Pillows are an essential part of our daily comfort, but they often get neglected when it comes to cleaning. Over time, pillows accumulate dust, allergens, and oils from your skin, which can cause them to lose their shape, texture, and freshness. Pillow washing 101: Do’s and don’ts is here to help you understand how to properly clean your pillows, extend their lifespan, and ensure a hygienic sleep environment. Many people often forget to wash their pillows, which can lead to the buildup of dust, bacteria, and allergens over time. In this guide, we’ll share simple and effective steps to wash your pillows properly, ensuring they stay fresh and clean without causing any damage.
Why You Ought to Wash Your Pillows
Washing pillows is not high on your agenda, but you need to do it for your hygiene and health. While sleeping, your pillow collects sweat, body oils, dust, and dead skin cells. Unless you check them, the particles will form a breeding ground for bacteria and allergens, and this can result in skin irritation, allergies, and even respiratory disease. It’s really washing your pillows on a regular basis that keeps your health in check as well as keeps your pillow from losing its shape and softness, which guarantees good comfort and quality sleep.
Do’s of Pillow Washing
- Read the Label First
Always look at the care label before washing your pillow. Various pillows must be washed in different ways. For instance, pillows containing down will typically have to be hand-washed or washed on the delicate cycle, while synthetic pillows can most often be machine-washed. Instructions will tell you how to wash your pillow without destroying your pillow.
- Mild Detergent
Wash pillows with mild detergent. Mild chemicals or bleach can soften the fabric, leading to a loss of its wear resistance and softness. Mild, hypoallergenic detergents are gentle on the fabric but strong in cleaning. This will make the pillow fresh and comfortable.
- Wash Two Pillows at a Time
To provide a uniform wash and avoid the machine from becoming out of balance, two pillows should be washed simultaneously. This ensures even weight distribution in the washer. In case of washing a single pillow, a few towels should be added for balancing the load.
- Dry Thoroughly
Once you wash, you must dry your pillows thoroughly. Soaked pillows can potentially build up mold and mildew, making them stinky. You can dry pillows in the tumble dryer on low heat, and add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls into the tumble dryer so that they will fluff out when they dry. Air-drying, you must sit them correctly so that air will flow and turn them frequently for even drying.
Don’ts of Pillows Washing
- Don’t Fill the Washing Machine Too Much
It is easy to put a few pillows inside the washing machine and leave it, but filling the machine with several pillows will result in improper washing. Overcrowding also increases the likelihood of detergent residue, which is difficult to clean. Wash two pillows at one time for optimum results.
- Don’t Use Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners work well on bed sheets and towels but not on your pillow. They will destroy the fibers of the pillow and make it lose its fluffiness. Fabric softeners also deposit residues that will disrupt the breathability of the pillow. Just add some baking soda in the wash cycle to eliminate odors and keep the pillow smelling fresh.
- Don’t Skip the Rinse Cycle
Skipping the rinse cycle will result in soapy pillows and can make your skin irritable or harden your pillows. Always do an additional rinse cycle if you notice the pillow still has detergent in it. You should rinse all soap so that the pillow will not become hard and lose its comfort.
- Steer Clear of High Heat
Excessive heat might distort the filling material in your pillow, making it become lumpy or deformed. Low to medium drying of pillows is always advisable, and in case of opportunity, air-dry them under the sun. This way, the fabric is not exposed to too much heat, which may destroy the quality of the pillow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Are all pillows machine-washable?
It is not possible to wash all pillows in a machine. Always refer to the care label to know if your pillow is machine-washable or needs special care.
- How often do I need to wash pillows?
Shampoo pillows every 3-6 months, or according to whatever is your usage frequency. You will have to do them more frequently if you are allergic or if your pillow gets dirty.
- May I dry my pillow using a dryer?
Yes, you can put most pillows in the dryer, but always use a low heat setting so you don’t ruin the fabric and the filling. Add dryer balls or tennis balls with them to fluff them out while they dry.
- How do I eliminate a smelly pillow?
If your pillow smells bad, wash it in baking soda to eliminate the odor. Dry it completely after washing.
- Are there some pillows which cannot be washed?
Memory foam pillows specifically never need to be washed in a washer. Wash stains off of them using a mild soap instead, and dry them off with air.
Why Choose Us?
We also know that pillow care is key to a comfortable and healthy sleeping environment. Our skilled pillow washing 101: do’s and don’ts assists you on how best to keep your pillows in the best condition. We have a range of wonderful pillows and bedding products made with the finest comfort and durability in mind, so you can sleep as comfortably as possible.
Conclusion
Learning how to fluff pillows so they are soft and fresh with proper washing methods will not only make you more at ease, but also healthier and better rested. Following pillow washing 101: do’s and don’ts will keep your pillows in top condition, giving the support and cleanliness necessary for quality sleep. We provide the better-quality products and guidance to keep your pillows at their best, so you can sleep peacefully.
Get Started Today
Stop by Soap Club Queen today and see our selection of soft, top-quality pillows and keep reading more of our expert tips on how to keep pillows soft and smelling fresh!
Start caring for your pillows properly for healthier, better sleep.