How to Clean Pillows – Rules for Cleaning Pillows

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Introduction: How to clean pillows

While you certainly wash your sheets and pillowcases on a regular basis, you may not pay as much attention to what lies beneath your pillows and mattress. However, both need a thorough cleaning at least twice a year.

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According to Neil Kao, MD, an allergist-immunologist in Greenville, S.C., hair, dead skin cells, perspiration, and drool accumulate on the pillow over time. And all of that crap is essentially the things that dust mites love to eat, which increases their number and your chances of having an allergic response to their presence.

Let’s take a look at the rules below on how to clean pillows and what you need to know -)

Can Pillows Be Laundered in the Washing Machine?

Yes, most pillows can be washed in the washing machine! We always suggest, however, following the laundry directions on the tag. Most pillows may be cleaned in hot water with a modest bit of detergent on the gentle cycle. We suggest pre-treating any stains with a spot cleaner. Then put the cushion in the washing machine. Run an additional rinse cycle after the first wash to eliminate any residual soap.

4 easy procedures for cleaning pillows in the washing machine

If your pillow’s care label specifies that it is machine washable, you may clean it in the washing machine using a laundry detergent like Persil tiny & mighty, following the dosage directions on the label.

Place the pillow inside a pillowcase to prevent the stuffing from snagging, and set the temperature according to the care instructions. We suggest that you use a mild wash cycle.

It will assist to balance the load if you can fit two pillows in the washing machine at the same time.

Once the wash cycle is complete, it is critical to thoroughly dry your pillows to prevent the spread of mold and mildew. Check that the care labels allow tumble drying before putting the pillows in the dryer on low heat.

Pillows made with down substitute or polyester

Because synthetic pillows are the least priced, they also have the least amount of staying power. An inexpensive pillow has a lifespan of 12 to 18 months. A pillow cover may help you reach the far end of that estimate, but you should still clean it at least twice a year.

Fold your pillow in half to see whether it will withstand the washer, suggests Dean Davies, a professional mattress and upholstery cleaner from Fantastic Services in the United Kingdom. If it does not instantly return to its previous shape, the cushion is unlikely to survive the cycle.

If it does snap back, roll it up, starting with the longer side, and secure it using rubber bands on both ends and the center. According to Davies, doing so will prevent synthetic fibers from clumping in the washer.

Pillows made of down or feathers

Cover it with a pillow protector that you wash frequently at least biweekly, advises Michelle Fishberg, co-founder and CEO of Slumber, a sleep health firm that matches pillows to sleep types, to extend the life of your soft, squishy pillow. She suggests just cleaning down or feathering pillows twice a year.

Fishberg advises against dry-cleaning down and feather pillows. Instead, put them in the washing on the delicate cycle. Use a gentle detergent instead of fabric softener or bleach. Following that, dry on a medium heat setting.

You’ll have to keep drying your pillow after it seems to be dry because the down and feathers might clump together inside, Fishberg adds. Remove the pillow from the dryer every half hour to avoid burning. Allow it to cool somewhat before adding it back in.

Can You Put Pillows in the Dryer?

Yes, most pillows may be dried on low heat in the dryer. However, as usual, we suggest according to the laundry directions on the tag. Toss a few tennis balls in with the pillow to assist fluff and release any clumped-up filling if the labeling indicates it’s okay. If the pillow isn’t dryer-safe, wrap it in a dry towel and squeeze out any extra moisture with a strong embrace. After that, lay the pillow in a sunny area of your house to dry.