Let’s get honest here for a second. When is the last time you remembered to wash your bed pillows? It’s probably been a while, right?! For most of us, washing our pillows is something that we ignore until they get dirty or stained. However, washing your pillow is very important as over time it can collect dust mites, bacteria, and dead skin cells that can lead to facial acne, difficulties with allergies, troubles with sleeping, and even labored breathing.
Step 1: Wash your Pillow!
Just about any type of pillow can be washed at home regardless if it’s made from natural materials, synthetic materials, or down feather. Pillow washing tends to be the easiest in a high-capacity front loading washing machine, however it can also be accomplished in a top loading machine as well.
Start by removing the pillow from the pillowcase and pillow protector.
Choose a liquid laundry detergent that is gentle and avoid using detergents that have stain removers and scent added to them.
Set your washer to a gentle, warm water cycle at its largest capacity.
Put your detergent into the washer and allow it to start filling with water before putting in your pillows.
You can typically wash anywhere between 2-3 pillows at one time, however, for proper and thorough cleaning it is not suggested to exceed this amount.
Step 2: Rinse
Due to the density of most pillows it is important that you take the time to throughly clean and rinse them using warm water to ensure they are sanitized properly.
After the washing machine has completed the cycle, run it through the rinse cycle again to ensure all of the detergent has been removed from the pillow.
Make sure your pillow is completely rinsed out before moving it to the dryer.
Step 3: Dry
After your pillows are completely rinsed, it's time to dry them. Depending on the fibers that make up your pillow, the drying technique will vary.
If your pillow is made of foam you will want to line dry it as the heat from the dryer will melt the material.
For synthetic materials, dry your pillow on the low to medium heat cycle avoiding extreme heat of any sort.
Down feathers and other natural materials can’t stand much heat, so dry them using the “Air” setting on your dryer. (You may need to dry it for several cycles in order to get your pillow completely dry).
To fluff up your pillows, put a few tennis balls in a pair of socks and toss them in the dryer. The agitation from the tennis balls will perk up the fibers of the pillow and return them to their natural state.
To ensure your pillows are drying properly, check on them every 30 minutes and adjust the temperature as needed.
Washing your pillows might not be on the top of your to-do list, however, as a general rule, pillow cases should be washed weekly with your other bedding, pillow protectors should be washed monthly, and most prefer to wash their bed pillows seasonally as it’s a great reminder that when the seasons change, it’s time to wash!