Knowing how to wash your pillow is not only an act of hygiene, it is also an act of taking care of your health. Many studies show that our pillows harbor a large number of bacteria in the form of dead skin cells, body oils, and more. In fact, cleaning a new pillow only lasts a few weeks, after which the accumulation of bacteria increases rapidly, causing possible respiratory and skin problems. Therefore, to help you with this issue, here are the best tips on how to wash your pillow.
How to wash a pillow by hand or in the washing machine without damaging it?
How to wash a pillow by hand
Especially if your pillows are made of memory foam, you’ll need to wash them by hand. Vigorously tossing them through a washing machine (and dryer) can leave memory foam pillows lumpy and unusable. Therefore, hand washing this type of material is highly recommended. It’s the safest way to clean a memory foam pillow and is extremely effective at sanitizing the material if done correctly. The guide below will take a little time and effort, but it will get the job done in the end.
Dust off the debris
When it comes to washing pillows, even with a pillowcase, secretions from your scalp, fine particles like dust and dead skin cells, and hair can all work their way into the material and hide or settle into your pillow. While washing your pillow will kill the bacteria that are hiding inside the foam, you can remove most of the debris by hitting the pillow hard enough to loosen it from the surface. This will help clean your pillow effectively without getting excess debris into the mix.
Soak in hot water and detergent
Since pillows aren’t exactly small items, you’ll need a basin or tub large enough to submerge one in water. Rinse the tub thoroughly before filling it with hot water, then add a capful (or 2 tablespoons) of liquid laundry detergent. Swirl or agitate the water so the detergent mixes properly and creates bubbles before placing the pillow in. For the stirring part, use a long ladle or something that will keep your hand from touching the hot water.
Hand Wash
Wait until the water is lukewarm before beginning this step. It is important that you use proper hand techniques to thoroughly wash your pillow without damaging the foam. During this process, you will need to drain and refill the tub with a fresh solution of water and detergent at least 3 or 4 times for effective cleaning. Room temperature water is fine after pre-washing, as warm water will kill bacteria on the pillows and help break down stains before you begin cleaning.
Rinse
When washing a pillow, it is important to remove all traces of detergent from the pillow, as many cleaning agents can cause skin and eye irritation. To ensure that you rinse your pillow thoroughly, place it under running water and gently squeeze the pillow to remove the detergent.
Dry the Pillow
Just like a washing machine, a dryer can also damage memory foam pillows in a number of ways. In addition to the vigorous spinning, high heat can cause the foam to crumble, so it’s imperative to dry your memory foam pillow using proper drying methods. The best and quickest way to safely dry memory foam is to dry it in the sun. Not to mention, this can also prevent mold from growing.
How to wash pillows in a washing machine
Now that you know how to wash pillows by hand, let’s see which models are suitable for washing in the washing machine. This method is recommended for: synthetic, down, and cotton pillows. Washing pillows in the washing machine is quite easy, as it requires less time and effort, however, there is a right and wrong way to do it. The right way will ensure that your pillows go through a safe, effective, and damage-free machine wash cycle. Here are the steps you need to follow to achieve these results.
Fill the bathtub and add detergent
Fill the machine with hot water and add 1 cup of laundry detergent. If there are stains on your pillows, add 1 cup of bleach to the water, along with 1/2 cup of dishwashing detergent. This combination is great for removing stains from carpets and other types of fabrics or materials. Be sure to stir the water to dissolve the powders and mix them properly before adding your pillows.
Put 2 or 4 pillows in the washing machine
Depending on the type and size of your washing machine, it is advisable to wash two or four pillows at a time. This ensures proper balance within the washer and eliminates excess tossing, which can damage the pillows. It is advisable to remove hair and debris from the outer material of the pillows in the same manner as previously mentioned.
Start the machine
To combat stains, as well as remove any traces of detergent from pillows, the recommended cycle will be the longest your machine offers and should include at least two rinse cycles. A hot water cycle is typically recommended when washing pillows because it provides the deeper clean that is needed for dense materials.
Turn the Pillows After the 1st Wash
After your machine drains the first wash, stop it before refilling. At this point, flip and adjust the pillows for a thorough and complete cleaning. Restart the machine and let it complete the rest of the cycle without interference.
Put them in the dryer
If you have the 'air' setting on your dryer, this is fine for down pillows, while synthetic pillows can use a bit of heat when they're in the dryer. Set the dryer to the lowest possible time, the idea here is to remove any excess water before drying the pillows as mentioned earlier.
How to wash a pillow in the washing machine?
Watch the video below and check out more tips on how to wash pillows in the machine, these are important steps that you need to know.
How to wash a pillow without rubbing, without using bleach or even chlorine?
How to wash a pillow without getting it wet?
Whether you’re washing your pillows by hand or in the washing machine, avoid doing it the wrong way by following one of the correct guides above.
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