recommended timeframes for washing different types of pillows:
- Bed pillows — Every 6 months
- Throw pillows — Every 2–3 months
- Decorative pillows — Twice a year
- Outdoor pillows — Monthly during warm weather
You should also wash your pillows in these situations:
- When they have visible stains or soiling
- After recovering from an illness to remove germs
- Before first use for brand new pillows
Washing twice a year is generally ideal for bed pillows and those used daily. This removes the accumulation of sweat, body oils, and dust mites that gather in pillows over time.
Here are some signs it’s definitely time to clean your pillows:
- You are waking up with allergies or congestion
- Pillows have a musty or dirty smell
- Pillows feel lumpy or uneven
- Cases have noticeable yellowish stains
When you notice these issues, it’s time to freshen up those pillows!
Preparing Pillows for Washing
Proper preparation before washing is important to clean pillows safely and effectively. Follow these tips:
- Check care instructions — Refer to the label or tag to understand washing requirements and if machine washing is allowed.
- Remove pillow protectors — Zip off any pillow protectors or encasements and wash separately.
- Inspect for damage — Look for rips, holes, or tears and repair if needed so filling doesn’t escape.
- Vacuum — Use a handheld vacuum on pillows to remove loose dirt, dust mites, and debris.
- Pre-treat stains — Rub a stain remover stick or hydrogen peroxide on stained areas to help lift stains.
- Close zippers — Fully close any zippers on pillow covers or sham covers.
Proper preparation makes the washing process easier and helps keep pillows intact during cleaning.
Washing Machine Method
For machine-washable pillows, washing them in the washing machine is quick and effective. Here is the process:
Supplies Needed
- 2 pillows for balance
- Mild liquid detergent
- Tennis balls or dryer balls
- Mesh wash bag (optional)
Step-By-Step Process
- Set your machine to a gentle or delicate cycle using cold or warm water, depending on the care instructions.
- Add a mild, hypoallergenic liquid detergent. Avoid detergents with strong fragrances or additives.
- Place tennis balls or dryer balls into the machine drum to help fluff and add shape retention during the wash cycle.
- Put your pillows into the washing machine drum. For balance, wash two at a time. You can use a mesh wash bag for extra protection.
- Start the wash cycle. Use the gentle cycle and cold or warm water based on the care instructions.
- After washing, run an extra rinse cycle to fully eliminate detergent residue. Detergent left in pillows can cause skin irritation.
- Once finished, promptly remove pillows and dry. Avoid leaving wet pillows in the washer which can lead to mold growth.
Be sure to wash pillow protectors and pillowcases separately to avoid getting them tangled or bunched up on the pillow insert during washing.
Using this process will safely get your pillows clean while retaining their comfort and support. The pillows at Mattress To Door are designed for machine washing convenience.
Drying Pillows
Proper drying is a critical step after washing pillows to ensure they retain their shape, comfort and fight against dust mites. Here are tips for drying pillows correctly:
- Air dry — Lay pillows flat or hang to air dry outside. Sunlight naturally disinfects and freshens.
- Low heat drying — Use the no heat or low heat setting if machine drying pillows. High heat can damage or misshape pillows.
- Dryer balls — Add a few dryer balls to the machine to help pillows regain their fluff. Wool or plastic balls work great.
- Repeat drying — Pillows contain a lot of moisture. Put through a complete drying cycle and repeat to fully dry if needed.
- Fluff by hand — Once pillows are dried, fluff and reshape them by hand. Pounding with fists helps too.
- Check for dampness — Ensure no damp spots deep inside before use. Lay pillows flat to air out longer if needed. Wet spots can breed mold.
Take the time to fully dry pillows after washing. It makes a big difference in keeping your pillows fresh and comfortable for better sleep!
For more details visit us at How to Wash Pillows Properly and Keep Them Fresh — Mattress To Door
