How To Wash Pillows In The Washing Machine. Do you know that your pillow can be one of the dirtiest things in your room? Pillows can become dirty and have bacteria on them if they are not regularly cleaned or replaced. So how about washing your pillows in the washing machine?
According to experts, a typically used pillow has anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million house dust mites and their waste. We should wash pillows at least once every six months to prevent these tiny creatures from causing any harm to us and our family members,
Why Are Washing Pillows In The Washing Machine Important?
Washing your pillows on a regular basis is important for many reasons.
- For one, washing the pillow will help to remove dirt and dust that have accumulated through time.
- Secondly, you are able to get rid of germs that may have been collected due to being in contact with your body while sleeping.
- Lastly, you can help keep the life of each pillow by washing it regularly.
There are many ways by which we can clean our pillows. However, today I am going to discuss how to wash pillows in the washing machine in my blog post. So stay tuned!
When Should You Wash Pillows?
The Best Time To Wash And Clean Pillows
The answer to the question of when you should wash pillows is not as simple as it may seem.
Many people think that pillows only need to be washed once a year, but this is not true.
As I have already mentioned above, cleaning pillows once every six months is necessary because that would help in removing dust mites and their waste.
However, we recommend washing pillows every 3 months to keep them clean and fresh!
All in all, wash your pillows on a regular basis. This way they’ll remain clean and fresh-smelling for you or whoever sleeps on them. If not washed regularly, the pillows will become dirty very quickly which leads to health problems such as allergies or respiratory infections.
How to Wash Pillows In The Washing Machine – Based on Their Stuffing Material
The process of washing your pillows is not the same for all types of pillow fillings. So when you are washing your pillows, it is best to pay attention to what kind of filling is present in each one. This way you will be able to clean them properly and also they’ll look fresh following the washing process.
How to Wash Feather Pillows In The Washer
This type of pillow is good to wash in the washing machine.
However, feather pillows can take a long time to dry. Therefore, it is best if to hang them out in the sun for as long as possible after washing. It will also help if you use a special pillowcase to protect feathers from getting squished inside the pillow cover.
How to Wash Memory Foam Pillows In The Washing Machine
If however, you have a memory foam-based pillow, then you should not wash it in the machine. The foam will absorb water and disintegrate when washed. You have to hand wash it or dry clean it instead.
How to Wash Polyester Pillows
Polyester is not a kind of material that can get easily damaged during the washing process. So if you have this type of pillow, then I would suggest you wash it in the washing machine with cold water.
How to Wash Gel Pillows In The Washing Machine
This type of pillow is best to wash by hand. However, the water will not damage it if they are thrown into the washing machine with cold water. But you have to handle it with utmost care.
How to Wash Pillows in a Washing Machine?
Once you have figured out what kind of pillow you want to wash, you can proceed towards washing them in the washing machine. But first, take a look at all the supplies you will need to wash your pillow in the washer.
Supplies Needed
- A Washing machine
- A big tub or laundry sink for soaking
- Laundry detergent
- Washing soda
- Bleach
- Dryer/Tennis Balls
- A Dryer
Steps To Wash Pillows In your Washer
Follow these steps to know what is the best way to wash your pillows in the washing machine:
Pre-treat pillow cover for stain removal
Mix a small amount of detergent with 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution to remove stains on the pillow cover, allow to soak for several minutes.
Put Pillows in Washing Machine
Now put two pillows in the washing machine at once to retain the balance of your washing machine. If you have a removable link, remove it so that your pillow is loose and lays flat in the washer.
If you do not have a removable center then place them in the middle of the tub. You can also use rubber bands to hold them down while they are in the washing machine.
Add a mixture of washing products to get germ free and clean pillows
Now add laundry detergent, 1/4 cup washing soda, a little amount of bleach to your washer along with two pillows. Place the pillow cover on top of them.
Pour in water and start washing your pillows
Fill your washing machine with water. Water temperature mostly depends on the fabric of the pillow covers you are washing. Now start the washing machine to wash away dirt and germs.
The extra rinse cycle is best To Clean Pillows
You must add an extra rinse cycle to your washing cycle to remove all detergent residue from the pillows and make them germ-free.
Dry pillows in the dryer with dryer balls
Now dry your pillows in the dryer on very low to low heat for 15-20 minutes.
Add two or three dryer or tennis balls to help fluff and separate your pillows as they dry and keep them from clumping together. It will also help remove wrinkles from pillow covers which were caused by too much detergent residue left during washing.
Check for moisture after drying cycle
Remove pillows from the washing machine when the drying cycle finishes. To make sure they are completely dry, feel the moisture after they are washed and dried. A little bit of squeezing can tell you the exact situation.
The wetness of the pillow indicates how much water is still in your pillow. If it is still damp or wet, run another dry cycle to dry it completely.
Once the pillow is completely dried, remove it from the dryer or place where you have kept it for drying. Now fluff it up with your hands to make the pillow fill fluffy again.
Use a pillow protector to prevent damage
To protect your clean pillows from being damaged from wear and tear, you can use a pillow protector. It is a kind of bag or cover that covers the entire pillow and protects it from dirt and germs as well as allows it to breathe freely.
After washing pillows in this way, your feather or down pillow will be clean and germ-free.
