Home » Misc » Are you supposed to wash pillows

Are you supposed to wash pillows


How to Wash Pillows | Martha Stewart

They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.

When it comes to bedding, you're probably meticulous about cleaning your sheets and comforter, but can the same be said for your pillows? Because pillows can house a mix of bugs, dead skin, and dust mites and their droppings, it's important to make sure they receive just as much attention as anything else on your bed. To ensure your pillows are fresh and clean, we asked Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of communications, outreach, and membership at the American Cleaning Institute, for his best tips on cleaning and caring for this essential element of the bed.

pillows-0414-bd105671-0414.jpg

How to Wash Pillows

Most pillows, including those filled with cotton, feather, down, and fiberfill, can be cleaned in a washing machine using warm water on the gentle cycle, explains Sansoni, but it's always a good idea to read the label for cleaning instructions first. "Your pillow may be one of the rare kinds that need dry-cleaning," he says. Foam pillows are one common type that shouldn't go into the washing machine because the agitation is too harsh and likely to break up the padding. Despite this, foam pillows can be cleaned at home using another method. "You can wash the removable cover (if there is one) according to the cleaning instructions on the label," says Sansoni. To clean the foam, use a vacuum attachment to remove any dirt or dust that's in the pillow.

How Often Should You Wash Pillows?

While you'll want to wash the rest of your bedding regularly, pillows have a bit more of a grace period. At the very least, pillows should undergo a good wash every six months. To ensure that your pillows are consistently in their best, consider washing them "at least every three months—or four times a year," says Sansoni. As for pillowcases, wash them with your bedding, which should be a weekly cleaning routine.

While washing your pillows regularly is important, it's also good to know when to replace them. Sansoni suggests changing your pillows every one to two years. This timeframe is further backed by the National Sleep Foundation, although it's important to note that certain types of pillows can last even longer.

Does the Type of Washing Machine Matter?

A front- or top-loading machine without an agitator—which is the spindle in the center of the washing machine—is preferred for cleaning pillows. However, that doesn't mean you can't use a top-loading machine with an agitator to clean pillows; Sansoni simply recommends placing the pillows in vertically so they're less likely to get damaged and agitating only one or two minutes on the gentle cycle. "After rinsing, use the spin dry feature of your washer at least twice to get as much moisture out of the pillows as possible," he adds.

How to Spot-Treat Pillows

As with washing, there's a difference in how you should approach spot-treating your pillows based on type. For foam pillow, Sansoni recommends spot cleaning any soiled areas with a cloth dipped in a mild soap solution. For other pillow types, if the pillow has stains from substances such as blood or saliva, you may want to pre-treat the stains to help get them out. Digestants (enzyme-containing detergents) should do the trick.

How to Dry Pillows

It's perfectly fine to allow your pillows to air-dry. You can also give them some time in the dryer depending on what the cleaning instructions on the label say. (Foam pillows, for example, pose the risk of catching fire when coming into contact with heat.) In the case that you can use your dryer, Sansoni recommends running for several cycles to ensure the pillow's dry all the way through. "When drying, remove pillows and fluff them periodically to prevent clumping and promote even drying," says Sansoni. "Tossing a few tennis or dryer balls in the dryer with the pillows will also help prevent clumping."

Caring for Down Pillows

While your down pillows may seem like they need expert care, they can actually be washed at home. Of course, you'd want to check the fabric care label, but washing on a delicate setting in cool water is often sufficient for cleaning. "Launder two of them at the same time in order to help keep your washing machine balanced during the spin cycle," says Sansoni.

How to Clean Pillows - Washing Down and Feather Bed Pillows

Since you rest your head on your pillow every night, you want to make sure that it's as clean and germ-free as possible. And no, we're not just talking about the pillowcase itself. In addition to regularly cleaning your sheets and comforter, you should also be caring for your pillows, mattress, and mattress topper. Pillows, especially, should be washed at least two to four times a year (say, every four months) to help them last longer. But not all types of pillows — down, fiberfill, and solid foam — should be treated in the same way.

While most styles are machine washable, some are dry-clean only, have front-loading washing machine restrictions or advise only spot-treating. And the last thing you want is one that’s a hassle to keep clean. The content and care tag on the pillow is the best place to start, but if you can't find step-by-step instructions or need further guidance, follow this guide by Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, how to wash pillows, no matter the size, shape, or fill.

