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Can my pillows be washed


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.

How to Wash Your Pillows the Right Way 2022

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Pillows need cleaning too. Here's how to wash pillows correctly, plus how often you should be doing it.

You wash your clothes after each wear and even mange to toss your sheets in the machine every week. But your pillows? They haven’t seen the inside of a washing machine since…ever? Knowing how to wash pillows the right way, and doing it regularly, is not something you should skip out on.

Not only do pillows collect dust, but they collect bacteria as well, says Michael Silva-Nash, executive vice president of Molly Maid of Arkansas. Washing your pillows rids them of unwanted sweat, oils, bacteria, and dust mites, gives them a fresh look and smell, and helps them last longer too.

You might already know how to wash a down comforter, towels, and silk clothing and sheets at home, but cleaning pillows properly requires a different approach. Luckily, these step-by-step instructions simplify the process. Just follow them to learn how to wash pillows the right way.

Can I machine-wash pillows?

In general, most types of pillows are machine washable and can be washed on a cool, gentle setting with mild detergent. This goes for those filled with cotton, polyester, down, and feathers. The exception: foam-filled pillows can not be machine washed (see below for specific instructions)

That said, it’s always important to first check your pillow’s label to see if there are any specific cleaning instructions recommended. Pay special attention to the laundry symbols on the label.

How to wash pillows:

Can you put pillows in the dryer?

Unless your pillow is made of foam, most pillows can be placed in the dryer on a low-heat setting. However, make sure to read the label on your pillow to check the specific instructions before throwing it in the machine.

How to dry pillows:

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How to wash feather or down pillows

Laura Goodman, a senior scientist for Procter & Gamble Fabric Care, recommends the following steps to clean feather or down pillows:

Step 1. Check the label

Scan your pillow labels to ensure they can go in the washing machine. While most non-foam pillows can be tossed in the wash, that’s not the case 100 percent of the time. It’s crucial to not make assumptions about your specific pillow, says Tom Harari, CEO and co-founder of Cleanly, an on-demand laundry and dry cleaning service.

Step 2. Check the pillow seams

Mend any weak ones that might break in the wash.

Step 3. Use a gentle setting

Throw the pillow in the wash, add a mild detergent, and opt for a cool, gentle, or delicate wash and spin cycle. Toss in some same-colored towels, too, for extra padding. Or, if your machine is big enough, wash two pillows at a time. According to Silva-Nash, this helps keep the washing machine balanced and makes damage less likely.

Step 4. Release air bubbles as needed

If you have a top-loading washer, pause it occasionally during the washing cycle to press air from the pillows.

Step 5. Rinse

Step 6. Tumble dry

When it comes to pillows, dryer settings matter. Gently tumble dry on low or on an air-dry setting for a few hours or until the pillow is completely dry. Add in some clean, dry towels to absorb moisture and speed the drying process.

Step 7. Break up clumps

Add a few dryer balls or tennis balls to help break any clumps in the feather or down filling and keep them fluffy.

How to wash foam pillows

Step away from the washer and dryer! If you have foam pillows, Silva-Nash says you should simply dust them using a vacuum hose and spot clean them with a damp cloth. While most pillows are durable enough to withstand machine washing and drying, foam pillows can be torn apart from the motions of the washer and dryer. Not only that, but machine drying your foam pillow can greatly reduce its lifespan.

Here is a breakdown of how to hand-wash your foam pillow:

Step 1. Remove and wash the pillowcase—not the pillow

While most pillowcases can be washed in a machine, be sure to check the label just in case. Certain types, like silk pillowcases, have special care instructions. If your pillow has a protective inner cover, remove it carefully and hand-wash it with a mild detergent.

Step 2. Spot clean the pillow

Dampen a clean cloth with water and a light amount of detergent. Lightly rub the area that needs to be cleaned, making sure to press into the foam gently to penetrate the stain. You can also use a handheld vacuum to pull off any lint or hairs. Here’s how to remove yellow stains on pillows.

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Step 3. Air-dry the pillow completely

It is imperative that you do not dry foam pillows in the dryer. Doing so could cause serious damage to your pillow. Instead, firmly press a dry towel to the treated area until it is as dry as possible. Then let the pillow sit in an uncovered and well-ventilated area until it’s completely dry to prevent mold from forming.

