Can a pillow go in the washing machine
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.
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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.
Can you wash pillows in the washing machine?
(Image credit: Future)
Can you wash pillows in the washing machine – really, without damaging them? The fact is that pillows do need washing regularly to stay fresh – just as your bedlinen and comforter does.
When dealing with bulky items, such as washing a pillow, you need to ensure your washer is protected by placing the pillows into the machine in a particular way. But as to whether pillows can be washed in a washing machine, the answer is: 'it depends'.
We have all the answers about whether you can wash your pillows in a washing machine, below.
Can you wash pillows in the washing machine?
The laundry symbols on each pillow’s tag will let you know about individual care but what’s equally important to know is that washing a pillow in a washing machine should be a regular job, and it’s one you can undertake when you clean a bedroom thoroughly.
'Pillows should be washed every few months – or at least three times a year,' advises Homes & Gardens' editor in chief, Lucy Searle. 'However, not all pillows can be washed in a washing machine.'
We at Homes & Gardens are big fans of owning and caring for the best pillow possible so below we have all the cleaning tips you need on washing pillows in a washing machine.
Which pillows can be washed in the washing machine?
Whether you’ve been asking can you wash a feather pillow or can you wash memory foam pillows, or you’ve been wondering about another type, take a look at the tag first.
'The best advice is to check each pillow's care instructions before you put it in the washer,' continues Lucy Searle. 'However, it's safe to assume that most fiberfill, cotton, feather or down pillows can be washed in a washing machine, though I would advise a warm wash on a gentle cycle, and half the usual detergent, since too much can make feather and down clump.
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Which pillows can't be washed in the washing machine?
Again, check your pillow's label for care instructions, but if you can't see any clear cleaning tips on it, following the rule that latex or memory foam pillows can't be washed in the washing machine. Instead, these will need to be spot-cleaned with a clean cloth dipped in a weak soapy solution – or dry-cleaned. You can also vacuum these pillows to help remove dust, though their materials are generally dust mite resistant.
Why wash pillows?
Why wash pillows? Quite simply, for the same reason you need to wash bed sheets and other bedding: not doing so is unhygienic. Like other items, pillows come into contact with your skin, meaning they are prone to absorbing sweat and dead skin, the latter of which tends to attract dust mites, with many of us allergic to their droppings. If your pillow smells a little dank, that aroma signifies the presence of bacteria. All these should be good enough reasons to wash pillows regularly.
Can you damage pillows by washing them in the machine?
Yes, you can damage pillows by washing them in the machine, which is why you should always check the care label first. Be sure, too, not to wash memory foam pillows in a machine at all.
Most damage that can occur to a pillow in a washing machine with an agitator (the central spindle particularly prevalent in top-load washers. However, you can minimize the risk with this type of washing machine by placing your two pillows into the drum vertically, and now allowing the spin cycle to go on for too long.
How to cut down on washing pillows
Pillow protectors are an excellent buy – they help flaccid pillows be a little firmer, help pillows hold their shape and can be removed along with pillowcases to be washed every week. Some come with dust mite resistance, which will help protect the pillow beneath.
When is it time to replace pillows?
Though washing pillows – in a washing machine or by hand – can help extend their life, there comes a time when they will need replacing.
There is no fixed time for this, though Tobin James, VP of TEMPUR® says 'Despite regular cleaning, bacteria will build up regardless so it’s important to replace your pillow every three years. Not only will this mean you get to enjoy a clean and fresh pillow, but you’ll likely find it much more comfortable as well.'
If you are not sure whether your pillow needs replacing or not, you can try the fold test: simply fold your pillow in half; if it bounces back flat, it's likely still in good shape; if it stays folded, it needs replacing. Plus if it's irreparably bumpy and lumpy, it can't be giving you good support.
The experts and scooms advise replacing pillows more often: 'Replace your pillows every one to two years for peak support, and your duvet every five years to ensure you get the best sleep. The more you love your bedding, the more your bedding will love you.'
'While washing your pillow may solve the allergen (and ick-factor) problem, it doesn’t help your pillow stay supportive,' say the experts at the National Sleep Foundation .
'After nightly use, a pillow will lose its fluff and start to resemble a pancake. While some pillows might last a little longer (for example, down and natural feather pillows are more durable than those with polyester filling), they all will ultimately lose their shape.'
