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Can i put pillows in 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. '

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. 

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

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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. nine0003

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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. 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.

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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. 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

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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. 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.

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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. nine0003

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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. nine0003

Prepared by

Ekaterina Savenko

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Can pillows be washed in a washing machine? Choice of mode, washing temperature

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Published: 19-10-2018

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Content

The times when our grandmothers washed by hand and mothers preferred dry cleaning are long gone. Today, almost every home has a multifunctional washing machine - an indispensable assistant to a modern housewife. The main topic of our article is how to properly wash pillows. nine0003

They are machine washable if you follow the rules detailed below.

How to wash pillows

Can they be machine washed? Usually, a label is sewn into the side of them, which indicates how to care for the product. If there is no label with clear instructions, follow the rules that apply to almost all types of pillows.

We have listed the universal rules for washing at home. The nuances depend on the type of packing. Let's look at the subtleties of caring for each material below.

Washing pillows filled with feathers and swan down

Almost every grandmother has a snow-white pyramid at home, covered with transparent tulle - everyone's favorite, soft, comfortable down pillows. With all the pluses, there is a significant minus - they quickly accumulate dust and bacteria. Neglecting the "cleaning of feathers", you can get allergies, various skin diseases. nine0003

Washing down is a painstaking, long, but necessary task. Can't take your feather pillow to the dry cleaners? Wash it at home in a washing machine. The process will have to be divided into stages:

  1. Remove the filler. In order for the feathers to be completely washed, rinsed, and dry well, it is necessary to rip the pillowcase, carefully remove the core, and arrange it in pre-prepared covers. The more their number, the better the result will be. You can use pillowcases, bags, the main thing is to tie it tight, otherwise the fluff will clog the filter in the machine. nine0068
  2. Load filled bags into the drum - not all at once, 2-3 pieces.
  3. Set the temperature to 30°C, use a gentle shampoo without chlorine.
  4. Rinse. It is advisable to re-rinse the bags at low speeds - so the fluff does not gather into a lump.
  5. Dry thoroughly. Washed down covers should be dried in a warm, well-ventilated place, periodically shaking and fluffing them.
  6. Update the pillowcase. Make sure the feathers are completely dry before folding and sewing up the clean filler. This will help to avoid the unpleasant smell of dampness. nine0068

Care of wool stuffing and bamboo fiber

Bamboo and wool bedding pleases its owners with naturalness, comfort, variety. Plus, they require less maintenance. To refresh the material, select the delicate wash cycle at temperatures up to 40°C. As a detergent, a special gel for delicate fabrics is perfect. To avoid lumps, place tennis balls in the drum. They will whip up the filler fibers. This method will also help take care of downy things. nine0003

Camel and bamboo pillows do not tolerate tumble drying. Dry them flat, whisking occasionally to help keep their shape.

Artificial litter cleaning

These products are becoming increasingly popular. They are comfortable, hypoallergenic, unpretentious in home care. Wash a synthetic item made of holofiber, artificial fluff or synthetic winterizer in a gentle mode with a liquid detergent. Sintepon and other products of this type are not afraid of intensive spinning. Dry better in a warm place with good ventilation. Sofa, decorative, foam bumpers, bumpers for cribs easily tolerate machine wash. nine0003

Remember: high water temperature will deform the material.

Wash the foam in a special case so that it does not crumble and remains intact during the spin cycle. For drying, choose a well-ventilated place - this will help maintain freshness, because foam rubber tends to absorb odors. Latex padding is completely unpretentious in care, but it deteriorates from a large amount of water.

Latex rollers must not be wetted, dried in the sun or frozen. It is enough to wipe with a clean damp cloth, and then wipe dry. nine0003

Machine wash anti-stress pillows

Anti-stress pillows can give you complete relaxation. They repeat the shape of the body, create a massage effect thanks to special fillers. If the product is filled with small balls of polyester, it is easy to remove dirt. Polyester is resistant to hot water, however, the balls can break the machine if they get stuck in its knots. Make sure the strength, integrity of the fabric, seams - just in case, put it in a special case. nine0003

Polyester does not absorb moisture, so it dries very quickly. If the filler is made of organic material, for example, buckwheat husks, herbs, berry, fruit seeds, then it cannot be wetted - it is better to replace it with a new one.

Caring for orthopedic models

Orthopedic pillows are considered the most useful, as they help the spine to take the correct position.

Learn more