How to Wash Down and Fiberfill Pillows in the Washer

You're in luck: Most down and fiberfill pillows are machine-friendly, which means you can just toss them in the washing machine for a refresh. Be sure to wash two pillows at a time to keep the washer balanced, ensuring an all-around clean. While any washing machine will do, front- or top-loading machines without an agitator (a.k.a. the large spindle in the middle of some machines) is your best bet. If an agitator-style top loader is your only option, place the pillows in the tub vertically to lessen the chance of them getting damaged by the agitator.

It goes without saying that you should always read your pillow's care label and follow the directions accordingly. If you clipped off the tag or can't find the instructions, use this step-by-step as your guide:

  1. Select the gentle cycle and use warm water, then add on an extra cold water rinse and spin cycle.
  2. Add a small amount of detergent, such as Good Housekeeping Seal star Tide.
  3. Tumble the pillows dry on low heat, fluffing and turning them often. To help keep pillows plump, toss in a few dryer balls from Nellie's. Stop the dryer a few times throughout the cycle to fluff them and break up lumps by hand.

How to Wash Solid Foam Pillows

Unfortunately, you can't put your latex or memory foam pillows straight in the washing machine. While foam pillows are resistant to dust mites, it's still important to clean them on a regular basis. As always, you should check the washing instructions on the pillow's tag, or follow Forte's cleaning method outlined here:

  1. Remove pillow covers or pillowcases and wash according to the care tag. If you cut off the care tag, stick the pillowcases and covers in the washing machine, select the normal or casual cycle, and wash in warm or hot water. Add detergent, such as Good Housekeeping Seal star Tide.
  2. To get rid of dust or dirt on the pillow, vacuum both sides, or tumble in the dryer on the no-heat or air-only cycle for 20 minutes.
  3. Spot clean any soiled areas with a cloth dipped in a mild sudsy soap solution. Lightly rinse with a damp cloth. (FYI, wet foam tears easily, so be gentle with the water and soap solution.)
  4. Allow the pillow to air dry completely before putting it back on the bed or couch.
What You Need to Safely Wash Pillows
Tide Tide Original HE

$18 at Walmart

Credit: Amazon
Nellie's All-Natural Dryer Balls

Now 23% Off

$15 at Amazon

Credit: Amazon
Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

$14 at Amazon

American Pillowcase Pillow Protectors

$16 at Amazon

Credit: Amazon

How to Know When You Should Replace Your Pillows

No matter how diligent you are about cleaning your pillows, you'll need to buy new ones eventually. The foolproof way to know when to toss 'em: "If you fold the pillow in half, and it doesn't spring back into shape, plan for a shopping trip," Forte explains. If your pillows have a funny odor even after you give them a good wash, it's also a good idea to replace them. To help lengthen your pillow's life, use liners under your pillowcases and wash pillows every four to six months.

Shop the Best Pillows, According to Experts

Best Overall Pillow

Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow

$72 at Amazon$118 at Walmart

Credit: Amazon

Best Value Pillow

AmazonBasics Down Alternative Bed Pillow

Now 10% Off

$30 at Amazon

Credit: Amazon

Best Foam Pillow

Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow

$129 at Amazon

Credit: Amazon

Best Down and Feather Pillow

Home Decorators Collection Down Surround Jumbo Pillow

$42 at Home Depot

Credit: Home Depot
Don't Stop Here

Amanda Garrity

Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. 

How to wash pillows in the washing machine: safe washing instructions from IVD

Top

03/06/2020

1 star 2 stars 3 stars 4 stars 5 stars

We tell you how to wash pillows with natural and artificial filling and how often you can do it.

Unsplash

We use the pillow every day, but few people realize that even a regular change of the pillowcase does not save it from contamination. In addition, pillows can easily become a breeding ground for bedbugs, field mites, fungus and other unpleasant organisms. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the hygiene of your sleep accessory. We tell you whether it is possible to wash the pillow in the washing machine and how best to do it.

