Sprinkle small amounts of baking soda on your pillows to remove moisture and smells. This ingredient effectively protects against bacteria and pathogens. Let it settle on your pillows for at least 30 to 60 minutes. Remove it using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment.
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.
Pillows start to turn yellow due to a variety of factors, most of which involve the accumulation of moisture. Sweat, drool, wet hair, and even skincare products can contribute to yellow stains on a pillow.
"Most solid/memory foam pillows are dense and cannot be machine washed." "First and foremost, follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning the pillow and the cover. Then, repair torn or loose seams before laundering so you don't end up with a machine full of feathers or synthetic fill," she adds.
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.
The best disinfectant may not be the wash, but the drying process. Tumble-drying laundry, including pillows, on high heat for at least 30 minutes is sufficient for killing most influenza germs.
Peterson said the best way to hand wash is to fill up a large sink or bathtub with warm water then add a few drops of your favorite liquid detergent. You should submerge your pillow and massage it for several minutes to let the detergent seep into it.
Add your cleaning ingredients to your pillows
For my first run through I added 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide – this is a bleach alternative. 1/2 cup of vinegar – this is a natural cleaner, breaks down stains, and fabric softener.
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.
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.
Heat, bright sunlight and the fresh summer breeze all have the ability to naturally deodorize, disinfect and bleach natural fibres, restoring and bringing back their splendour. After the passing by of the winter and spring seasons, it can feel wonderful to treat your bedding to a beautiful dose of sunshine.
Hotel pillows are made from high-quality materials, which enhance comfort and breathability. Hotel pillows tend to be more expensive, as hotels are eager to spend copious amounts of money on premium-quality pillows for their guests.
Just as with a mattress, you should replace pillows when they start sagging or developing lumps. It might also be time to look into new pillows when you notice excessive yellowing, or if your allergies are acting up at night. Certain pillow materials are more durable than others.
"Pillows harbour dust, skin cells and oils so they expire after one to two years," read text on the clip. The test itself is simple, all you need to do is fold the pillow in half lengthways and hold it there for 30 seconds. "Pillows should bounce back if fresh," she wrote.
Why wash your pillows. While you sleep, your body sheds thousands of dead skin cells. They in turn attract dust mites, which, although harmless, do produce droppings that contain allergens. Letting these build up can trigger anything from asthma and rhinitis to itchy eyes.
Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
Use the washer's gentle cycle and the warmest water temperature recommended on the pillow's care tag. If your washer has it, select the extra rinse cycle, which helps to flush excess detergent out of thicker, bulkier items like pillows.
Drying your pillow
To avoid the three evil M's: mildew, mold, and mites, it is important to thoroughly dry your pillow. This can take several hours or more.
Fabric steamers will not only disinfect your clothes but can also remove wrinkles from the clothes. These steamers normally take 10 minutes to heat up and then they are ready to destroy the microbes. But before using a steamer make sure that your clothes can withstand its heat.
Clumping or Odor – These are signs that your pillow is not dry yet. You want it to be completely dry to prevent mold. Dry Test – Hand fluff your pillows in between each cycle. The pillows may still be damp inside even though they feel dry to the touch.
The delicate cycle is a setting for materials that can easily be damaged. To avoid shrinking during the wash cycle, use cold water. Set the machine for an extra rinse, if possible. A second rinse can help ensure no detergent remains on the pillows.