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Washing your pillow


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

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

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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How to wash a pillow correctly.

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Content

  1. Pillow care. General rules
  2. How to wash pillows. Universal Tips
  3. Features of washing certain types of pillows
  4. How often should pillows be washed?
  5. Additional care tips nine0006

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. nine0003

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:

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. nine0003

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:

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0085 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. nine0003

If the pillow (e.g. 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." nine0003

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. Read the information on the packaging, label or website. Anatomical products should not be stored rolled up or in vacuum bags.

After a long period of storage, the pillow should be carefully cleaned with a dry microfiber cloth or vacuum cleaner.

Worried about the appearance of the product? Wash the pillow cover with a liquid detergent, it does not act as aggressively on fabrics as opposed to washing powder. Consider the type of filler and the appearance of the cover when choosing a pillow. Another sure way to avoid making a mistake is to study our instructions for choosing a pillow. High temperatures are the enemy of latex, polyurethane foam and other synthetics, fluff, wool, organics, so washing at temperatures above 40 degrees and ironing is prohibited.

How to wash pillows in the washing machine: safe washing rules 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. 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 a warm soapy solution. 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 of 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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