Say Goodbye to Pillow Funk! The Ultimate Guide to Machine-Washing Pillows

Pillows are an essential part of a good night’s sleep, but how often do you think about cleaning them? Dirty pillows can harbor dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens that can aggravate allergies and asthma. That’s why it’s important to wash your pillows regularly to keep them clean and fresh.

But can you wash pillows in a washing machine? The answer is yes, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Not all pillows are created equal, and some may not be suitable for machine washing. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of pillows and how to properly wash them in a washing machine.

Types of Pillows and Their Washing Instructions

1. Down Pillows

Down pillows are filled with soft, fluffy feathers. They are lightweight and comfortable, but they can be delicate and require special care when washing.

Washing Instructions:

• Use a gentle cycle with cold water.
• Add a mild detergent specifically designed for down pillows.
• Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
• Dry on low heat with a tennis ball or dryer balls to help fluff the feathers.

2. Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows are made from a dense, viscoelastic material that conforms to your head and neck. They are supportive and comfortable, but they can be heavy and difficult to wash.

Washing Instructions:

• Check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing. Some memory foam pillows can be machine washed, while others must be hand washed.
• If machine washable, use a gentle cycle with cold water.
• Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
• Air dry the pillow or dry it on low heat with a tennis ball or dryer balls.

3. Latex Pillows

Latex pillows are made from natural or synthetic rubber. They are hypoallergenic, durable, and supportive.

Washing Instructions:

• Use a gentle cycle with cold water.
• Add a mild detergent specifically designed for latex pillows.
• Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
• Air dry the pillow or dry it on low heat with a tennis ball or dryer balls.

4. Buckwheat Pillows

Buckwheat pillows are filled with the hulls of buckwheat seeds. They are firm and supportive, and they are naturally hypoallergenic.

Washing Instructions:

• Buckwheat pillows cannot be machine washed.
• To clean them, remove the hulls and wash the pillowcase.
• Sun-dry the hulls for several hours to kill any bacteria or mites.

5. Fiberfill Pillows

Fiberfill pillows are filled with synthetic fibers. They are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to care for.

Washing Instructions:

• Use a gentle cycle with warm water.
• Add a mild detergent.
• Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
• Dry on low heat with a tennis ball or dryer balls.

General Tips for Washing Pillows in a Washing Machine

• Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing.
• Use a gentle cycle with cold water.
• Add a mild detergent specifically designed for the type of pillow you are washing.
• Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
• Dry on low heat with a tennis ball or dryer balls to help fluff the pillow.
• Wash pillows every 3-6 months, or more often if you have allergies or asthma.

How to Dry Pillows in a Washing Machine

Once your pillows are washed, it’s important to dry them properly to prevent mildew and bacteria growth.

• Dry pillows on low heat with a tennis ball or dryer balls.
• Fluff the pillows every few hours to help them dry evenly.
• If the pillows are still damp after a few hours, continue drying them on low heat until they are completely dry.

How to Hand Wash Pillows

Some pillows, such as memory foam pillows, cannot be machine washed. If you need to hand wash a pillow, follow these steps:

• Fill a bathtub or sink with cold water.
• Add a mild detergent specifically designed for the type of pillow you are washing.
• Submerge the pillow in the water and gently agitate it.
• Rinse the pillow thoroughly with cold water.
• Squeeze out excess water and roll the pillow in a towel to remove additional moisture.
• Air dry the pillow or dry it on low heat with a fan or hair dryer.

Why Is It Important to Wash Pillows?

Washing your pillows is important for several reasons:

• To remove dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens that can aggravate allergies and asthma.
• To prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
• To keep your pillows looking and smelling fresh.
• To extend the life of your pillows.

Information You Need to Know

1. How often should I wash my pillows?

You should wash your pillows every 3-6 months, or more often if you have allergies or asthma.

2. Can I use bleach to wash my pillows?

No, you should not use bleach to wash pillows. Bleach can damage the fabric and filling of the pillow.

3. Can I dry my pillows on high heat?

No, you should not dry pillows on high heat. High heat can damage the fabric and filling of the pillow.

4. How do I know if my pillow is clean?

A clean pillow will be white or off-white in color. If your pillow is yellowed or stained, it is time to wash it.

5. Can I wash pillows in a top-load washing machine?

Yes, you can wash pillows in a top-load washing machine. However, you may need to use a smaller load size to prevent the pillows from becoming tangled.

6. Can I wash pillows in a front-load washing machine?

Yes, you can wash pillows in a front-load washing machine. However, you may need to use a smaller load size to prevent the pillows from becoming tangled.

7. What is the best way to dry pillows?

The best way to dry pillows is on low heat with a tennis ball or dryer balls. This will help to fluff the pillow and prevent it from becoming lumpy.

8. How do I get rid of pillow odors?

To get rid of pillow odors, you can sprinkle baking soda on the pillow and let it sit for several hours. Then, vacuum the baking soda off the pillow.

9. How do I prevent my pillows from getting dirty?

To prevent your pillows from getting dirty, you can use a pillowcase and wash it regularly. You can also avoid eating or drinking in bed.

10. How do I choose the right pillow?

The right pillow for you will depend on your sleep position, head and neck shape, and personal preferences. You may need to try several different pillows before you find one that is comfortable and supportive.