A good night’s sleep starts with a clean pillow. But can you simply toss your pillows in the washing machine, or is there a more delicate approach? The answer depends on the type of pillow you have. Knowing the material and following the proper washing and drying instructions is crucial to avoid damaging your pillows and ensure they come out fresh and fluffy. Quality Cleaning Services provides a comprehensive guide on how to safely wash pillows, ensuring they remain clean, supportive, and hygienic.
Check the pillow type and label
The first step is always to identify the material inside your pillow and check its care label. This will give you specific instructions from the manufacturer.
- Care Label: Look for the care label, usually sewn into a seam. It will often have symbols or written instructions about washing, drying, and ironing. Heed these instructions first and foremost. If there’s no label, you’ll need to determine the pillow type and follow general guidelines.
- Common Pillow Types:
- Down and Feather: Generally machine washable, but require special care.
- Polyester Fiberfill: Usually machine washable and relatively easy to care for.
- Memory Foam: Typically not machine washable. Often spot-clean only.
- Latex: Usually not machine washable. Often spot-clean only.
- Buckwheat: Never machine wash. The hulls will be ruined. Empty the hulls and wash the ticking (outer shell) separately if needed.
- If in Doubt, Be Gentle: If you’re unsure about the pillow type or the label is unclear, err on the side of caution and use a gentler washing method.
Washing machine safe pillow types
These pillow types are generally safe for machine washing, but still require specific care.
- Down and Feather Pillows:
- Machine Washable: Yes, but use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent.
- Front Loader Preferred: A front-loading washing machine is best, as it doesn’t have a central agitator that can damage the feathers. If you have a top loader with an agitator, wash two pillows at once to balance the load and minimize damage.
- Gentle Cycle: Use the delicate or gentle cycle.
- Mild Detergent: Use a small amount of mild, liquid detergent. Avoid powdered detergents, as they can leave residue.
- Extra Rinse: Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is removed.
- Polyester Fiberfill Pillows:
- Machine Washable: Yes, generally easier to wash than down/feather.
- Gentle or Normal Cycle: Can usually withstand a normal cycle, but a gentle cycle is still recommended.
- Warm Water: Use warm water.
- Mild Detergent: Use a small amount of mild detergent.
- Check for Tears: Before washing, inspect the pillow for any tears or holes. If present, mend them to prevent the filling from escaping during washing.
How to wash pillows in the washer
Follow these tips for a successful and safe wash.
Load balance tips
Properly balancing the load is crucial to prevent damage to your washing machine and your pillows.
- Wash Two at a Time: Always wash two pillows at once to balance the load in your washing machine, regardless of whether you have a top or front loader.
- Arrange Properly: Place the pillows in the washer vertically to distribute the weight evenly.
- Stop if Excessive Vibration: If the washing machine is vibrating excessively during the spin cycle, stop the machine and rearrange the pillows.
Water temperature and detergent
The right settings ensure effective cleaning without damaging the pillow filling.
- Water Temperature:
- Warm Water: Generally recommended for both down/feather and polyester pillows.
- Hot Water (Occasionally): Hot water can be used occasionally for extra sanitization, but it can also cause some shrinkage, especially in down/feather pillows. Check the care label.
- Detergent:
- Mild Liquid Detergent: Use a small amount of mild, liquid detergent.
- Avoid Powdered Detergent: Powdered detergents can leave residue, especially in down/feather pillows.
- No Fabric Softener: Do not use fabric softener, as it can leave a coating on the pillow filling.
How to dry pillows safely
Proper drying is just as important as washing for maintaining the pillow’s shape and preventing mold growth.
- Tumble Dry Low:
- Use the low heat or air fluff setting on your dryer. High heat can damage the filling and cause shrinkage.
- Multiple Cycles: It may take several drying cycles to completely dry pillows, especially down/feather pillows. Check frequently.
- Dryer Balls (Recommended): Add dryer balls (tennis balls or wool dryer balls) to the dryer. They will help to fluff the pillows and prevent clumping.
- Check for Dampness: Ensure the pillows are completely dry before using or storing them. Even a slightly damp pillow can develop mold.
- Air Dry (If Necessary): If you’re concerned about heat damage, you can air dry pillows, but it will take much longer. Lay them flat on a drying rack or hang them in a well-ventilated area, turning them frequently.
When to replace pillows
Even with proper care, pillows eventually need to be replaced.
- General Guideline: Most pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years.
- Signs of Wear:
- Loss of Support: If your pillow no longer provides adequate support for your head and neck.
- Lumps or Flattening: If the filling is lumpy or the pillow is consistently flat.
- Stains or Odors: If the pillow has persistent stains or odors that don’t come out with washing.
- Allergies: If you have allergies, more frequent replacement (every 6 months to a year) is recommended.
- Fold Test: Fold the pillow in half. If it stays folded and doesn’t spring back, it’s likely time for a new one.
By following these guidelines, you can safely wash your pillows and ensure they remain clean, supportive, and hygienic for a good night’s sleep.Beyond clean pillows, does your entire home need a refresh? Quality Cleaning Services offers expert cleaning solutions for every room in your house, ensuring a healthy and comfortable living space. Contact us today for a free estimate and experience the difference professional cleaning can make!