Washing and caring for your pillows properly is key to ensuring they remain fresh, clean, and comfortable for years to come. With some simple tips and tricks, keeping your pillows in optimal condition doesn’t have to be a chore.
Why It’s Important to Wash Pillows
Over time, pillows accumulate dirt, oil, sweat, and allergens that can lead to discoloration and odor. Washing them regularly removes these contaminants, extends the life of the pillow, and provides a more hygienic place to rest your head each night. Beyond cleanliness, washing restores volume and fluff to flat, compressed pillows. Don’t wait until they look or smell dirty – follow the washing recommendations for each pillow’s material.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows
- Every 6 months for synthetic pillows
- Every 12-18 months for down or feather pillows
- Every few washes for pillow protectors
- When they appear dirty or yellow
- When they smell
Wash pillows more frequently if you sweat a lot at night or have oily skin/hair. Those with allergies may need to wash every 2-3 months.
Washing Machine or Hand Wash: What’s Best?
Washing machine: Most pillows can be machine washed and dried with no special care required. Use a gentle cycle and cooler water setting.
Hand wash: Recommended for down, feather, or delicate pillows. Submerge and gently scrub in a tub with mild detergent and cool water. Rinse thoroughly.
Machine washing is faster and easier but hand washing allows gentle cleaning of fragile pillows. Check the care label or manufacturer’s instructions to determine which method is recommended.
Step-by-Step Guide to Machine Washing Pillows
Follow these steps to safely clean your pillows in the washing machine:
- Read care instructions. Check the label for any special washing directions.
- Check for stains pre-treat if needed. Spot treat any visible stains with a stain remover or diluted vinegar before washing.
- Use a mild detergent. Liquid detergents work best. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners which can damage feathers or foam.
- Wash two pillows at a time. Balance the load. Use a gentle cycle with cool water.
- Add tennis balls. Place two clean tennis balls in with pillows. They’ll beat the stuffing back to full fluffiness.
- Rinse well. Use an extra rinse cycle to fully remove all detergent residues.
- Air fluff. Once washed, either machine dry on low or air fluff pillows outside in sunlight.
How to Hand Wash Pillows
For delicate pillows, the steps for hand washing are:
- Fill tub or basin with cool water and a mild detergent.
- Fully submerge pillows and gently squeeze and push them around to release dirt and suds up.
- Drain dirty water and refill tub. Repeat if needed until water runs clear.
- Rinse pillows thoroughly with clean cool water to remove all soap.
- Gently press pillows with a towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Lay flat on towels and air dry out of direct sunlight. Fluff often as they dry.
5 Tips for Proper Pillow Care
- Air fluff pillows daily by tossing and punching them to restore loft.
- Use a pillow protector to shield from body oils and keep cleaner between washes.
- Alternate sleeping on each side to evenly distribute head pressure and oils.
- Wash pillow protectors frequently, every few washes or when looking dirty.
- Replace old pillows every 1-2 years for cleanliness and support.
Conclusion:
Caring for your pillows properly with regular washing and daily air fluffing will help keep them fresh, allergen-free, and comfortable for nightly use. Adjust washing frequency based on pillow material and your individual needs. With some simple maintenance, your pillows will retain their shape, feel newer longer, and provide the restful sleep you deserve!
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Pillows
How do you know when it’s time to wash a pillow?
Some signs your pillow needs washing include visible yellowing or stains, clumpy or flattened areas, musty or sour odors, increase in allergies, or simply hitting the recommended washing timeframe of every 6-18 months.
Can you put pillows in the dryer?
Yes, most pillows can go in the dryer on a low or no heat tumble setting. Always check care instructions first. Foam or polyester pillows may require air drying. Avoid high heat which can damage or misshape pillows.
How do you dry pillows without a dryer?
It’s easy to air dry pillows without a dryer. After washing, gently press out excess moisture with towels. Lay pillows flat on top of dry towels in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Fluff and turn pillows as they dry to distribute fill and speed drying time.
How do you fluff a pillow after washing?
After machine washing, dryer tumbling on low, or air drying, fluff pillows thoroughly. Repeatedly punch, squeeze, and shake pillows to restore their loft before putting pillowcases back on. Fluff again if they flatten while drying.
Can you put feather pillows in the washing machine?
Yes, you can wash feather pillows in the washing machine but take care to use a gentle cycle and cool water setting. Machine drying risks damage so it’s safest to air fluff feather pillows after washing. Check labels for any special care recommendations.
How do hotels wash their pillows?
Hotels typically have large industrial washers to clean all bedding, including pillows, after each guest stay. This involves washing on a sanitizing cycle with bleach or other commercial grade detergents, then machine drying. Pillow protectors safeguard pillows during frequent hotel washings.