Pillows aren’t as straightforward to wash as pillowcases and sheets, though, and care needs differ according to their type. Also complicating things is their bulk and heaviness when wet. But great laundry room ideas will create the facilities to keep them in optimum condition, and this expert guide has all the details you need on how to wash a pillow.
How to wash pillows
How to wash pillows
If you’ve invested in the best pillows, you’ll want to prolong their lives, so always check the laundry symbols on the tag and build the task into your routine when you clean a bedroom. As a rule, though, the answer to how to wash pillows will depend on what they’re filled with. ‘Always check with the manufacturer’s instructions before washing a pillow,’ says Drew Miller, a VP at Sit ’n Sleep (opens in new tab). ‘Most can be machine washed, but some may need to be dry cleaned.’ Cleaning tips for those that can go into a machine? You might be surprised by the answer if you’ve been asking can you wash a feather pillow? ‘Pillows filled with feather, down, cotton, and fiberfill can be cleaned in a washing machine using warm water on a gentle cycle,’ says Roman Peysakhovich, CEO of national cleaning company Onedesk (opens in new tab). ‘Foam pillows are a common type that you shouldn’t put in the washing machine since the agitation is too harsh and will likely break up the pillow’s padding,’ he says.
How to wash pillows in the washing machine
How to wash pillows in the washing machine
Can you wash pillows in a washing machine? The answer is: not always. Those pillows that can be washed in the washing machine should be washed on ‘a 100ºF/40ºC wash using a non-bio (enzyme-free) detergent – using about a third of the usual amount,’ advise Jonathan and Emily Attwood, founders, scooms (opens in new tab). To protect your washing machine, wash two pillows at once – this will keep the washer balanced since wet pillows are very heavy when spinning. ‘The agitators in top-loading machines can be rough on pillows and shorten the lifetime value of the pillow, so set the machine on its “gentle” cycle for the shortest possible time,’ says Drew Miller. ‘As an alternative, consider taking the pillows to a laundromat and use their front-loading equipment when they need laundering.’
How to wash memory foam pillows
How to wash memory foam pillows
Asking the question can you wash memory foam pillows? You cannot wash memory foam pillows in a washing machine, but there are other options for cleaning them. If the label doesn’t advise dry cleaning only, you may be able to hand wash yours.
How to dry pillows after washing
How to dry pillows after washing
Most pillows can be air-dried or put in the dryer on a low-heat setting – double check the care label so that you don’t tumble dry a pillow that shouldn’t be. The exception is down or feather pillows. ‘Although it will take longer, use the dryer’s no-heat setting to avoid the feathers being singed and leaving the pillow with an unpleasant odor,’ says Drew Miller. Don’t risk putting foam pillows in a dryer – they can set alight if they get too hot.
How often should I wash my pillows?
How often should I wash my pillows?
Pillows don’t need washing anything like as regularly as you’d carry out tasks such as washing bed sheets, washing a silk pillowcase and those made from other fabrics, and washing duvet covers. ‘Pillows should be washed roughly twice a year if protected properly,’ says Karin Sun, bedding and textile expert and the founder of Crane & Canopy (opens in new tab). Good protection for a pillow is a two layer covering. ‘I recommend using an anti-microbial and waterproof protective pillow cover along with your regular pillowcase to keep your pillow clean and fresh,’ Karin says. ‘This can be laundered frequently (weekly or at least every two weeks) with the rest of your bedding and can greatly help extend the life of your pillows.’ For good hygiene make sure you also build cleaning a mattress into your schedule, as well as washing a mattress cover.
Why do pillows turn yellow?
Why do pillows turn yellow?
The reason pillows turn yellow? We’re not going to sugarcoat it. The answer is that it’s mostly from sweat and drool, along with other moisture which might be from hair products and skin lotions. The way to keep your pillow its orginal pristine shade is to use a pillow protector, and wash it on schedule, too.
