How to Wash Pillows- Without the Fuss!

Photo by Magda Ehlers from Pexels

Pillows are everybody’s best friend. They’re soft, squishy, comforting- everything that a person wants to hug or lie down after a long day of work.

While they are usually covered by equally pleasing pillowcases, it does not mean that it is safe. Okay, sure, you can’t exactly kill someone using a pillow (or can you?), but in terms of the invisible microbes maybe it just could.

Learning how to clean them properly is essential for the health of the family. As something that is in constant contact with our bodies, especially the face, purging it of whatever nasties it may be hiding is a top priority.

Without further adieu, here are tried and tested ways to clean out your pillows:

Washer, oh Washer!

Ah, the ever so helpful machine of our dreams. Convenient to use and unquestionably aggressive towards dirt, these handy household helper also cleans out pillows in no time.

But first things first- check the labels of your pillows! Look at the materials used in making your fluffy bedmates. If they say something along the lines of cotton, down, fiberfill, and feather, then they’re good to go.

Remove their pillowcases , as they have to be washed separately for maximum cleanliness. Then, fill your washer with warm water (at least 140 degrees C), along with unscented detergent.

You can adjust their amounts as necessary. Then, depending on the size of your machine (two is the optimum amount), place in your pillows.

Dump in your pillows- if your washer is the front-load type that is. If your washing machine is the top-load kind, arrange your pillows vertically.

Let it all go in a gentle cycle. Then, rinse them off on a spin cycle, until you can see that the water is relatively clear.

Next, drying. Turn your dryer on a low heat, periodically fluffing them as they dry out to make sure that every square inch releases all of its moisture.

To make the pillows dry out easier, insert a bouncy tennis ball inside a clean white sock. Throw it in with the drying pillows, and it will squeeze out whatever surfaces that still has not given up its fluids. It will also help you fluff your pillows too!

When the pillows feel relatively warm and dry, it is time to sun dry them. Let the sun’s natural heat relieve them from all the remaining excess moisture that may cause bacteria buildup and unwanted smells.

Vroom Vroom, Goes the Vacuum

Memory foam (or any types of foam) pillows are also quite common too. But, unlike their other compatriots, they cannot be tossed in the washer.

Ever notice how your dishwashing sponge soaks up all the water? Then even after you’ve squeezed out all the liquids, there’s still some that remain?

Foam pillows work that way too. When they get wet, they tend to absorb the liquids pretty easily and make entire unwanted colonies of mildew and other nasty things.

For this, start by taking off your pillow cases. Check the labels for additional cleaning information, if there’s any.

Then, using your handheld vacuum, get rid of all the unwanted attachments to the foam. Make sure to cover all sides, so you won’t have to deal with improperly cleaned foam pillows!

And there you go, fresh pillows!

How Often Should I Do This?

Every six months is the ideal. Pillows don’t get dirty easily, but for hygienic purposes, it is best to clean them out as often as you could.

But this does not mean that you’ll change pillow cases only after six months! That’s nasty!

If you could, change the pillow cases every two to four weeks. In between changes, it is best to sun dry your pillow to let the excess moisture and unpleasant drool smells out.

And oh- don’t forget to fluff up your pillows! That’s essential too.

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