Pillows are an essential part of every good bedding setup. Even though most people have a trusty pillow they rely on for nightly bedtime comfort, very few people actually understand the importance of washing them or how to do it effectively.
This blog post is here to guide you through the process. We’ll explain the exact benefits of washing your pillows regularly, as well as an extensive guide on how to get the job done. Heading to your local laundry service is a great option, but pillow washing can also be done at home too.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about bedtime cleanliness and the best way to wash your pillows!
Why Is It Important to Wash My Pillows?
If you’re guilty of not washing your pillows as frequently as you should, the amount of grime that we’re sleeping with every night may be difficult to think about. Over time, a nasty cocktail of bodily secretions can build up on the surface of your pillow, even if you use a protector.
These include:
Dead skin cells
Hair and follicles
Sweat
Drool
While these are all pretty natural deposits, they make an ideal diet for hungry dust mites living in your home. The more they have to eat, the more they’ll multiply, increasing your chances of having an allergic reaction to their presence.
How Often Should I Wash My Pillows?
There’s no set guideline when it comes to the frequency of pillow washing, but most hygienists recommend cleaning them 3-4 times a year. The start of a new season is a great excuse to have a spruce up, so grab those pillows and get them in the wash. Alternatively, your local laundromat will be happy to help you give them a refresh.
What’s the Best Way to Wash My Pillows?
If you decide against a laundry service and choose the DIY laundry route, there are a few factors to consider before getting started with your pillows. The material, shape and size can all affect how well they clean, so make sure you’re fully aware of what you’re working with before getting started.
Cleaning two pillows at a time is a great approach, no matter what they’re made of. It provides balance to the machine and encourages optimum agitation to remove as much dirt as possible. If your washing machine at home isn’t quite up to scratch, a laundry service can do the job for you. Front-loaders at a coin laundromat, a wash and fold laundry service, or a drop-off laundry service are great solutions.
Down or Feather Pillows
Most of these pillows can be cleaned easily in a regular washing machine, but be sure to read the label first.
In either case, the best method for down and feather pillow washing is to:
Choose cold water
Use mild detergent
Dry on a low heat
Polyester Pillows
Polyester is one of the easiest materials to clean, especially when it comes to your trusty pillows.
To achieve the best wash with polyester, make sure to:
Use warm water
Be sparing with the detergent
Wash a few at a time to balance the load
Memory Foam or Latex
Since the agitation from fast-moving water can cause foam to break down, these pillows are best dealt with by hand.
Here is what you can do:
Use a vacuum to remove any dust particles
Spot clean with warm, soapy water
Sit flat and leave to air dry
For every type of pillow, the drying process is important too. They may take a little longer to dry, but giving them a chance to air dry (preferably outdoors), is a great way to keep them smelling fresh and feeling softer for longer.
So, you’ve made it to the end of our ultimate guide to pillow washing.
If you’re still struggling, and you’re not quite sure how to tackle your cleaning routine, why not head down to WaveMax Laundry? We’re experts when it comes to laundry—especially for specific materials or unique household items. Check us out online today, or stop by for a visit.
