How to Wash Pillows

Introduction

Regularly washing your pillows is an important part of keeping them clean and free of dust mites and other allergens. Pillows can easily accumulate dirt, sweat, and other sources of bacteria that could cause your head to have an unpleasant odour. Washing one's pillows regularly can help ensure they remain in the best condition possible for many years to come.

It is possible to keep your pillows clean without any specialist equipment or processes, however, some people may prefer more thorough methods such as using a washer and dryer for larger loads. Different types of materials used in the making of a pillow will require different methods of cleaning. Learning how to safely wash a pillow can help you save time and money by shopping less often for replacements.

Reasons for Cleaning Pillows

Pillows can quickly accumulate dirt, dust, dead skin cells, body oils, and even bacteria over time. Although pillowcases are designed to help protect pillows from these elements, they alone are often not enough to prevent the accumulation of contaminants on pillow surfaces. Additionally, if a person has allergies or respiratory issues such as asthma, cleanliness becomes even more important in creating a safe environment for proper sleep. It's recommended by experts in the healthcare industry that pillows should be cleaned at least twice per year to keep their surfaces clean and to preserve the quality of the pillow over time. Cleaning methods vary depending on the materials used in making the pillows and specific instructions provided by manufacturers.

Types of Pillows

To best care for your pillow, first, you must understand what type of pillow it is. Knowing which materials and fillings are used to make your pillow will help you find the most appropriate cleaning method. Some of the most common types of pillows are down or feather, synthetic or foam, latex and faux down or polyester fill.

Down or Feather Pillows: Down and feathers are natural materials that can provide excellent comfort and extended life when cared for properly. Many have a removable cover which should be cleaned separately from the inner filling. The outer covers can usually be machine-washed in cold water with mild detergent and tumble-dried on low heat setting with tennis balls added to help fluff up the pillow as drying takes place. Usually, these pillows should not be submerged in water as they tend to clump when wet. Spot-cleaning by hand with mild soap is advised if only a small area needs some extra attention.

Synthetic Pillows: Synthetic pillows may consist of several different types of synthetics including polyester which is one of the more popular ones used today. These pillows can often be machine-washed on a gentle cycle in cold water using mild detergent and are also safe to dry in low heat settings either in the dryer with tennis balls as mentioned above for down-filled pillows, or outside on a clothesline under mild sunshine – allowing them plenty of time to dry thoroughly so that mould does not form inside or underneath its outer layer from dampness remaining trapped within. Be sure to fluff them periodically until completely dried out before storage or use again!

Different Cleaning Methods

Depending on the type of pillow and desired cleaning method, there are many different ways to properly maintain your pillows. Below are several top recommended techniques for keeping your pillows clean, fresh and comfortable:

- Vacuuming: Vacuum pillows regularly at least once a month. Use the hose attachment to run a low suction over both sides of the pillow to remove dirt and dust build-up. If a vacuum cleaner is not available, you can lightly beat the pillow on the floor so any dust particles can be shaken off before washing or spot cleaning.

- Handwashing: Pillows that need an all-over deep clean but are too delicate for machine washing can instead be hand washed in cold water and mild detergent or soap. Make sure you air dry this type of pillow to reduce any dampness left behind as well as avoid shrinkage.

-Machine Washing: Many brands recommend machine washing only when necessary with delicate settings with cool water and gentle detergents or soaps, such as Dreft or Woolite. Air drying is once again recommended rather than putting the pillow in a hot dryer - doing so can cause shrinkage that cannot be undone. After it has been fully dried, fluff it back to its original shape for extra softness!

- Dry Cleaning: Some fabric varieties aren't suitable for home laundry machines or handwashing such as down pillows which generally require professional dry cleaning services because of their fragile nature. To avoid confusion double check each specific type of fabric before attempting any kind of wash after getting advice from your local experts on special treatments needed for sensitive fabrics including dust mite resistance treatments as well as sanitizing options available in most carpet cleaners nowadays.