All about washing pillows in the washing machine

Things to know before processing
Accessories with natural filling
Accessories with artificial filling
How often to do it

First, determine what material your pillow is made of. This knowledge will allow you not to spoil the accessory, since, for example, natural fillers are more difficult to clean in a typewriter than artificial ones. Also, some types of pillows should not be washed, information about this should be looked for on the accessory tag. Be sure to find it and make sure that washing in the machine is allowed. For example, it is not recommended for cleaning orthopedic models; it is better to use a delicate pen. And if the product is made of latex, then only dry cleaning should be used to clean it. Also, do not dry accessories in the sun - it can harm them. nine0003

Pexels

In this case, it is better to use liquid powder, since dry is more difficult to wash. Choose a product without bleaching components, they can leave streaks. This is critical for those accessories that are put into the car right in the case. If you still decide to wash with ordinary powder, then it is better to choose a product that does not contain phosphates for this purpose. These toxic ingredients are almost impossible to rinse out of the product and will stay there forever. nine0003

Remove dust before washing. This must be done so that additional dark stains do not form on the cover, due to which you will have to rewash everything again.

To wash items filled with down or feathers, you will have to remove the contents from the cover and distribute them among several pillowcases prepared in advance. If you put the pillow in a typewriter in a dense pillowcase, you can get further problems in the form of mold and an unpleasant odor, since such a cover does not pass water well. The free edges of the pillowcases with the material placed in them must be secured with threads so that the contents do not come out of them during washing. nine0003

If you feel that the material is very dirty, soak it before washing: add a few tablespoons of ammonia to warm soapy water. This ingredient will help get rid of bacteria. Leave for a couple of hours. Then rinse thoroughly and place in the machine. If the filling is not very dirty, you can skip the soaking procedure and immediately start washing.

Pexels

Select a temperature setting that does not exceed 30 °C. Natural ingredients can deteriorate in hot water, it is better to use cold. It is better to wash down pillows in a washing machine with a delicate mode, the same applies to feather models. Also, special balls can be added to the drum to break the material to avoid clumping of down or feather. nine0003

Do not use detergents with conditioner. They make the pen soft, it is wrinkled and after that it may not straighten out. Then the product will lose its shape.

For spinning, it is better not to use modes with a large number of revolutions, 400-500 is enough. At the end of the wash, remove the pillowcases from the machine, hang them over the bathtub and let the water drain. Remove the down or feather from the covers, lay out and let the material dry completely. After that, carefully pour it into the washed or new pillowcases and carefully sew them up to prevent the material from spreading further around the bedroom. nine0003

First you need to decide whether it is worth spending time on washing or is it easier to buy a new pillow. Accessories made of artificial components: synthetic winterizer, foam rubber and other synthetics have a limited service life. After three years, they lose their shape, become flatter, the filler gets lumpy. Therefore, conduct a test: take a small heavy object and put it on the product. If after a while the shape returns to its original form, it makes sense to use the pillow further, if not, it is better to throw it away. nine0003

Unsplash

Products made of artificial materials tolerate washing machine procedures well. However, be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations, it may be necessary to use a special tool for your product or carefully observe the temperature regime.

Bamboo

It is much easier to wash a bamboo pillow in the washing machine than a feather or down pillow. The material does not need to be pulled out of the case first, it can be loaded into the device immediately in it, after making sure that the seams on the case are strong. If you notice that they have parted somewhere, be sure to sew them up, otherwise the pillow may tear during washing. nine0003

Use the delicate wash cycle and any temperature setting. However, it is worth rinsing the product at least twice to avoid further bonding of the fibers. And in no case should the sleep accessory be dried vertically, place it on a horizontal surface away from sunlight and beat periodically to break up lumps.

Sintepon

Items made from this material should be washed at a water temperature not exceeding 40 °C. You can use the maximum spin mode to rinse out the detergent. Add tennis balls to the drum - they will help to avoid lumps. Then leave to dry in an upright position. nine0003

Polystyrene

Sofa and armchair accessories are often made from it. Also, this material is often called "antistress". Products with such a filler can be washed in a typewriter. To do this, set the standard mode with a temperature not exceeding 40 ° C. Polystyrene is practically not able to absorb water, so it will dry very quickly.

Unsplash

It is necessary to carry out the procedure for washing pillows regularly, since with constant use they accumulate a large amount of epithelium and dust, which should be disposed of. However, each material has its own cleaning standards. nine0003

Unsplash

In the article, we talked about how to wash sleep accessories depending on the material and how often you need to do it. It is important to follow not only the listed tips, but also pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations. Then washing the products will not be difficult. nine0003

Prepared by

Ekaterina Savenko

Was the article interesting?