Lucy Searle has written about interiors, property and gardens since 1990, working her way around the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to interiors-only titles in the mid-nineties. She was Associate Editor on Ideal Home, and Launch Editor of 4Homes magazine, before moving into digital in 2007, launching Channel 4's flagship website, Channel4.com/4homes. In 2018, Lucy took on the role of Global Editor in Chief for Realhomes.com, taking the site from a small magazine add-on to a global success. She was asked to repeat that success at Homes & Gardens, where she has also taken on the editorship of the magazine.
IVD Safe Laundry Rules
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03/06/2020
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We tell you how to wash pillows with natural and artificial filling and how often you can do it.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
- Synthetics are best cleaned in the machine as little as possible, as it reduces the service life. Therefore, sometimes it is easier to buy a new one than to try to clean up the old model.
- Feather and down accessories should be placed in the washing machine at least twice a year, but the number of washes during this period should not exceed four. Otherwise, the filler can be spoiled.
- Bamboo fibers are quite durable, so if necessary, they can endure a large number of cleansings. For example, more than six in twelve months.
- Polystyrene attracts dust, so it should be processed more often. It is quite capable of surviving cleaning five or more times a year.
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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.
Prepared by
Ekaterina Savenko
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How to wash a pillow correctly. Helpful Hints
Content
- Pillow care. General rules
- How to wash pillows. Universal Tips
- Features of washing certain types of pillows
- How often should pillows be washed?
- Additional care tips
How many bacteria are in your bed? Quite a lot if you clean your bed less than once every two weeks. This includes airing the mattress, washing bed linen and pillows. If you carry out these procedures regularly, you will avoid the appearance of fungus and other microorganisms in the bed.
Also, ignoring washing or improper washing of pillows is dangerous because the product is deformed and this will cause pain in the neck. Or you throw it away altogether because it has lost its shape and become too soft.
If you are looking for a pillow that will fit you 100% and last for a long time, we advise you to look for it among our orthopedic pillow options. In this article, we will tell you how often to wash a pillow, depending on the filler, and how to do it correctly.
In addition to washing, there are several rules for caring for pillows. They are suitable for all pillows, regardless of the type of filler. The pillow will retain its anatomical properties longer if you follow these rules:
- Shake gently daily. Suitable for feather pillows, the filler in which periodically goes astray.
- Once a week, ventilate in the open air (for example, on the balcony) for half an hour.
- Dry properly. When drying, the pillow must not be heated: do not lay it on the radiator and do not dry it with a hairdryer. Also, the product must be protected from exposure to sunlight.
- Maintain a normal level of humidity in the bedroom.
This is 30-45% for the cold season and up to 60% for the warm season.
It is also important to use not only a pillowcase, but also a cover that will protect the pillow from dust and moisture, and its shape from deformation. As a rule, a protective cover is included with the pillow and sometimes helps to slightly adjust the rigidity of the product. Please note that the height of your future pillow depends on the firmness of the mattress. Find out why you should not save on buying an orthopedic mattress before you start choosing it.
Wash each pillow based primarily on the manufacturer's instructions on the product label. If you do not find any instructions, use the following tips:
- Water temperature. Pillows are washed in cold water. The maximum possible temperature is 30-40 degrees. Temperatures over 50 degrees can cause clumping of some fillers.
- washing mode. Pillows should be washed at low speed. This also applies to spinning - the optimal value is 400-500 revolutions.
If the typewriter has "down products" or "synthetics" modes, it is better to install them. An alternative is a hand or delicate wash. If the product does not fit in the machine, but it has a zipper, the filler can be divided into several parts and washed in separate covers. - Means for washing. Suitable for gel or liquid products. Dry powder particles dissolve poorly at low temperatures and accumulate in the seams.
- Rinsing. An additional rinse will not be superfluous - this will help remove the remnants of the laundry detergent.
- Drying. It is better to dry the pillows in the open air, but without direct sunlight. Periodic turning and whipping will help to dry the product evenly.
This instruction is something universal for washing pillows. However, the question of whether the pillow can be washed in the washing machine is strongly influenced by the type of filler.
Orthopedic (memory foam)
Wash only the cover as it gets dirty.
Modern pillows that can adapt to bends are made from materials that do not accumulate odors and dust. Therefore, there is no need to wash orthopedic pillows, airing is enough.
Washing the cover will help refresh the appearance of the pillows. If you're cleaning a stain from a pillow that hasn't been covered, use a mild soap solution for light stains and dry cleaning for heavy stains.
