Most of the homeowners regularly clean bedsheets and duvets, but pillows are often ignored. Some buy a pair of new pillows while others continue to use the dirty pillow. However, it’s important to know that a mix of dead skin and dust mites accumulates on and inside the pillow. Therefore, cleaning the pillow is as important as any other bedding. The primary concern of many homeowners is “how to wash pillows”. There are different washing methods that depend on the care label and material of the pillow. This blog discusses more about the ways to wash different pillows and tips to consider before washing them.
Tips to Consider Before Washing Pillows
Follow the tips when washing pillows to avoid any damage to the pillows. Here are some tips:
Always Read the Care Label
Reading the care label helps you know about the washing method, water temperature, and drying method. Care labels are important because not all pillows can be washed in washing machines. Some pillows require hand washing.
Test on a Small, Insignificant Area of the Pillow
Before washing pillows, spot test with water and detergent to check how the fabric and filling react. A spot test is essential when pillows have delicate fillings.
Use a Mild and Gentle Detergent
Always use a mild and gentle detergent because strong detergents can cause damage to the soft texture of pillows.
Avoid Bleach
Never use bleach, even if there's a tough stain on the pillows, because bleach can damage the pillows.
Air Dry Pillow
Air-dry pillows in a well-ventilated area. Keep the pillow flat and flip it frequently.
Steps to Machine-Wash Pillows
Though most of the pillows filled with cotton, feathers, down, and fiberfill can be washed in the washing machine using warm water, it’s advisable to read the care label for cleaning instructions. This is because some of the pillows have specific washing and drying instructions. Here are the steps:
Materials Required
-
Mild natural detergent
-
White vinegar
-
Dryer ball
Washing Instructions
Step 1: The first step is to remove the pillowcases from the pillow.
Step 2: At this step, pour a small amount of mild detergent over the stain.
Step 3: If possible, put two pillows in the machine to maintain balance.
Step 4: Add a mild natural detergent and half a cup of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser.
Step 5: Select a delicate washing cycle and use cold water for washing.
Step 6: Once washing is done, remove the pillows from the machine and squeeze excess water from the pillows. Then, put a pillow in the dryer with dryer balls to maintain the shape.
Step 7: Set the machine on low heat to dry the pillows to prevent damage to the fillings. Keep an eye on the pillows during the drying process and remove them as soon as they are completely dry.
Step 8: Once the pillow is dried completely, fluff it to regain its shape.
Steps to Handwash Pillows
If the care label advises hand washing or you don’t have a washer or you prefer hand washing, here are the steps to wash them:
Materials Required
- Mild natural detergent
- Water
- A pair of towels
Step 1: Fill a bucket, bathtub, or sink with sufficient water to submerge the pillow completely, then add detergent and stir it until it dissolves.
Step 2: Remove the pillow cover and soak it in the water completely. Then, gently massage the pillow in soapy water.
Step 3: Now, rinse the pillow properly. Bring the pillow out of the soapy water and rinse it with fresh water multiple times until soapy water stops coming out when squeezed.
Step 4: The final step involves the drying step. Lay a towel, place the pillow on it, and squeeze water from the pillow. Then, grab another towel and again squeeze the pillow to drain leftover water. You can also hang it in the sun to air dry or machine dry it, if the care label allows.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
You should wash your pillows at least two times a year. This is because an individual spends 56 hours on their pillow, and when sleeping, a person sheds dead skin cells that can attract dust mites and their allergen-containing droppings. Even scratching your head, sweat, and facial oil can make the pillow dirty. All these factors can cause itchy eyes, asthma, or even allergies. Hence, wash pillows twice a year to maintain cleanliness and avoid allergies.
How to Remove Odor From Pillows?
The basic method to get rid of post-washing odor is to place pillows directly in the sun. Make sure you flip pillows to expose all the sides to the sun for effective odor removal. Despite this method, if the odor does not disappear, sprinkle baking soda on the pillow and let it sit for a couple of hours. Then, rub off the baking soda and use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove the leftover baking soda.
Conclusion
Washing a pillow is a simple method, but consider the care label to know the do’s and don’ts before washing. Some pillows can be machine-washed irrespective of the filling. Whereas others require hand washing. Consider the instructions and wash the pillows to achieve the best result.