The best washer for pillows

“If you have access to one, it’s best to use a front-loading washing machine since pillows may float in a top-loading washing machine, and this can cause them to have dry patches and not be washed as well in certain spots,” Goodman says.

If you have a top-loading washer, consider visiting a laundromat on pillow-cleaning days so you can use the front-loading machines there.

How often should you wash your pillows?

Some experts say you should wash pillows two to three times a year, but the frequency depends on the person and how often they clean their pillowcases, according to Harari. Mark your calendar to wash your pillows every three to six months to keep up with your cleaning schedule, but make sure you’re washing your bed sheets more often than that.

When should you replace your pillows?

“How to wash pillows” may not always be the question you need to ask yourself. There comes a time when it’s smarter to find the best pillow for your sleep position and buy a new one. Silva-Nash recommends replacing pillows after a quick test: Fold the pillow in half. If it doesn’t bounce back to its original, flat shape, it’s time to replace it.

Goodman adds that when pillows lose their shape and fluffing doesn’t help, it’s time to get new ones. “You should also replace them if any odor of mold or mildew is detected,” she says. In fact, your pillow is one of the things you need to replace more often than you have been.

Additional reporting by Emily DiNuzzo.

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Are pillows washed?

Pillows, like other bedding, get dirty over time, soaked in creams, sebum. Mites can get in, mold can form. And then people ask: is it possible to wash pillows at all, or are they only dried? The type of care for pillows depends on the filler. If you do not take into account the properties of the contents of the pillow, normal washing can ruin the product.


Washable and non-washable pillows

Pillows with any filler can be washed. Pillows not washable:
• orthopedic;
• wadded;
• with cherry pit, buckwheat husk, flax seed.
Pillows made of down, feather, wool, bamboo can be washed.

Washing down and feather pillows

Down and feather pillows must be washed to prevent the appearance of harmful insects. True, this procedure is somewhat laborious, since the pillow must first be torn open, the contents removed, distributed into separate pre-prepared bags that need to be sewn up. Small pillows can be washed entirely in a pillowcase. nine0005 The pillows are loaded into the washing machine, the washing detergent is poured, the delicate washing mode is set with a temperature mode of 40 degrees. Spin at 600 rpm.
It is better to dry the washed pillow in the sun, hanging it on a rope and securing it with a clothespin around the corner. After some time, you should turn the product and knock it out so that the fluff dries well and the process of debate or decay does not begin inside.
To prevent mites from getting into the fluff, it is better to add essential oils of cypress, lavender, orange to the water during washing, which will not only disinfect the contents of the pillow, but also give a fresh aroma. It is recommended to wash the pillows twice a year. nine0005 Hand washing is more troublesome, as it is necessary to free the feather from the pillowcase, place it in warm soapy water for 4 hours. Then the feathers are carefully kneaded, rinsed thoroughly, put into pillowcases, dried in the sun in a horizontal position or suspended. Feathers are constantly stirred for better ventilation and quick drying.

Bamboo-filled pillow

Bamboo-filled pillows are somewhat easier to wash than down pillows. Place it in the drum, set the delicate wash program at a temperature of +40 degrees. Put liquid detergent, as dry powder is poorly rinsed. It is advisable to turn on the extra rinse function. nine0005 In manual mode, the pillows are washed after soaking for one hour. Spinning is not necessary because bamboo fiber dries quickly. Dry on a horizontal surface, constantly turning the pillow over. Hanging is not recommended to avoid deformation of the bamboo fibers.

Wool pillow wash

Pillows filled with sheep and camel wool are washed in the delicate wash mode, setting the “wool” mode. Turn off spin. Wash with easy-to-rinse special detergents for woolen products. Dry in a horizontal position, periodically turning from one side to the other, while carefully shaking the pillow. nine0003

Washing pillows with synthetic fillings

Pillows with synthetic fillings are machine washable and dry quickly. Wash in delicate mode using gel or liquid concentrate. The water temperature for holofiber can be +60 degrees. So that the filler does not stray into lumps, the pillow is not squeezed out and not twisted by hand. It is placed in some kind of container to glass the water. Then lay horizontally in a well-ventilated place to dry.
Knowing the features of washing the pillow with each type of filler, you can extend the original appearance of the product and its service life. nine0003

HOW TO WASH PILLOWS — 6 types of popular fillings

Washing pillows is no problem. Doing it right is a task with an asterisk, because fluff, bamboo, synthetic winterizer or holofiber require certain knowledge and a special approach.

