Down or feather: Most down pillows can be put in the washing machine. But use cool water and a mild detergent, then dry on low heat. (High temperatures can damage the down.) Memory foam or latex: Washer agitation can break up foam, so these pillows will probably need to be hand-washed.
Many cotton, down, and synthetic pillows can be put in the washing machine. Always refer to the care instructions first. This is a quick and easy way of washing pillows, the only down-side to washing your pillows at home is that they can take a long time to dry.
Unless your pillow is made of foam, most pillows can be placed in the dryer on a low-heat setting. However, make sure to read the label on your pillow to check the specific instructions before throwing it in the machine. How to dry pillows: Gently tumble dry most types of pillows using the air or low-heat setting.
Wash two pillows in a single load to balance the washer. Use only a tablespoon of detergent to prevent over-sudsing and detergent buildup inside the pillow. Use the washer's gentle cycle and the warmest water temperature recommended on the pillow's care tag.
'However, it's safe to assume that most fiberfill, cotton, feather or down pillows can be washed in a washing machine, though I would advise a warm wash on a gentle cycle, and half the usual detergent, since too much can make feather and down clump.
Resting your head on a clean pillow can be the start of a good night's rest. There are other reasons that you should wash your pillows regularly, too. Pet dander, dust mites, dirt and oils from your skin can all build up on your pillow. These things can make your bed less clean and even possibly trigger allergies.
To keep your pillows from getting damaged, place them in the washer vertically and use a mild, liquid detergent. "Be sure to read the care label before washing and follow the instructions," Peterson said.
Pillows turn yellow because of sweat. There are other reasons why a pillow may start to turn yellow including falling asleep with wet hair, lotions and oils on the skin, and moisture. When moisture or sweat remains on the pillow for long periods of time, the pillow will turn yellow.
Whether made of natural fibers (such as down) or synthetic materials (often polyester), most pillows can be washed in the machine. They should be cleaned every three to six months to remove mold, bacteria, and odors. Read instructions on the pillow's tag to make sure it is not dry-clean only.
Place pillows in dryer with several dryer balls (you can also use a tennis ball or two). Set heat on a medium to low setting. Time dry for at least one hour. Allow pillow to cool, then check to see if the inside is dry.
If your pillow can be washed, it should be washed at least twice a year. If you eat in bed, have pets, or sweat a lot, you should wash pillows quarterly. Special pillows like body pillows or throw pillows should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months. This is dependent on how, where, and how often they are used.
When you're washing anything down-filled, such as a comforter or bed pillows, adding a few new, clean tennis balls to the dryer will help fluff them up. If you've ever pulled a freshly-washed pillow out of the dryer to find it's become lumpy and misshapen, the tennis ball trick can prevent that.
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity. Generally, you'll be able to tell when it's time to replace your pillows.
It depends. If the pillow is filled with feathers, down, or polyester fiberfill, yes, you can use a washing machine and tumble dryer. However, if the pillow is a memory foam or solid latex foam form, no.
For feather pillows, it is recommended to choose a wash cycle between 40° and 60° (no boiling water) and a slow spin cycle. In any case, you should check that machine washing is possible by reading the label. Drying can be done by inserting a tennis ball into the drum of the dryer to keep it even.
Freshen Pillows in the Dryer
Put your pillows in the dryer on "air fluff" every few months to eliminate much of the dust. Include a vinegar-dampened washcloth, suggests Mary Findley of GoClean.com, to help kill mold and mildew.
If it smells funny or feels damp (think mildew), you probably should replace it. But if it smells fine and is comfortable, it should be safe to sleep on until you can get a replacement. If your pillow has turned completely yellow, or has developed some brown stains, it is probably time for a replacement.
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity. Generally, you'll be able to tell when it's time to replace your pillows.
The sweat, oil, and dead skin cells that turn a pillow yellow can also clog pores and potentially cause skin breakouts. Pillows can also be a source of bacterial buildup over time. We recommend replacing your pillow every one to two years or if it shows signs of excessive discoloration.
Lumpy pillows can also be a result of sweat and oils getting into your pillows, causing the filling to clump together. Finally, fabric conditioner can leave a residue that sticks the stuffing materials together, so avoid using it when washing your pillows.
If you don't have access to a dryer, it's best to dry down pillows outside in the fresh air. However, you should avoid direct sunlight to prevent the heat from damaging the down. Don't forget to fluff up the pillows as well, as they can be rather lumpy if you don't tumble dry them.
Most people should wash their sheets once per week. If you don't sleep on your mattress every day, you may be able to stretch this to once every two weeks or so. Some people should wash their sheets even more often than once a week.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends that you replace your pillow every two years or sooner. This is because pillows can get pretty gross. Pillows can contain allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and even mold once they reach the end of their lifespan.
Life expectancy depends on materials and quality. Down and Feather: Since these pillows can be washed regularly (we recommend every 6 months) and the fill is so durable, they easily can last 5-10 years, or more. Synthetic: A good rule of thumb with synthetic is 1-2 years depending on the quality of materials and usage.