Latex
Inside this pillow is the congealed sap of the tropical hevea tree, purified and brought to a state of foam. The main difference between latex and memory foam is that the latex pillow restores its shape instantly. It can be compared to a spring. The memory foam pillow also recovers its shape, but much more slowly. Washing a latex pillow is recommended only as a last resort. It is best to clean it manually in warm water using gentle products and a soft sponge.
Wringing and drying in the sun are contraindicated, as is the case with a memory foam product.
After washing, blot the pillow with towels and leave to dry on a flat surface without wrinkling.
Synthetic fill
Synthetic products (synthetic winterizer, holofiber, sintepukh) are not so finicky and can withstand half an hour washing in a machine with a liquid detergent, unless otherwise indicated on the label. Anatomical products made of synthetics are washed on average once every six months. A short wash at 30-40 degrees is suitable. Some models can even be dried and wrung out, check this on the product label. If drying and spinning in the machine are prohibited, it is recommended to blot the pillow with a cloth and dry it on a flat surface.
Organic filler
This type includes pillows made of buckwheat husks, rice and coconut fiber. They can only be cleaned from the outside with a vacuum cleaner. You can only wash the cover. Buckwheat filler is advised not to wash, but to sift (separate the husk from buckwheat) once a year.
At the same time, after sifting, you need to add buckwheat so that the product does not lose in volume. So the filler will not lose the ability to support the neck in the correct position.
Feather
Feather pillows are advised to wash the least - once a year. This is because the natural feather filler loses its properties due to frequent washing. At the same time, it absorbs sweat, dust and odors faster than any other filler.
Before washing, it is important to understand which bird pillow is made of feathers and down. If the product is made of waterfowl down, then you can safely start washing. Otherwise, it is impossible to influence the filler with water, especially if it consists of feathers and fluff of chickens. Such material practically does not dry, does not tolerate moisture and, when exposed to it, begins to disintegrate into fibers. It is better to dispose of such a pillow immediately or dry-clean it exclusively for dry cleaning.
The process of washing such a pillow will require a lot of time and effort from you.
Therefore, sometimes the most pleasant solution is to give it to the dry cleaners. if you still decide to do your own washing, consider the following points. It is better to wash in the machine in several passes, dividing the filler into parts so that it does not go astray. A delicate wash mode with 30 degrees and a gentle detergent without chlorine will do. Re-rinsing at low speeds is recommended. Do not use conditioner - it will soften the filler and the pillow will lose its shape. It is better to dry in a warm, ventilated area, shaking the product from time to time.
Camel wool
You can wash this pillow either by hand or in the washing machine. Washing in the machine should take place on a delicate mode and without spinning. Use liquid laundry detergent or extra rinse if using powder. Camel wool pillows are washed by hand in warm water with detergent. Before this, the pillow should be soaked for half an hour or an hour. Carefully lift and lower the product into the water.
Rinse gently, let the water drain.
How to understand which option is best? Put the pillow in the washing machine. If it takes up more than ¾ of the drum, then wash it with your hands - the machine may not give a good wash. Dry the pillow outdoors out of direct sunlight. It is not necessary to beat a pillow from such material; over time, the filler will take the desired shape.
Bamboo
The filler of such a pillow is thin and durable bamboo cellulose fiber obtained from young shoots of the plant. These pillows need to be washed every 4 months. Suitable for delicate machine or hand wash. If the pillow does not fit in the machine, it will be easier to divide the filler into parts and wash it in several passes. Wash properly on delicate mode up to 40 degrees. Choose the shortest wash and the minimum number of revolutions.
Important! When washing a bamboo pillow, do not use bleach or soak the product before washing.
Pillowcase and cover do not protect the product from dirt by 100%.
So if the pillow filling is washable, don't ignore it. Pillows are recommended to be washed every six months. So, you will save the pillow from the appearance of dust and insects. If insects still appear, you need to act quickly. The most effective ways to eliminate and prevent in the article on how to get rid of bedbugs.
If the pillow (for example, memory foam or latex) is not recommended for washing, wash the cover regularly and air it out.
Whether to wash a new pillow or not is up to you. If the packaging of the product is not broken, you can limit yourself to washing the cover.
"Modern anatomical pillows do not need to be washed. It will be enough to get the filler and wash the cover. Use gentle detergents and delicate modes."
Anastasia Myshenkova, consultant of the Architecture furniture salon
As a result, we note that it is important to follow the care and washing instructions from the manufacturer.
