Pillows can get dirty more than you can ever imagine. You can replace your bedsheets and pillowcases, but how often do you wash your pillows or even change them? Because you lay your head on your pillow at night, you want to ensure it is clean and free of germs. Although most pillows are machine-washable, some need dry-cleaning only. The materials and care tag on the pillow is the best starting point in determining if you can machine wash your pillow, but you should follow how to wash pillows in washing machine for proper care.
Why You Should Wash Your Pillows
Just how much dirt, grime, bacteria, and dead bugs a single pillow can collect? We will never know. Remember how much time you spend lying on the pillow with your head or face on it. The oil and sweat gathered from the pillows should be enough to make you groan in disappointment. These are just some of the reasons why you should learn how to wash pillows in washing machine.
When you go to bed, and you start coughing, sneezing, and your nose starts running, your pillow may be the guilty party. It is particularly true for infants, as they are more susceptible to environmental allergens.
Dust mites can be one of the biggest problems. Dust mites and its excretions can cause asthma, allergies, and other breathing problems. Unfortunately, because dust mites prey on skin cells, that the bed is the best spot for them to live.
How To Wash Pillows In Washing Machine
Although your pillows can be slightly stained, you might have a highly unclean pillow under your mattress. I recommend washing your pillows at least every 3-5 months.
Follow the instructions on how to wash pillows in washing machine:
- Removing the pillow protector and a pillowcase helps to clean the pillows.
- Fill hot water to the sink or washing machine. Without the use of chlorine or other harmful chemicals, hot water destroys dust mites.
- Add mild detergent to the low-suds.
- Attach the pillow, and stir.
- Rinse the pillow several times.
- You can use a white soft cotton towel to force extra water out of the pillow. If you have a fluffy pillow, do not squeeze it out or twist it.
- Place the pillow into the dryer and dry air, or hang out again to dry. Fluff them by hand, or put a few clean tennis balls into the dryer.
How Wash Pillow With Hands
Watch until the water becomes lukewarm before this phase starts. It would be best to use basic hand techniques without destroying the foam. During this process, you will have to drain and refill the tub/basin with freshwater and laundry detergent.
Room temperature water is ideal as hot water destroys bacteria in cushions after the pre-wash. Wash and allow the stains to breakdown before the final cleaning starts.
To wash your memory foam pillow healthily and successfully, use the tips and advice below:
- To help activate the detergent inside the material, use your palms to press down on the pillow’s different areas.
- Without folding or twisting, gently knead the pillow to ‘scrub’ at the dirt inside and on the material’s outer side.
- Now and again, turn the pillow for an all-around clean and use the same procedure for the sides.
- Massage or gently squeeze the pillow’s sides and ends as soil from the center moves to these areas.
- Each time you refill water, thoroughly clean the pillow.
For better result, you can use these hand-washing methods on the pillow when immersed in the water.
How To Keep Pillows Clean
Going to bed clean is the most basic way of keeping your pillows clean. Take a bath, and do not lie in your outer garments on your bed and pillow. It will also stain the sheets and can contribute to skin irritation.
For an additional layer of protection, use a pillow cover before the pillowcase. It will shield your pillow from oils, odors, and bodily fluids. A protective covering can also help extend the lifetime of a pillow and help preserve its form. Wrap it up with a blanket when you cover your bed every day to avoid the dust collecting.
Don’t let your pet share a pillow. If you want to stay with your dog or cat, get your pets to stay at the footbed. There are several reasons why and how to wash pillows in washing machine; you have to do it mainly to keep your pillows clean all the time.
When To Replace Pillows
It seems like common knowledge dictates replacing pillows every three years, but it is not a strict rule that you need to obey. Use the best judgment when deciding pillow status. If it does not spring back into shape, then it must certainly go down. Also, search for oddly shaped lumps.
A pillow that has lost its fluff must go. If it’s as flat as a pancake, it will no longer provide the support it needs to your neck and back. Sniff your pillow, and even after having cleaned it, get rid of it if it has the rusty, moldy scent. It has served its purpose.
Conclusion
When it comes to replacing your pillows, don’t scrimp. It can make a difference in your quality of sleep when you use a decent pillow. Knowing how to wash pillows in washing machine will keep your pillows comfortable and usable for a long time. Here’s how to learn more about cleaning with appliances.