'A 5kg washing machine drum isn't likely to fit two pillows in, but a 8kg or 12kg drum can carry much much larger drums which will be spacious enough to fit two pillows within it,' he says.
Down or feather: Most down pillows can be put in the washing machine. But use cool water and a mild detergent, then dry on low heat. (High temperatures can damage the down.) Memory foam or latex: Washer agitation can break up foam, so these pillows will probably need to be hand-washed.
The key to preventing pillows from getting lumpy is washing two pillows at the same time since the two pillows will balance out in the washer. To keep your pillows from getting damaged, place them in the washer vertically and use a mild, liquid detergent.
Use a gentle setting
Throw the pillow in the wash, add a mild detergent, and opt for a cool, gentle, or delicate wash and spin cycle. Toss in some same-colored towels, too, for extra padding. Or, if your machine is big enough, wash two pillows at a time.
Lumpy pillows can also be a result of sweat and oils getting into your pillows, causing the filling to clump together. Finally, fabric conditioner can leave a residue that sticks the stuffing materials together, so avoid using it when washing your pillows.
Liquid detergent is best since it's less likely to leave behind residue. A gentle cycle will help protect your pillow's structure. The bulky cycle isn't necessary and should be reserved for washing other bedding like comforters. Select the warmest water recommended on the care tag to help improve cleaning performance.
Run It Through the Wash
"Those little guys may be noisy, but they fluff up anything!" says Homer. Set the heat to low instead of high to avoid clumping.
If your pillow can be washed, it should be washed at least twice a year. If you eat in bed, have pets, or sweat a lot, you should wash pillows quarterly. Special pillows like body pillows or throw pillows should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months.
How to Wash Pillows. It's best to use a front-loading washer, since pillows tend to float and stay dry in certain spots when washed in a top-loading machine.
Use lukewarm water and a gentle cycle for throw pillow covers. Use warmer water temperatures and a delicate cycle for the inner pillows. Dry on low or medium heat on a low tumble setting, if possible. If the pillow is made with fragile materials, hand wash it in warm water and air dry.
Polyester and down pillows can generally be put directly into a washing machine, but foam or buckwheat pillows cannot. If possible, it's best to wash pillows and bedding in hot water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit in order to remove allergens, according to the AAFA.
Pillows start to turn yellow due to a variety of factors, most of which involve the accumulation of moisture. Sweat, drool, wet hair, and even skincare products can contribute to yellow stains on a pillow. And these stains are more than just unsightly.
Use a toothbrush to gently loosen stain debris on your pillow. Dissolve a scoop of oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean or Molly's Suds Oxygen Whitener, in hot water in your bathtub, laundry tub, mop bucket, or sink. Soak your pillow in the solution overnight. Launder and dry the pillow as usual.
Your standard detergent may not be strong enough to rid your pillow of the yellow. To help it whiten up those pillows when washing them in a machine, add 1 cup (240 mL) of dishwasher soap, ¾ cup (6 oz) of washing soda, 0.5 cups (120 mL) of white vinegar, and 3 tbsps (44mL) of regular laundry detergent.
Fill a bucket, bathtub or sink with a mixture of lukewarm water and a tablespoon of detergent; the water should be deep enough to completely submerge the pillow. While submerged, gently massage the pillow to circulate the solution through it.
Be certain to dry your pillow(s) very thoroughly so they don't mold or mildew. It will take about 2-3 hours (or longer) to completely dry a standard size pillow at low heat. Use a large dryer on low.
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity. Generally, you'll be able to tell when it's time to replace your pillows.
How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets (And How to Get Them Really Clean) Experts recommend washing or changing sheets once a week. In this post we cover how best to do it, tips, and why it's good advice to follow.
Time dry for at least one hour. Allow pillow to cool, then check to see if the inside is dry. If the pillow feels at all damp, return it to the dryer for another hour. I found synthetic fiber pillows took 60 minutes, while down took several hours.
For feather pillows, it is recommended to choose a wash cycle between 40° and 60° (no boiling water) and a slow spin cycle. In any case, you should check that machine washing is possible by reading the label. Drying can be done by inserting a tennis ball into the drum of the dryer to keep it even.