Buzz
Regularly washing your pillows is necessary to eliminate accumulated dirt, sweat, and oils. If your pillow has turned yellow or hasn’t been washed in over six months, you should consider using one of the following cleaning methods.
Steps
Washing Cotton, Feather, and Synthetic Pillows
Remove the pillow cover. If your pillow has a cover or a protective layer, take it off. Some pillows come with zippered covers that need to be removed and washed separately.
Place the pillows in the washing machine. There’s no need to worry, as washing pillows in a machine is generally safe (even down pillows). It’s recommended to wash at least two pillow inserts simultaneously to maintain the machine’s balance and prevent excessive tossing.
Add detergent to the machine. For a regular wash cycle, use a standard cup or spoonful of detergent. To brighten the pillows, consider adding the following to the detergent: 1 cup of dish soap, the recommended amount of bleach, and ½ cup of borax.
Start the washing cycle. Adjust the washing machine settings to use hot water and include an extra rinse cycle. Opt for the "heavy-duty" setting if available. Then, let the machine do its job!
Transfer the pillows to the dryer. Place the pillows in the dryer and adjust the settings; use the "delicate" or "no heat" option for down pillows. For synthetic pillows, set the dryer to low heat.
Dry the pillows thoroughly. Toss two tennis balls into a clean white sock and add them to the dryer to fluff the pillows and reduce drying time. Then, start the dryer!
Check the pillows. Once the dryer cycle is complete, remove the pillows and feel them to check for moisture. Smell the pillows to detect any dampness in the center. If the pillows aren’t completely dry, repeat the drying process and check again. Otherwise, your pillows are clean and ready to use!
Washing Memory Foam Pillows
Remove the pillow cover. Before washing, take off the pillow cover or protective layer. Most memory foam pillows come with zippered covers that need to be removed. These can be washed separately in the washing machine.
Fill the tub with water. Washing machines are too harsh for delicate memory foam, so these pillows should be hand-washed. Fill a tub (or basin) with warm water, ensuring it’s just enough to submerge the pillows.
Add detergent to the water. Mix one tablespoon of laundry detergent into the water for each pillow. Stir the water by hand until it becomes soapy.
Washing the pillow. Submerge the pillow in water and swirl it around to ensure the detergent penetrates evenly. Gently scrub and wring it by hand to remove dirt and clean it thoroughly from the inside out.
Rinsing the pillow. Rinse the pillow under cold water. Ensure all soap is thoroughly washed out, checking for soap bubbles as the water runs clear. This rinsing process may take a few minutes longer than washing.
Drying the pillow. High heat can damage and break down the memory foam, so avoid placing memory foam pillows in the dryer. Instead, lay the pillow on a clean white towel in a dry area. If possible, dry the pillow in direct sunlight.
Inspecting the pillow. Memory foam tends to retain water for extended periods due to its porous material. Before use, ensure no moisture remains inside the pillow to prevent mold growth.
Advice
- It is recommended to wash your pillows 2-3 times annually to eliminate accumulated sweat, body oils, dandruff, and dust.
- Inspect your pillows to determine if they need replacement. Fold the pillow in half; if it stays folded, it’s too old and should be replaced. If it regains its original shape, it’s still in good condition and only requires thorough cleaning. On average, pillows should be replaced every two years.
- Decorative throw pillows on sofas can be washed similarly to bed pillows. Just remember to remove their covers for protection.
