4 Simple Steps to Wash Pillows
Your pillow is one of the most important parts of your bedroom, along with your bed. So, if you’ve noticed a stain or odour coming out of your pillow, then it’s time to get it cleaned.
For those who are struggling with that part, you don’t have to worry anymore! In this guide, we provided simple steps on how to properly wash pillows.
Should you wash your pillow by hand or by washing machine?
Before washing your pillow, you need to identify the material it’s made of. That way, you’ll be able to avoid damaging the quality of your pillow by using wrong cleaning methods.
Typically, there are various types of pillows based on their pillow fills. To give you an insight, here are some examples with their corresponding laundry requirement:
- Memory foam or latex – washed by hand
- Down or feather – washing machine approved
- Buckwheat hulls – washed by hand
- Polyester – washing machine approved
One major laundry problem when it comes to pillows is that people often don’t know whether they should wash it by hand or by a washing machine. If that’s the case, it’s better to research first rather than risk permanent pillow disfigurement.
Step 1: Remove Its Cover and Air It Out
Once you’ve identified what material your pillow is made of, you can proceed on removing its cover and airing it out. During a sunny day, hang your pillows for a few hours outside to eliminate dust mites and deodorise.
Some pillows have additional zip-on cases, so make sure to remove it and wash it separately if that’s the case. After hanging it outside, you can start washing it.
Step 2: Put Your Pillows in the Washing Machine or Tub
For pillows made of down or feather and polyester, you can simply wash it by using a washing machine. You can try washing 2 to 3 pillows at once depending on the size of your pillow, of course.
Make sure that there’s enough space inside the washing machine for the pillows to spin. If you want your pillows to be extra white or super clean, you can add 1 cup of powdered dishwasher detergent and ½ cup of Borax Laundry Booster on top of your laundry detergent.
Take note that buckwheat hulls, memory foam, and latex pillows should be washed by hand. These materials can easily break and should be carefully massaged or squeezed.
To wash these pillows, you can fill a tub with warm water and add a tablespoon of laundry detergent. Then, swirl the pillow around gently until it’s evenly mixed with bubbles.
Step 3: Let It Dry Thoroughly
You can choose between putting your pillow in the dryer or to hang it outdoors. Keep in mind that memory foams are still a no-go for the dryer, so it’s better to let it air dry instead.
For those using a dryer, ensure that you’ve adjusted its setting to no-heat to maintain the pillow’s fluff. Due to the risk of mildew, it’s crucial for the pillows to completely dry.
Step 4: Check Your Pillow
To ensure that your pillow is still fluffy, check for dampness or moisture. You can also smell it if you want to make sure it’s perfectly clean.
A quick tip: give your pillow daily fluffing to restore its shape. It can also help in removing dust and other build up of dirt.