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Can you put your pillow in the washing machine


Can you wash pillows in the washing machine?

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. '

How to Wash Your Pillows the Right Way 2022

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

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

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:

rd.com

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.

PJjaruwan/Getty Images

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.

Sources:

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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 pillows

A pillow is an accessory without which one can hardly imagine modern comfortable life. People are accustomed to the fact that bedding needs to be washed periodically, but few people know that this thing also needs to be cleaned from time to time.

For some, this may seem impossible and that it is easier to buy new ones. But you can wash pillows without any difficulties, the main thing is to study the basic rules and recommendations that our specialists have prepared for their customers. Indeed, depending on the material of the filler, the washing method may also change.

Fillings from natural materials

Any pillow made from natural materials has its own specifics. The first step before washing is to study the label on the product. It is there that the washing methods that are allowed for a particular filler, temperature and other important details are always indicated.

Can feather pillows be washed? similar living creatures. This is not to mention the dust, dirt and unpleasant odor that is absorbed into the feathers. Therefore, they need to be washed and cleaned periodically.

There are two ways to wash feather pillows at home: by hand and in a washing machine. In the event that they are small in size, they can be washed in bed covers, knocked out before that from dust. But since most pillows have large shapes, they need to be opened and washed separately. It happens like this:

  1. Knock out the feather product to get rid of dust and open the breastplate.
  2. Dissolve liquid soap, soap shavings or detergent suitable for natural materials in warm water.
  3. Soak the feathers piece by piece in the solution for several hours. After that, replace the water, add some detergent again and wash the filler with your hands.
  4. Next, you need to rinse the pen from the soap. You can use a shower or a colander for this.
  5. A clean pen must be placed in a dry room and left to dry.
  6. While the goose or chicken feathers are wet, they should be kneaded periodically by hand to prevent them from becoming clumps. It is impossible for the feather to remain wet for more than two days, as this will lead to decay. During the drying time, you can purchase new pillowcases.

How to clean down pillows


Down is an organic substance, so after a while it decomposes and loses its former properties. It must be remembered that the service life of a product made of such material is 5 years. Down pillows are also very popular, especially from swan and eider down. You can clean such products in the same way as feather products, or you can use a washing machine, but taking into account all the recommendations indicated on the label.

You can also use the steam method. For this you need:

  1. Place the cushion upright. You can also hang it with clothespins.
  2. Using the vertical steamer, go over the entire piece twice.
  3. Let it dry completely, smooth out the fluff and put on a clean pillowcase.
  4. This method cannot be called washing. Rather, it is a safe method of cleaning down pillows.

Can bamboo pillows be washed

Bamboo pillows can be washed because they are water-repellent, breathable and maintain the right heat balance. Bamboo textiles are very practical and not demanding in operation. Washing is possible by the following method:

  1. Bamboo filler can be washed at temperatures up to 40 degrees, but in a gentle mode. You can use various usual means for delicate washing, but categorically do not use bleach.
  2. The bamboo pillow should be dried in a horizontal position so that it does not stray. It is advisable to direct the flow of warm air so that the drying process goes faster. In this case, the air temperature should not exceed 30 degrees.

Washing pillows with buckwheat husks

Pillows made of buckwheat husks are difficult to clean, it is undesirable to wash them, since this filler is difficult to dry. For prevention, you can do the following:

  1. Vacuum only through the pillowcase.
  2. Sift buckwheat husk through the simplest colander.
  3. Dry in the sun.

How to wash wool pillows

The most common fillers for wool pillows are camel and sheep wool. Washing such products has its own characteristics and limitations:

  1. You can wash them at 30 degrees in a gentle mode, using special detergents for wool.
  2. In order to ensure that the filler does not stray during washing and is better cleaned, two tennis balls are thrown into the drum of the washing machine.
  3. Do not wring out the wool pillow. You can dry the product using the drying mode, if available, or on ordinary clotheslines in warm and dry weather.
  4. When storing them, it is better to use moth repellents, as they can damage woolen textiles.

Periodically shake them out and air them out, and in the summer try to put them in direct sunlight to kill any bacteria that may be there.

Can eucalyptus pillows be washed

The main advantage of eucalyptus fiber products is that they are suitable for people suffering from allergies and asthma. They are wear-resistant and withstand a large number of washes, so they can be washed as follows:

  1. Without removing the filler, we throw it into a regular washing machine.
  2. We fall asleep gentle products and set the temperature to 40-60 degrees.
  3. Drying of the product takes place in a horizontal position.

Eucalyptus pillows should also be aired periodically.

