Have you developed a crick in your neck? Does your bed seem musty? Are you dealing with a mysterious allergic reaction? An unwashed, dirty pillow may be to blame. Care instructions vary based on pillow style and the type of filling, but we've got you covered. No matter if it's memory foam or a feathery down, keeping your pillow fresh and fluffed is an easy way to improve your sleep.
Cleaning Memory Foam Pillows
- Check the Care Label: Different types of foam may require specific handling.
- Spot Cleaning: Begin by spot-cleaning any stains or spills on the memory foam pillow. Use a mixture of mild detergent and warm water. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently blot the stained area. Avoid soaking the foam.
- Dabbing and Blotting: Instead of rubbing, dab and blot the stained areas. This helps lift tough stains without pushing it deeper into the memory foam.
- Deodorizing with Baking Soda: To eliminate odors, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda evenly over the surface of the pillow. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb any unwanted smells.
- Vacuuming Baking Soda: After allowing the baking soda to sit, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to carefully remove the powder. Ensure the pillow is completely dry before proceeding.
- Airing Out: If possible, allow the memory foam pillow to air out in a well-ventilated area. This helps in dissipating any residual odors and ensures freshness.
- Avoid Submerging: Never submerge the entire memory foam pillow in water or any cleaning solution. Excessive moisture can damage the foam and compromise its structural integrity.
- Regularly Fluffing: To maintain the pillow's shape and loft, regularly fluff the memory foam. Gently pat and squeeze it to restore its original form.
- Protect with Pillow Covers: Consider using a pillow cover or protector to shield the memory foam from stains and spills. These covers are often machine washable and provide an additional layer of protection.
Cleaning Feather and Down Pillows
- Check the Care Label: Down and feather pillows may have different recommendations.
- Machine Washing (If Approved): If the care label allows, machine wash the feather and down pillows on a delicate cycle with cold water. Use a mild detergent, and add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap residues are removed.
- Use Tennis Balls or Wool Dryer Balls: When drying down or feather pillows, place them in the dryer on a low-heat setting with tennis balls or dryer balls. This helps fluff the feathers and ensures even drying.
- Shake and Fluff During Drying: Regularly shake and fluff the pillows during the drying process. This prevents the feathers from clumping and maintains the pillow's loft.
- Air-Drying (Alternative Method): If machine washing is not recommended, consider air-drying the pillows. Lay them flat on a clean, dry surface and flip them periodically to ensure even drying. This process may take longer than machine drying.
- Spot Cleaning: For localized stains, spot clean the pillows using a mixture of water and mild detergent. You can also use a stain remover for particularly tough yellow pillow stains. Gently dab the stained area with a clean cloth, avoiding excessive moisture.
- Thorough Drying: Whether machine drying or air-drying, ensure the pillows are completely dry before returning them to the bed. Moisture can lead to unpleasant odors and the growth of mold.
- Fluff and Shape: Once the pillows are dry, fluff them up by gently shaking and patting. This helps distribute the feathers evenly and restores their original shape.
Cleaning Poly-Fill Pillows
- Check the Care Label: Different poly-fill pillows may have variations in care recommendations.
- Load the Washing Machine: If the care label permits, place the poly-fill pillows in the washing machine. Adding two pillows helps balance the load, ensuring a thorough clean.
- Use Mild Laundry Detergent: Add a mild detergent to the washing machine. Choose a gentle cycle with an extra rinse to make sure all detergent is washed away.
- Use a Gentle Wash Cycle: Start the washing machine on a gentle cycle. This prevents the fibers from clumping and maintains the integrity of the pillows.
- Squeeze Out Excess Water: Once the washing cycle is complete, gently squeeze out excess water from the pillows. Avoid wringing them to prevent damage to the filling.
- Drying Options: Tumble Dryer (Low Heat): If the care label allows, place the pillows in a tumble dryer on low heat. This helps fluff them up and speeds up the drying process. Air-Dry: Alternatively, air-dry the pillows. Lay them flat on a clean, dry surface and flip them periodically to ensure even drying.
- Fluffing During Drying: Whether using a spin cycle or air-drying, fluff the pillows periodically. This helps maintain their shape and ensures they dry evenly.
- Check for Dryness: Ensure the pillows are thoroughly dry before putting them back on the bed. Moisture can lead to unpleasant odors and the growth of mold.
- Fluff and Shape: After the pillows have been dried, give them a gentle pat and shake to fluff them up. This aids in evenly spreading the filling and returns them to their initial form.
FAQ
How often should you clean pillows?
Ideally, pillows should be cleaned every three to six months, or more frequently if they show visible stains or odor. Regular washing removes dust, allergens, and body oils but also extends the lifespan of your pillows. You should also use pillowcases and perhaps even a removable pillow protector to reduce the frequency of washing.
How often should you wash your pillowcase?
Washing pillowcases once a week is recommended. Pillowcases can take a brunt of accumulating sweat, oils, and dead skin cells over time. This isn't what you want your head resting on as it creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Regular washing helps prevent the buildup of these particles and using a gentle detergent and will help preserve the quality of the bedding.
When does a pillow need to be replaced?
Pillows should be replaced every 1 to 2 years, depending on factors such as the type of pillow, its quality, and personal preferences. For instance, feather and down pillows need more frequent replacement than memory foam or latex pillows.
Don't forget about your sofa pillows, all types of pillows can accumulate dust mites, allergens, and bacteria, which impacts their hygiene and comfort. If a pillow looks lumpy, flat, or has an unpleasant odor even after cleaning, it's time to replace it.
