But that steam does a lot more than remove wrinkles, it also helps remove odors, dust, and even insects. When someone is ill and has spent a great deal of time on the sofa, use a
The best disinfectant may not be the wash, but the drying process. Tumble-drying laundry, including pillows, on high heat for at least 30 minutes is sufficient for killing most influenza germs. Don't hesitate to tumble dry for longer, however.
Wash it in cold or warm water on the gentle cycle, and don't add too much detergent—soap residue can build up on the down, just like dirt and sweat do. It's important to thoroughly rinse and spin the pillow to make sure the soap is fully removed, but it's hard to know whether the down filling inside is free of soap.
In addition to wrinkles and creases, the best steamers can help get rid of lingering odors, and steam can also be used to kill common pathogens, along with mites, mold and tiny critters. Some top steamer brands, like Conair, claim their steamers can actually kill 99.9 percent of germs, dust mites and bed bugs.
Steam Sanitize: This cycle is designed to sanitize can't be washed. It can be used sanitize items like pillows and stuffed animals. Although all steam dryers won't necessarily have all 3 of these steam options, many people find having these features come in handy when doing their laundry.
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.
Alternatively, you can steam clean your pillows to sanitize them. If you have a steam cleaner at home, use this to go over your pillow and kill off any bacteria or germs that linger in them.
So, where does the dirt go when you steam clean? Actually, it doesn't go anywhere. Instead, the heat and vapour of steam cleaning ensure that all the unwanted substances or stains are fully broken down and easy to get rid of.
Sprinkle small amounts of baking soda on your pillows to remove moisture and smells. This ingredient effectively protects against bacteria and pathogens. Let it settle on your pillows for at least 30 to 60 minutes. Remove it using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment.
Steam cleaning – sweat, dirt and stains can easily penetrate beyond the top layer of your mattress so treat it to a steam clean every few months.
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.
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. This is dependent on how, where, and how often they are used.
When you're washing anything down-filled, such as a comforter or bed pillows, adding a few new, clean tennis balls to the dryer will help fluff them up. If you've ever pulled a freshly-washed pillow out of the dryer to find it's become lumpy and misshapen, the tennis ball trick can prevent that.
If your pillow has a strong odor, spray a 50/50 vinegar and water mix to eliminate the smell. Be sure to spray lightly and let the mix stand for five minutes before blotting the pillow dry with a towel.
If your pillows aren't machine safe, hand washing can prevent your pillow from getting damaged while getting it just as clean. Peterson said the best way to hand wash is to fill up a large sink or bathtub with warm water then add a few drops of your favorite liquid detergent.
Pressurized steam (at least 212° F) can be used to eliminate viruses and bacteria from surfaces, effectively sanitizing them in minutes.
However, it is really nothing more than just really hot water. There are also differences in the carpet cleaning methods. The carpet fibers are rinsed after hot water extraction is performed whereas there is no rinsing if steam cleaning is used. Rinsing helps remove the detergent and prevents re-soiling.
Why wash your pillows. While you sleep, your body sheds thousands of dead skin cells. They in turn attract dust mites, which, although harmless, do produce droppings that contain allergens. Letting these build up can trigger anything from asthma and rhinitis to itchy eyes.
Set and Run the Washing Machine
The delicate cycle is a setting for materials that can easily be damaged. To avoid shrinking during the wash cycle, use cold water. Set the machine for an extra rinse, if possible. A second rinse can help ensure no detergent remains on the pillows.
It's perfectly fine to allow your pillows to air-dry. You can also give them some time in the dryer depending on what the cleaning instructions on the label say.
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.
Not only do pillows collect dust, but they collect bacteria as well, says Michael Silva-Nash, executive vice president of Molly Maid of Arkansas. Washing your pillows rids them of unwanted sweat, oils, bacteria, and dust mites, gives them a fresh look and smell, and helps them last longer too.