Good restful sleep depends heavily on the pillow. Also, a clean pillow will make you feel better. Inside it lives a large number of microorganisms that can cause illness, so you must learn how to wash a pillow.
Some housewives believe that it is unnecessary to wash a pillow. They simply change the cover regularly. However, no matter how often you wash the pillowcases, over time, the dust will start to collect inside.
Correct washing should be done 2 or 3 times a year. If you neglect this procedure, mites and microbes can find a place to stay on pillows, which can cause allergic reactions in people.
How to wash a pillow?
The complexity of washing a pillow will depend on the filling. There are four main types of pillows: feather pillows, synthetic-filled pillows, natural-filled pillows, and eco-fiber pillows, each cleaned differently.
Washing a pillow can be very simple if you apply the correct techniques. Learn with us how to clean each one according to its filling, you can use a washing machine or simply by hand. We will also give you some recommendations for a good wash.
Wash down pillows
Cleaning a feather pillow is a time-consuming process. If the pillow has not been washed for a long time, it is better to give it to the laundry. There they will clean it with special equipment and cleaning products to disinfect it.
However, if the pillow’s condition is good, it is possible to wash it at home. This should be done in two parts, washing the feathers and the cover separately, carefully removing the filling to avoid feathers flying everywhere.
Use preferably liquid detergent to wash wool and use the method of your choice, manually or in a washing machine. The water temperature should be low no higher than 30 degrees. For this you will need:
- Old covers or cloth bags (3 preferably)
- Liquid detergent
- Softener
- Abundant clean water
Washing process
The first step in washing a feather pillow is to separate the filling from the container cover. Take the feathers and separate them into 3 portions, use the old covers or cloth bags to put these three portions individually. Close them very well.
To wash feather pillows by hand, add water and liquid soap to a container spacious enough to soak in. Dip the old covers filled with the feathers and leave to act for several hours, change the water and add softener.
Remove excess water, spread the three fabric containers on a cloth and press to remove all the water, take the feathers outside to dry. Finally, choose a clean sleeve and fill it again with the feathers.
To wash in the washing machine, separate the feathers into three parts, place everything inside in a delicate cycle, and have extra spin. When washing the pillows in the washing machine, the padding will inevitably wrinkle. Stretch by hand and dry in the sun; this will take a few days in both cases.
Make sure the feathers are completely dry before storing in their ultimate sleeve. This will prevent mold and bad odors from forming inside your pillow, causing allergies and respiratory illnesses.
Wash pillows with synthetic padding
Pillows with synthetic fillings can be found in many homes. This is a low-cost material with a number of significant advantages: it does not cause allergies, microorganisms do not multiply in its environment; it is light, soft, easy to wash and clean.
Washing a pillow with synthetic padding in the washing machine is an easy and safe way to wash. But first, you need to check if the filling has lost its elasticity. To do this, place a heavy object in the center of the pillow and remove it after a while.
If the resulting dent disappears quickly, the pillow will serve you for a while and you can wash safely. If the dent doesn’t go away, it’s best to buy a new pillow and discard that one.
Synthetic pillows are gently washed with a liquid detergent. Since the pillow will absorb a large amount of water, you need to program the washer for an additional rinse and maximum spin. Dry your clean pillow in a warm place with good ventilation.
To wash by hand, soak your pillow in warm water with liquid detergent for about 20 or 30 minutes. After washing, place the pillow on a towel to absorb the water. Spread out the lumps that have formed with your fingers and let them dry completely.
Recommendations for a good wash
Before washing, check the integrity of the cover that the padding is packed in.
- Do not use chlorine bleach or harsh detergents. Take 2-3 tennis balls, put them in clean socks and then on the drum together with the pillows to wash and dry them. This will help avoid lumps.
- Cannot be washed: pillows with organic fillers such as buckwheat, rice, coconut fiber, orthopedic pillows or Memory Foam.
- It is not recommended to wash pillows larger than 50 × 70 cm on their own, as it will be difficult to dry them at home.
- It is recommended to clean the pillows approximately every six months.
- If the filler does not have time to dry within 2 days, dry it with a hairdryer.
- To wash yellow pillows, use baking soda.
Wash pillows with natural filling
If your pillow has organic filler like buckwheat hulls, washing is contraindicated. At the end of its useful life, simply replace it with a new one. The same happens with orthopedic pillows.
In pillows, the wool of some animals (sheep, camels, goats) is used as a natural filler. Such pillows are not only comfortable, breathable, moisture resistant but also have healing properties.
For wool-filled pillows, only dry cleaning is indicated. At home, pillows should be ventilated regularly by taking them outdoors. It is recommended to store them in places with low humidity.
If you decide to wash the wool filler at home, choose a liquid detergent that contains lanolin to wash. The water should be slightly warm and not exceed thirty degrees. Remove the wool from the cover and wash it separately, let it dry completely before returning the wool to its place.
Wash ecofiber pillows
A high-quality substitute for feather pillows is eco fiber. It is a soft, breathable and hygroscopic material with good thermal insulation characteristics. Unlike natural materials, it does not cause allergies and does not accumulate dust.
It is easier to wash such a pillow in a washing machine and does not worry that after washing the material, it will not lose its volume. The pillow will look like new. For washing, select the delicate mode.
Add liquid detergent and additional rinse if desired. The spin should be at medium speed. To eliminate the static electricity that accumulates the material, use the air conditioning. Dry the pillow instantly and do not use heat.
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