Rules for washing linen pillows


Products made from flax seeds should be beaten and shaken out in the morning and evening. Thus, they will take on a natural shape, as the filler will straighten out. Linen is a wonderful natural material, pillows from which can be washed under certain conditions:

  1. Wash at 30 degrees with a mild detergent.
  2. The pillows can be dried horizontally. To dry them evenly, they need to be turned over and beaten occasionally.

How to wash silk pillows

To keep silk in good condition for as long as possible, it needs proper care and washing. A product that is 100% silk is best left to cleaning companies. If the composition is approximately 30% silk, then it can be washed independently as follows:

  1. Place the product in the washing machine.
  2. Add mild detergent
  3. Set the delicate wash cycle and the temperature to 30 degrees.
  4. It is impossible to squeeze and press on silk textiles, since the thread obtained from the silkworm cocoon is very delicate.
  5. Dry away from batteries and direct sunlight.

Synthetic fillers

Synthetic bedding is practical and comfortable. Their cost is lower than the cost of natural ones, they are unpretentious in care and remarkably endure all types of washings.

Before washing, experts recommend doing a test: remove the pillowcase from the pillow, put something heavy on top for a few seconds. If after a while the recess does not level out, but a hole remains, then such a product will turn into a lump after washing and will no longer be able to serve for a comfortable sleep. If the product has taken its former shape, it can be washed. But even here there are nuances and clarifications.

How to wash latex pillows

Latex is a hypoallergenic material that differs in care from some other fillers and is washed manually or automatically:

  1. We select manual mode and temperature up to 40 degrees.
  2. Detergent must be mild. Soap solution is ideal.
  3. After washing, the pillow should be gently wrung out by hand.
  4. Dry it in a room with a comfortable temperature.

If there is no heavy soiling, then the bedding can be washed simply in clean cool water or wiped with a cloth.

Washing pillows made of polyester balls

Polyester as a filler is used in pillows in the form of balls inside.

This filler does not require special attention. Polyester products are soft and elastic. They are washed in the washing machine, following the instructions on the label.

Is it possible to wash sintepon pillows


Sintepon combines several types of fillers, one of which is holofiber. This material is made from polyester fibers. It also comes from siliconized fiber, and this is the same holofiber. Wash padding pillows as follows:

  1. Place the pillow in a bag or pillowcase and throw it into the drum of the washing machine.
  2. It is necessary to add liquid powder and set one of the modes: “manual” or “delicate”.
  3. Then you need to put a second rinse to get rid of excess foam.
  4. Place a dry cloth on both sides to remove excess moisture and leave to dry.

Method for washing polyurethane foam pillows

Polyurethane foam pillows (foam rubber) are usually used as decoration and are easy to wash. You can do this in an automatic machine in this way:

  1. Place the pillow in the drum of the washing machine.
  2. Select gentle mode (delicate or hand wash).
  3. Set the temperature according to the information on the label.
  4. Set the spin speed to 600 or 800.
  5. Add a mild washing powder, for example, for children.
  6. Dry in a dry, cool and well ventilated area.

Washing different types of pillows

There are different types of pillows, each with its own washing characteristics.

Anatomical pillows

Anatomical pillows are the most correct for sleeping. Their shape is designed taking into account all the physiological characteristics of a person for the correct position of the spine. They are made from different fillers, such as latex, orthopedic foam, swan down, polyester fiber. Therefore, their washing method depends on the type of filler. All of these methods have been discussed above.

Orthopedic pillows

Orthopedic pillows are popular with those who are concerned about their health. Usually they are made from materials such as: buckwheat hulls, polyester, latex, viscoelastic foam. You can wash them, but depending on the type of filler, certain washing methods that were previously proposed are used.

How to wash memory foam pillows


Memory foam pillows retain their shape, which is formed under the weight of the head and neck during sleep. It is worth noting that such products take shape gradually, slowly. It is impossible to wash such a thing in a washing machine, since this kind of washing can destroy the material (polyurethane foam, viscolatex or silicone). You can only wash removable covers, and you can clean the pillow filler from dirt as follows:

  1. Soap solution needs to be prepared.
  2. Soak a cloth in it and gently wipe the cushion.

They can also be periodically ventilated in fresh air. It is enough to do this once every 3 months.

How to wash anti-stress pillows

"Pillows with balls" or anti-stress are very popular now. As a filler, massage synthetic granules made of expanded polystyrene are used. Washing such products entirely is not recommended. You can do the following with them:

  1. Hand wash by pouring the filler into the container.
  2. The water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees.
  3. Use delicate powder.
  4. The cover can be machine washed, but it is advisable to do it by hand too.

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