Introduction
Washing pillows regularly is important to keep them fresh, clean, and allergen-free. However, washing pillows improperly can damage them or fail to remove allergens. Follow these tips to properly wash pillows and keep them in optimal condition.
When to Wash Pillows
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Wash pillows every 6 months – Pillows accumulate sweat, oils, dead skin cells, dust mites, and other allergens over time. Washing them twice a year helps remove these buildups.
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Wash pillows that smell musty or look dirty – Don’t wait for the 6-month timeline if pillows seem dirty or have an odor. Wash them right away in this case.
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Wash pillows after illnesses – Viruses and bacteria can transfer to pillowcases and pillows. Wash them after recovering from colds, flu or other contagious illnesses.
How to Wash Pillows
Preparation
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Read pillow labels – Check for washing instructions and materials. Look for “machine washable” and avoid “dry clean only.”
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Check for stains – Pretreat any visible stains with stain remover before washing. This helps lift stains.
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Use a mild detergent – Harsh detergents can damage pillows. Choose a mild liquid detergent without dyes or fragrances.
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Use tennis balls – Place 2-3 tennis balls in with pillows. They help beat up and fluff up pillows during washing.
Washing Steps
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Wash pillows individually or in pairs for best results.
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Use the gentle or delicate cycle on warm water. The delicate cycle helps preserve pillows.
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Rinse pillows twice to remove all detergent residue. Detergent buildup can accelerate yellowing or allergens sticking to pillows.
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Air fluff pillows in the dryer on low heat or no heat. Avoid high heat, which can damage pillows.
Drying Time
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Let pillows air dry completely before using or putting pillowcases on. Wet pillows can grow mold.
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It may take 24 hours for pillows to fully dry after washing. Shake pillows occasionally to distribute filling and speed drying.
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Consider drying pillows outside on a breezy day or use a fan indoors to help circulation.
Use Proper Materials
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Choose the right pillow fill – Down, feathers, poly-fill and memory foam are machine washable. Avoid dry clean-only fills like latex.
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Get pillow protectors – Use waterproof or allergen-blocking protectors to keep pillows clean between washes.
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Use cotton pillowcases – Cotton allows airflow to keep pillows fresh. Change pillowcases 1-2 times a week.
When to Replace Pillows
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Replace pillows that are over 2-3 years old. Washing cannot fully restore older pillows.
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Look for yellowing and clumping, signs it’s time to replace a pillow.
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Replace pillows if washing fails to restore loft and comfort.
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Consider allergen-blocking pillows if allergies are an issue.
Washing pillows regularly and properly is important for health and hygiene. Follow these tips to keep pillows fresh and allergen-free while maximizing their lifespan. Proper materials and handling make pillow care easier. Replace pillows timely when washing no longer restores them.
