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.
Many cotton, down, and synthetic pillows can be put in the washing machine. Always refer to the care instructions first. This is a quick and easy way of washing pillows, the only down-side to washing your pillows at home is that they can take a long time to dry.
"Most solid/memory foam pillows are dense and cannot be machine washed." "First and foremost, follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning the pillow and the cover. Then, repair torn or loose seams before laundering so you don't end up with a machine full of feathers or synthetic fill," she adds.
Resting your head on a clean pillow can be the start of a good night's rest. There are other reasons that you should wash your pillows regularly, too. Pet dander, dust mites, dirt and oils from your skin can all build up on your pillow. These things can make your bed less clean and even possibly trigger allergies.
'However, it's safe to assume that most fiberfill, cotton, feather or down pillows can be washed in a washing machine, though I would advise a warm wash on a gentle cycle, and half the usual detergent, since too much can make feather and down clump.
Most pillows, including those filled with cotton, feather, down, and fiberfill, can be cleaned in a washing machine using warm water on the gentle cycle, but it's always a good idea to read the label for cleaning instructions first.
Make sure to dry pillows completely, as lingering dampness could reintroduce the mildew, bacteria, and dust mites you're trying to avoid. Dry pillows in your dryer on a low heat setting, checking them every 20 to 30 minutes to ensure even drying.
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.
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.
Whether made of natural fibers (such as down) or synthetic materials (often polyester), most pillows can be washed in the machine. They should be cleaned every three to six months to remove mold, bacteria, and odors. Read instructions on the pillow's tag to make sure it is not dry-clean only.
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.
Once your pillows have been washed, gently squeeze excess water into your washtub or sink. Then, toss your pillow into the dryer. Add in dryer or tennis balls to fluff your pillow as it dries. Then, set your dryer to the lowest heat setting to ensure your pillow fibers don't break down and start your load.
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.
Find a place in your home—ideally outside if it's not too humid—to hang them up, and let them air out completely. “It is very important that you dry your pillows thoroughly to avoid mildew,” Litwin says. The drying process can take at least a few hours, but it will always be worth it to have extra clean bed pillows.
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.
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.
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.
Over time, bed sheets (especially white ones) might start turning yellow-ish - and that's normal! Bedding may turn yellow for a variety of reasons, such as body fluids, sweat, even the body lotion we use!
This discoloration is a tell-tale sign of age. By the time your pillow has turned yellow, it's fairly old—bedding experts recommend purchasing a new pillow every 2.8 years. But if your pillow is younger and still has its shape, try cleaning it before tossing it.
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.
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.
Use a front-loading washing machine if possible.
A front-loading machine won't agitate your pillow as roughly as a top-loader machine will, which will help your pillow keep its shape. Try to put two pillows into your front-loading washing machine so the machine drum stays balanced as it runs.