Tips To Cleaning Your Pillows
- Always read the instruction labels attached to your pillows and their covers.
- Do not use any detergent you do not know or is incompatible with the fabric of your pillow’s cover, as it can cause damage to your pillow.
- Wash Pillows at least once in six months. Even if you have a feather or synthetic pillows, it is always better to wash them often.
- Remove pillow covers before washing them in the washing machine.
- It is healthier to wash pillows in hot water instead of cold water as detergents dissolve better in hot temperatures.
- Use a high-quality liquid laundry detergent to wash your pillows to remove any dirt from the pillow cover. It will also help remove stains from feather or down-filled pillows for better results.
- White vinegar and baking soda is good option to remove germs, bad smell, and stains from your pillows.
- Add tennis balls or dryer balls during the drying cycle to fluff and separate your pillows.
- Dry your pillow completely before using it to get rid of moisture.
- Don’t forget to use a pillow protector whenever you are through with washing your pillows.
- Once done, be sure to fluff up the pillows again before putting them back on your bed for use.
- Moreover, fluffing your pillows regularly will help them stay in perfect shape for longer.
- Hang your pillow regularly on a clothesline on a sunny day to remove dust mites, odor, and bacteria.
- Finally, store your pillow in a covered plastic bag to keep it safe and covered from dust and bugs which cause allergies and dirt buildup on the pillow.
When Should You Replace Your Pillows?
There are a number of factors that can affect how often you need to replace your pillow. This includes the type of pillow and the environment in which you sleep.
However, at some point, every person has to replace their pillows. Some people might be able to get away with a few years of use before they need to buy new ones, but other people will start waking up in the morning with neck pain or headaches from an uncomfortable night’s sleep.
The best way to know when it is time for you to change your pillow is by paying attention to how often you wake up during the night and if you’re feeling stiff after a long day at work. If this sounds like you, then it may be time for a new set of pillows!
In addition, different people have different levels of sensitivity to allergens such as dust mites and pet dander; someone who is particularly sensitive might want to change their bedding more frequently than someone who isn’t bothered by these things.
We recommend replacing your pillow if it is more than 2 years old. It should be considered for replacement because of the potential health risks.
FAQs
Can you wash feather pillows?
Yes, with no problem. All types of pillows can be washed in the washing machine with high-quality detergent. However, it is recommended to be careful when drying down or feather-filled pillows because they are very delicate and might lose feathers if dried at high temperatures.
Is it safe to wash pillows in the washing machine?
Yes, it is very safe. You can wash all types of pillows in the washing machine including feather and down pillows which are one the most difficult to clean because they shed feathers easily. To avoid this you should put them in a pillow protector before washing or have your pillow professionally cleaned if it sheds too much.
How do you wash pillows without ruining them?
It is recommended to read the labels on your pillows and their covers to be sure you are using products compatible with them. Use a high-quality detergent and make sure you read the labels to avoid damaging your pillows. You can even use hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar for more effective cleaning. Always wash your pillows in hot water instead of cold water to remove dirt faster and dissolve detergents. Using a gentle washing cycle is also recommended.
Can I put pillows in the dryer?
Yes, you can put pillows in the dryer. But dry your pillows at very low heat for up to 20 minutes. Remember to take out the pillow from the dryer as soon as it is done.
How long do you wash pillows in the washing machine?
It depends on how dirty your pillow is. In most cases, you should be able to clean it completely by washing it for 20 minutes. If you want to be sure that your pillow is thoroughly cleaned, you should use a high-quality detergent and hot water. This will guarantee that all germs, dirt, and stains are removed.
Can you put pillows in the dryer on high heat?
No. you must not put pillows in the dryer on high heat. Doing this will result in wrinkles all over your pillows. Moreover, this might damage your pillow stuffing or cover.
When should you replace feather pillows?
You should replace your feather pillows after every two years. If you notice odd odors, stains, and tears in the fabric of your pillow, or if it is more than 2 years old, it is time to buy a new one.
How often should you fluff your pillows?
It is recommended to fluff your pillows at least once per month. When you don't do it, the pillow loses its shape and becomes flat. This makes your sleep uncomfortable.
How to clean pillows that can't be washed?
You should try to clean pillows that can't be washed by vacuuming them first. If the stains are still visible, you might want to dry clean them which is a good solution if pillows have special designs and patterns. However, this depends on the quality of your pillows.
What type of washing machine is suitable to wash pillows?
It is best if you use a front-loading machine to wash pillows. This type of washing machine doesn't cause harm to your pillows and can help you clean them thoroughly without damaging their shape or cover, unlike top-loading machines.
How to wash decorative pillows?
You can wash decorative pillows made from cotton or silk in your washing machine without any problem. However, before putting them into the machine check that they are not dry clean only to avoid damaging them.
CONCLUSION
Pillows, a key ingredient in any bedroom, need to be regularly laundered to ensure a good night’s sleep.
There are many ways to wash pillows but using a washing machine with a good detergent is the safest and most efficient way to get rid of germs while ensuring your pillow stays soft and fluffy.
This article on how to wash pillows in the washing machine covers all the steps you will need to follow for safely cleaning your pillows with ease.
I hope that my blog post today was helpful and informative, if you like it then please share it with your friends and family. I would also appreciate your support by leaving a comment or two, thanks!
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