How To Wash Pillows

We clean and wash our bedspread, bed covers and other furnishing, but many times overlook to wash our pillows. But regular washing of pillows is very important; especially if you or any of your family members has allergies. Plus, if you have kids at home too you need to keep your pillows clean. Many people are unaware that dust mites dwell on bed pillows that may lead to breathing troubles or aggravate allergic conditions. People who are suffering from allergies should wash their pillows at least once a month and change their pillow covers at least once in every week. Even if you don’t have allergies, you should maintain a habit of washing pillows to ward off any infections borne by these dust mites. However, you should keep in mind that not all pillows are washable. Ensure to check tag for washing instructions before you wash your pillows. If you are looking for information on how to wash pillows, then here are some quick tips for your aid.

Tips For Washing A Pillow

Remove pillowcases and wash them separately. If there is a chance for colors to bleed, wash them separately.
Pillows made of polyester, foam pillows and molded pillows are generally washable. Also, pillows filled with fiber and cotton and covered with polyester are washable. Select these pillows and check the tags for the washing instructions.
Remember to remove lint from your dryer. Lint can pose a hazard when it is allowed to gather.
Wash a bed pillow in hot water that helps to kill mites.
Use less detergent than you normally use when washing a pillow in washing machine.
Not all pillows are washable. Check the manufacturer’s tag for washing instructions.
Dry pillows on medium heat and then air dry them. Make sure they are free of any moisture. Presence of moistures in pillows can lead to formation of mildew which can have adverse effects on people who are prone to allergies.
If you have large and heavy pillows, wash only the surface by hand. The fillings of these pillows are too heavy to dry.
For small and fiber filled pillows that have cotton or polyester cover, choose for machine wash.

Other Tips

Dry clean goose-down pillows.
Don’t wash pillows covered with leather or textured fabric cover.
If you can fit only one pillow in the washing machine, you can balance the load by keeping some small towel or pillow case.
Pillows with heavy bead work cannot be washed.
Pillows can be made of different fibers and not all fibers are washable. Be sure to know the fiber of your pillows before you start washing them.
To add extra freshness, you may add a fabric softener when drying the pillow in the drier.
The best option to wash old feather pillow is to dry clean them.
If you are not using your pillows, store them in a well ventilated cabinet to avoid molding. Alternatively, you may also use a zipped pillow case to store your pillow.
Drying down pillow in sun helps to re-fluff it and also keeps away growth of mites and mildew. The sun also has a bleaching effect on the pillows.
Keep foam pillows in their covers in order to prevent fraying.

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