Share link

By clicking on the "Subscribe" button,
you consent to the processing of personal data

Recommended

Wall decoration options in the hallway: 8 best materials and design features (130 photos)

nine0004 6 houseplants that will disappoint the newbie

Sliding wardrobes in the bedroom: types, content, trend models (82 photos)

How to create a boring beige interior? An example of an apartment of 60 sq. m from the designer

nine0004 How to wash a bath: 12 ways and an overview of funds

5 interior tricks that will come in handy in a gloomy winter

How to combine art deco and brutal modern style? An example of an apartment for a brother and sister

nine0004 The combination of furniture in the interior: 6 basic principles and combination options (60 photos)

Wardrobe over the washing machine: features, varieties, tips for choosing (52 photos)

Advertising on IVD. ru

How to wash pillows with different fillings

06/25/2022

429 Views , 0 Comments

To ensure a sound and healthy sleep, somnologists recommend washing

pillows

at least twice a year. They just don't usually explain how to do it. So that the implementation of the recommendations of experts does not turn into a real hassle, let's figure out how you can wash different types of pillows without harming your own nerves. nine0003

Are all pillows washable?

There are many different types of pillows on the market, and it would be wrong to say that they all need the same care. Washing has a beneficial effect on products filled with

These materials tolerate washing and drying well, are well cleaned of dust and dirt, and can even restore their properties after treatment with water and detergent. nine0003

Do not need a full wash:

It is better to clean these products in a dry way, and in case of severe contamination, remove the pillowcase from them and wash it separately, and then stuff the pillow again. If the contents of such an accessory have become unusable, washing will not only not return its properties, but will also harm even more. nine0003

For example, plant components under the influence of water will simply crumble and lose all their useful properties. Orthopedic foam products will lose elasticity and supportive qualities, and cotton and cotton wool will clump together.

Washing choice

If your pillow is washable, one of two cleaning methods is fine: disassembled or whole. The first option will take more time, but you can view the contents of the pillow, remove lumps if they have formed and cannot be disassembled, dry thoroughly and beat the filler. After such washing, the product will look like new. However, you will need to open the pillowcase, remove the contents, sort it out, wash it separately from the pillowcase in a laundry bag, dry it separately, fluff it up and stuff it again. nine0003

It is much easier to wash the whole pillow. But in this case, you are not immune from the formation of lumps and will not know exactly the state of the filler.

Washing program

Wash pillows at 40°C maximum (feather and down at 30°C). In this case, the detergents used must correspond to the type of filler.

Hand wash

Washing can be done by hand - this is a gentler method, but it will require a lot of effort and time:

This is a very tedious process. However, it is better suited for processing feather, wool and bamboo products.

By the way, bamboo can only be washed by hand. True, you will have to soak less - only 1 hour and immediately with detergent, then washing and rinsing. nine0003

Machine washable

If you don't have much time to mess with your pillow for hours or even days, there is no way you can wash it in the washing machine (unless, of course, it's bamboo). The product in it will not deteriorate, provided that a number of recommendations are followed:

In addition, please note that many pillows have manufacturer's recommendations for processing the product on the labels. Try not to retreat from them. And so that the machine does not shake during operation, you can put a couple of towels in the drum. nine0003

By the way, it is better not to use washing powder, even if it is intended for delicate fabrics. Its granules are washed out worse and may remain in the filler. It is better to take a gel or special capsules for washing wool, silk or cashmere. They will help maintain volume and wash better. You will have to press the pillow manually. At high spin speeds in the washing machine, lumps in the filler are sure to form.

Drying

If the pillow has been disassembled for washing, it is better to dry the filling separately. To do this, it is laid out in warmth on a horizontal surface. nine0003

The synthetic winterizer and holofiber will dry the fastest. Drying down and feathers will take much longer (usually 2-3 days). Average drying speed for bamboo.

At the same time, the drying filler should be periodically beaten and mixed if it is down, feather or bamboo. Hollofiber and synthetic winterizer can be combed with a special brush for wool.

If the product was washed unassembled, it will take longer to dry. Firstly, you can’t squeeze it thoroughly, and it will take some time for the excess water to simply glass from the pillow.

Learn more