can-you-wash-pillows
Everybody wants linens to be kept in an ideal condition – our pillow should give us relaxation after a long workday and help us to get up quickly without feeling any disturbances. Of course, if we wish our things, especially linens, to make their functions well, specific care may be taken – all the pillows should be regularly cleaned. But can you wash all pillows in the washing machine, and if not, how to let them be fresh and clean, as on the first day of their use?
Machine Washable Pillows
The first aspect that should be taken into attention is a type of pillow filler. Some of them can save their functions after washing, when some may get structural defects and start providing its function worse. Such pillows types can be cleaned in such way:
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Down pillows – washing machines have been the easiest and the most popular way to wash them for a long time. Down of waterfowls don’t lose their functions after contact with water.
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Cotton pillows – they can also be cleaned in such a way, but after 3-5 washing times they become tough and its filler may form into lumps.
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Bamboo pillows – products with covers made of natural plant fibers can easily tolerate wet cleaning and washing – for such a material they are completely safe and at the same time allow you to restore the freshness and volume of the filler.
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Feather pillows – as a rule, feathers can be kept in a good condition after many washing times, but it may also be hard to dry them; in this case (some instructions that can be found attached to the pillow should be followed).
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Polyester pillows – material consisting of fibers do not absorb and effectively wick away moisture: they can be easily washed.
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Fiberfill pillows – it is also good at becoming dry quickly. Such pillows can be placed into the washing machine and cleaned there for many times – they won’t lose their functions.
The main rule that should be followed, is that if you use the washing machine, only the pillow should be put into it– use it for clothes the next time. Otherwise, the pillow will get a new color and smell – it will not be so comfortable to sleep on it again.
Handwash/Spot Clean Only Pillows
Some pillows usually lose their properties after “auto-cleaning”. Their external layer can be torn, a filler can become tough and lose its elasticity. They can be cleaned mechanically or point cleaning may be used:
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Memory foam pillows – the material is too sensitive for machine washing – it loses anatomical properties that can not be restored. A vacuum cleaner without a nozzle will be perfect in this case.
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Buckwheat pillows – they can be washed only without moisture or any aggressive cleaning agents, otherwise, filler will swell and crumble.
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Latex pillows – only dry cleaning is acceptable in this way – water will damage the material and latex will lose its elasticity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washing Pillows
Some rules should be taken into account seeing the time, its type, drying kind, etc. Remember that if you don’t want the pillow to acquire any structural or functional defects.
How Do You Wash Pillows?
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If a washing machine is used:
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wash it at a temperature that doesn’t exceed 60-65 F°, use minimal speed, but the maximum number of rinses.
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do not use powder because its granules are difficult to wash off. The optimal solution – use gels or washing capsules.
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you may also put a tennis ball or another small plastic ball into the drum – it will prevent the filler from crumpling.
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the pillow must be dried strictly in a horizontal position as long as possible – the best way is to dry it in the open sun. It may also be whipped and shaken for the prevention of filler molding.
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If hand wash is used:
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the temperature of the water shouldn’t exceed 80-85 F°.
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if you use a large bath as a soaking container, firstly fill it with the hot water (110-120 F°), because it will cool down over time and acquire low temperature, that will be useless for soaking.
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dissolve any not aggressive washing substance in water, like soap, shower gel, or shampoo.
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if the pillow was not unpicked and it is not very dirty, it might soak for half an hour.
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if the inner pillow layer, filler, and case are dirty, wash them separately; bleach can be used for pillowcase washing. The filler may be soaked in the detergent solution for 3-4 hours.
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If spot cleaning is used:
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use only lightly wet brushes and avoid moisture contacting the filler or parts of the internal layer (if you wash synthetics).
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don’t use bleaches for full-soaking.
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try to wash it with light moves to avoid fabric wiping.
How Many Pillows Can You Wash At Once?
You may wash one or two pillows at the same time. If you put two, use more solution (gel) and remember not to put your clothes into the washer.
How Often Can You Wash Pillows?
Many people say that making it fresh and clean 2 times per year is normal. If you use a pillowcase, wash it less often. However, in some cases you need to wash it frequently:
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If you have a pet, who usually contacts a pillow, do it after 2-3 months sleeping on it.
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If you suffer from excessive sweating at night, do it every 4 months.
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If your skin is too sensitive or you have any predisposition to allergies, clean it every 2 months.
Is It Safe To Wash Pillows In The Washing Machine?
Yes, but only if the pillow belongs to the “machine-washable”: all of them with natural fillers belong to this. However, you should find out how to wash feather pillows or a memory foam pillow by reading the cleaning regulations attached to them.
Can You Wash Pillows, When It Says To Dry Clean?
Contact with moisture will damage such pillows and they will lose their properties. Clean them with a wet brush if instruction warns against filler contacts with water.
What Temperature Should You Wash Pillows?
If you use washer, it is recommended to set a temperature that doesn’t exceed 60-65 F°, and you may use water of 80-85 F° for hand washing.
Does The Dryer Kill Bacteria?
Yes, hot water is the best way to get rid of all microorganisms that became uninvited guests of your pillow. However, it is forbidden to put pillows into hot water – only “low-heat” mode should be used, otherwise, pillow filler will lose its properties.
When Should You Throw Away Pillows?
It depends on the pillow type and what care is taken of it. But normally every pillow should be replaced after 2-3 years of use.
Conclusion
All in all, pillows should be systematically washed, like all sleep accessories. When you buy it you should carefully familiarize the regulations, where you will know how to wash the pillow and does it have filler sensitive to moisture. Taking them into account will make your dream always be connected with pillow purity.