PILLOWS need to be cleaned at least twice a year, but how is it done? Can you wash pillows in the washing machine?
Changing your sheets is time-consuming enough without having to worry about washing your pillows. However, it’s unhygienic to wash your pillows any less than twice a year. Washing your pillows keeps them fresh, dust mite-free and keeps allergies at bay.
We all sleep better with fresh sheets because a clean bed plays a huge role in how easy it is for you to relax and unwind in bed.
Pillows don’t need to be washed as often as your pillowcases, sheets, and duvet covers, but lots of us don’t wash them at all.
If you’ve never washed your pillows before, they’ve probably turned an unappealing shade of yellow or brown by now.
It’s time to chuck these filthy pillows out, or if they’re salvageable, give them a thorough cleaning.
Can you wash pillows in the washing machine?
Most cotton, down and synthetic pillows can be washed in the washing machine, but make sure you check the instructions on the care label before you try this!
Persil’s site adds: “If you do machine wash pillows, ensure that the machine is large enough.
“Take care that the fabric case is robust and will not allow the filling to come loose, causing potentially serious damage to the machine.
“Foam pillows should not be put in the washing machine. The washing instructions on foam pillows may state you can hand wash them.”
If you decide to hand wash them, be gentle!
How to clean pillows
Step one
Place the pillow inside a pillowcase to prevent any snagging of the filling and set the temperature according to the pillow’s care label.
Use a laundry detergent and ideally a gentle wash cycle.
Step two
If you can fit two pillows in the washing machine at the same time this will help to balance the load.
Step three
Once the wash cycle has finished, it’s important to dry your pillows properly to avoid the growth of mould and mildew.
Check that the care labels permit tumble drying and place the pillows in the tumble dryer on low heat.
Some people suggest putting two tennis balls in separate white socks and throwing them in the dryer with your pillows to fluff them up and decrease drying time.
Step four
After tumble drying, check if your pillows are still damp and smell them to check for moisture in the centre.
Repeat the process if they’re not quite dry, or allow your pillows to thoroughly dry out by placing them in the airing cupboard for a couple of days.
If your pillows cannot be tumble dried, leave them to air-dry in a well-ventilated room, or outside in the sun.
Another person suggested using dishwasher salt.
While another group member advised: “Fairy cleaning capsule, just pop in the draw like a normal tablet.”
One social media user said: “Oust for dish washer – only thing that worked on mine.”
Explaining their technique, another group member said: “With no dishes in it, cup of white vinegar on top drawer, put on hot wash.
