So you’re thinking about washing your pillows, but do you know how? A lot of people are getting the wrong idea and it’s causing their pillow to dry out. Here is an easy step-by-step guide for cleaning them.
The “how to clean pillows without washing machine” is a question that many people have asked. There are a few ways to wash your pillows, but experts recommend using the lukewarm water and vinegar solution.
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Cleaning your bed pillows has two major benefits. Drool, perspiration, germs, dust mites, dust, dirt, and oils from your skin, as well as pet hair and dander if you have a pet that sleeps in the bed with you, will all dirty your pillow.
Cleaning a pillow helps to keep it comfortable by restoring its loft and fluffiness, as well as freshening it up. Sleeping on a filthy pillow is not only inconvenient, but it may also aggravate asthma and allergy problems.
We spoke to experts on how to wash your bed pillows, how frequently they should be washed, and when they should be changed completely.
“You should wash your pillow at least twice a year,” advises Logan Foley, managing editor of sleepfoundation.org. You should wash them more regularly if you sweat a lot while sleeping or if you sleep with pets.”
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Pillows that aren’t used as regularly, such as those in a guest room, don’t have to be cleaned as often. “The first symptoms that your pillows need quick care include yellowing, or detecting a somewhat sour or musty odor,” explains Susan Lazor, an associate product merchant at The Company Store, when determining whether a pillow needs to be cleaned. Furthermore, if the pillows are no longer as fluffy or as pleasant as they were when they were first purchased, cleaning them might help to freshen and rejuvenate them.
“Pillows may collect dust mites, fungi, germs, perspiration, and body oils,” according to Foley, who claims that cleaning them will assist to avoid health problems. “Everyone should clean their pillow,” she advises, “but it’s extremely crucial for individuals who have allergies.”
How to clean down-alternative pillows made of synthetic fibers
Following these instructions from Lindsay Jones, a product brand manager at Maytag, synthetic fiber and down replacement pillows may be machine cleaned and dried at home.
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- Remove pillowcases and other covers, such as pillow protectors, before washing.
- To keep the washer balanced, wash two pillows in one load.
- To avoid over-sudsing and detergent accumulation within the pillow, use just a spoonful of detergent.
- Use the gentle cycle and the hottest water temperature suggested on the pillow’s care tag in the washing machine.
- Select the additional rinse cycle if your washer has one, which helps to push leftover detergent out of heavier, bulkier objects like pillows.
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- Transfer pillows to the dryer as soon as the wash is finished.
- While the pillows are drying, use dryer balls to fluff them up and redistribute the stuffing.
- When drying pillows with synthetic stuffing, use a low-heat setting.
- Make sure your pillows are totally dry before removing them from the dryer, as any lingering moisture might cause mildew to develop.
What is the best way to clean feather and down pillows?
Most feather- and down-filled pillows, according to Lazor, may be machine cleaned and dried following the same techniques as synthetic-fill pillows. Choose the no-heat or air-fluff dryer setting to safeguard the feathers.
“Take a trip to the dry cleaners,” Lazor advises if you’re unsure about cleaning feather and down pillows at home or if the care instructions encourage it. “The majority of them provide specialist pillow cleaning services.”
What is the best way to clean memory foam, latex, and gel pillows?
Machine washing is not an option when it comes to cleaning pillows with a more structural stuffing. “Firm support, memory foam, gel, and latex pillows should be hand cleaned and dried since they cannot be machine washed or dried,” explains Lazor.
Lazor suggests spot washing these pillows with a little dish soap every two to three months and allowing them to air dry fully before replacing the cases and setting them back on the bed.
Jones recommends the following methods for a more thorough cleaning:
- Pillowcases and other covers should be removed.
- Fill a bucket, bathtub, or sink halfway with lukewarm water and a spoonful of detergent; the water should be deep enough to soak the pillow entirely.
- Gently massage the pillow while it is soaked to circulate the solution.
- Squeeze the soapy water out of the pillow by lifting it out of the pail two or three times.
- Squeeze gently with clean water until the water flows clear.
- Squeeze out extra water by placing the cushion between two towels and pressing down.
- Dry the cushion by hanging it or laying it flat to air dry, preferably in the sun.
While thorough cleaning a firm-fill pillow may be a pain, it isn’t something you’ll have to do often. “Memory foam has hypoallergenic features, making it less prone to mildew, allergies, and dust mites,” Jones explains, “so you may not need to thoroughly clean it every time.”
A memory foam cushion may be refreshed as easily as running a vacuum, according to Jones. She suggests sprinkling baking soda on both sides, letting it rest for an hour, and then vacuuming it off. “This will absorb dust mites and debris while neutralizing smells.”
Even with the finest of care, a pillow will eventually need to be changed entirely. “In general, pillows should be changed every two years,” adds Foley. Check out our guide to the best pillows for every kind of sleeper if your pillow needs to be changed.
Regularly cleaning pillows, on the other hand, can assist to prolong their lives, saving you money and, more importantly, avoiding the unpleasant breaking in of a new pillow, according to Foley. “However, with careful care, some pillows may survive up to five years.”
This article is a guide on how to deep clean pillows. It includes tips and tricks on how to wash your pillows, according to experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to wash pillows?
A: The best way to wash pillows is by placing them in the washing machine on a cold or warm water level and using detergent.
How do you wash pillows without ruining them?
A: Pillowcases are designed to be machine-washable, so you should just throw them in a washing machine!
Are you supposed to wash your pillows?
A: This is not recommended.
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