Can the pillows be washed at home?

Every housewife has a choice: to dry-clean the pillows or wash them at home. To make the right decision, you will have to weigh all the pros and cons. nine0003

How to wash pillows in the washing machine: rules

Pillows are washed every six months. Only then will the journey to the kingdom of Morpheus be pleasant and rejuvenate. There are several rules that are relevant for bedding.

Four aspects of how to wash pillows in the washing machine.

  1. Before you start the "big wash", you need to get rid of the accumulated dust inside. The traditional, "grandmother's" method - knocking out pillows - allows you to visually verify the huge amount of dust that has accumulated in the thickness of the filler. In order not to damage the bedclothes, it is better to use a vacuum cleaner. nine0058
  2. The water temperature must not exceed 40°C. This will reduce the risk of irreversible deformation of the filler fibers.
  3. Experienced housewives advise liquid detergents, they are easier to rinse out of the filling fibers.
  4. Gel or powder with an unobtrusive odor is the best option.

Note: Fabric softener - how to use: 3 tips

How to wash down pillows

Those with goose or duck down are light and soft. Their washing includes a number of features:

If an old pillow is to be washed, it is torn open and the contents are placed in several bags of thicker fabric with drawstrings. It is better to replace the pillowcase with a new one or wash it separately.

How to wash feather pillows

Same as down pillows. It is also better to rip them open and spread the contents into bags. Sew up, then wash at a moderate temperature (no more than 40 ° C) with liquid detergent. In this regard, the expected question arises: how to wash a feather pillow without tearing it? Answer: You can't! The contents will inevitably clump together. In addition, there is a high risk that part of the filling will fall into the drum, clog the filter and clog the drain. nine0003

To avoid such a disaster, feather pillows can be washed by hand. Feather bags should be pre-soaked for a couple of hours in warm soapy water. After washing and rinsing thoroughly, hang in a draft, periodically changing position and shaking.

If you didn't know: How to use oxygen bleach: 2 options

How to wash sintepon pillows

Sintepon consists of the finest synthetic threads bonded during heat treatment. Individual fibers are chemically inert and do not interact with water in any way. And since they are not hygroscopic, they do not absorb sweat. Nevertheless, such fibers still break and crumble. This means that dust is also formed in them, which must be disposed of at least twice a year. nine0003

Sintepon pillows can and should be washed. Especially if the cover looks stale. Optimal washing conditions:

  1. in 40°C water,
  2. with liquid detergent,
  3. with repeated rinsing.

Do not wring out such a pillow in the drum. This process will cause the destruction of adhesions between the fibers and damage to the structure of the material. So that even after washing the pillow remains soft, fluffy and elastic, it is allowed to drain by placing it on the bottom of a bath or basin. Then wrapped in a thick cloth and wrung out to collect the remaining moisture. Dry away from heating appliances and the scorching sun. nine0003

How to wash pillows made of holofiber

Thanks to the hollow fibers sealed on both sides, which are twisted into springs, the material has a low specific gravity, while remaining soft and elastic. In addition, he:

The filler of such pillows is difficult to get dirty, but if you still managed to get rid of the dirt by hand. Before washing pillows from holofiber, liquid powder is dissolved in a basin with warm water and the products are soaked for an hour. Then wring out and rinse thoroughly until the soapy water disappears. nine0003

Manual: How to use washing gel: 3 simple rules

How to wash a bamboo pillow

Usually the manufacturer indicates the nuances on the label. As with other synthetic fillers, moderate temperature, gentle washing and gentle detergents are recommended. Before washing, inspect the cover for integrity and try to eliminate damage.

How to wash an orthopedic pillow: from buckwheat hulls, anatomical

Such pillows “breathe” well. However, you are still wondering how to wash an orthopedic pillow made of vegetable filler. nine0003

The answer is clear: these types of pillows must not be wetted under any circumstances. Only dry cleaning is allowed. At home, they are cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, since after exposure to water it is impossible to restore the original properties.

Read: How to wash terry towels: 3 postulates

How to properly dry pillows

It depends on how correctly the filler is dried, whether its original properties will be restored and whether the pillow will be suitable for use. And the most difficult can be considered drying pillows made of down and feathers. nine0003

You can do it in different ways: