
Easy Tips for Cleaning Pillows
This post may include “affiliate links,” wherein we receive a small commission if you make a purchase using the link. However, all opinions are our own and we only endorse or link to products and services that we genuinely recommend. Please see our full disclosure.
Have you ever taken your pillowcase off of your pillow and notice how dingy your pillow is becoming? This happened to me and I made the decision to buy a new pillow. After I made the new purchase I got to thinking I should try cleaning pillows before jumping to buy new.
Cleaning Pillows
After reading a few articles about hygiene for pillows you come to realize your pillow is not always the cleanest thing to sleep on. Experts recommend cleaning pillows every three to six months. This reduces allergens and improves hygiene.
Feather Pillows
These pillows are machine washable. Carefully check for tears in the material before laundering. You don’t want to open up your washer to find a heck of a lot of feathers sticking to the side walls. When washing use just a bit of detergent on delicate with a second rinse cycle. Tumble dry on low heat. Make sure to remove and fluff often while drying. Tip: tennis balls can be added to the dryer to help with fluffing. Remember, pillows take longer to dry than clothing. If they smell wet or musty, place in direct sunlight until they are dry.
Foam Pillows
The pillows cannot be machine washed. The foam is heavy and can be easily torn once wet. Some may be hand washable or have removable covers for washing. Make sure to pay close attention to the care instructions. Vacuum both sides with an upholstery attachment if you are removing dust from a foam pillow. If you want to freshen it up, use a no-heat dryer cycle for 20 minutes. Spot clean with a mild detergent and water solution is a good thing to do if something has spilled on the pillow. Once the spot cleaning is complete rinse with a damp cloth. Allow the pillow to dry completely before use.
Down and Fiberfill
These pillows are machine washable. To make sure the drum is balanced wash two pillows at the same time. For top-loading machines with a center spindle or agitator, place pillows vertically to prevent them from getting wrapped around the agitator. Use warm water on a gentle cycle with an extra cold-water rinse and spin. Tumble dry on low heat, removing and fluffing often. Tip: use rubber dryer balls or tennis balls to keep the filling from clumping.
When It’s Time to Say Goodbye
If notice after your pillow does not spring back after folding it in half, it is time to replace it.
That’s it! Seems simple enough right? Have any additional tips for washing and cleaning pillows? Leave a comment below!
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