Supplies Needed

When it comes to properly clean your pillows, having the right supplies on hand is essential. To begin, gather items such as a mild detergent or detergent specifically made for delicates, vinegar, a washing machine, large buckets or tubs for soaking, and terry cloth towels. Depending on the type of pillow you are washing and the amount of dirt and grime accumulation, you may also need to acquire more specialized supplies.

Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your pillows clean and fresh is an important part of good hygiene and overall health. Let’s take a look at the simple steps you can follow to keep your pillows clean.

Step 1: Start by checking the manufacturer’s instructions on washing the pillows; this will let you know what kind of water temperature, cycle length, etc., is recommended for a particular pillow. If you plan to clean more than one pillow at a time, set aside a washing machine that can accommodate all of them.

Step 2: Pre-treat any problem areas of the pillow before placing it into the washing machine. This includes any stains or odours that may be present on the fabric or in the stuffing of the pillows. Use spot-cleaning solutions to treat these areas thoroughly before putting them into the machine.

Step 3: Put two bath towels into the washing machine along with your pillow(s). This will act as additional padding and help protect them during their wash cycle. Make sure you are using cold water when washing, as hot water can damage some fabrics or de-fluff certain kinds of stuffing materials.

Step 4: Add an appropriate detergent suited to both fabric material and stuffing material according to manufacturer recommendations before turning on the machine, then select either a gentle/delicate cycle or handwash setting as instructed by your manufacturer labels.

Step 5: Following completion of the wash cycle for both towels and pillows, place them in the dryer on a low heat setting; this will help fluff up pillow material and remove excess moisture from all fabrics involved in the wash cycle – keep everything looking great!  

Additional Tips & Warnings: Always double-check manufacturer instructions for maximum load size caution when placing multiple items in washer/dryer machines—you don’t want anything getting damaged! And if you value their shape & texture, don't ever put them through dry cleaner!

Troubleshooting Tips

If your pillows aren't as fluffy and comfortable as they used to be, consider a thorough cleaning. Just like any other form of bedding, pillows should be cleaned regularly to maintain their quality and avoid dust mites, dust and dirt buildup. Here are some troubleshooting tips for cleaning your pillows:

• Choose an appropriate detergent. Use mild liquid detergent specifically designed for washing delicate fabrics. Never use bleach or oxygen-based bleach on wool or down-filled pillows!

• If the pillow includes a care label, read it carefully before beginning the cleaning process. The care instructions are likely to include specific information about water temperature, type of detergent and any additional items you should avoid using when washing your pillow.

• Clean smaller pillows by hand in the sink or bathtub — choose lukewarm water so you don’t damage delicate fibres! Thoroughly soak the pillow in the soapy water, working it with your hands or a soft scrub brush if necessary. After soaking for 15 minutes, turn off the taps and drain the tub/sink. Rinse out all of the soap suds until there are no bubbles left in the tub/sink. Then fill with cool rinse water to remove any remaining soap residue from within the pillow-filling fibres.

• With larger pillows (for example King Size), you may prefer to use a washing machine — choose warm if available, but never hot! Set your washer on a gentle cycle (caution: down comforters will create a huge mess if put into an agitator-style washer), add mild liquid laundry detergent according to instructions on the bottle, place one pillow at a time inside the machine and run on normal cycle until complete — this process may take up to three wash/rinse cycles depending upon the degree of soiling present within pillow; however, after rinsing it’s best to set machine timer for extra rinse cycle(s). Wash two at a time if dryer space is an issue; just remember that large comforters can become tangled up inside the drum of front-loading machines during the spin cycle…so watch carefully!

Conclusion

To wrap up, regular cleaning of your pillows is essential to maintain their health, quality, and comfort. You should wash your pillows at least twice a year or as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. This practice helps protect you and your family from allergens, dirt, debris and dust mites. Properly cleaning your pillows is also an important factor in extending their life span. When it comes time to replace them, you should follow the same diligence when choosing a pillow; research the product well so you know exactly what is inside it.