How to Wash Pillows

Most of us tend to launder our bed sheets and covers every week, but when it comes to the pillows that we use, it is a completely different matter altogether. Several people ask the question, how often to wash pillows. Generally it is considered important to wash pillows at least twice in year, if not more often. But the process of washing pillows can be a slightly difficult one as different types of pillows need a different approach when it comes to cleaning them. In this article, we tell you what are the best methods at your disposal to wash pillows.

Washing Pillows at Home

When it comes to washing pillows, the very first thing that you will need to do is to check the tags attached to all the pillows that you are cleaning. Most manufacturers give specific instructions regarding the cleaning of the pillows and you will do well if you follow them. There are some pillows like those that are filled with buckwheat that cannot be washed. There are also certain types of pillows that will need to be dry cleaned. Therefore, it is important to know which pillows can be washed at home and which will be needed to send to the laundry. Once you have done this you will need to segregate the pillows according to their type.

Pillows that have some sort of a synthetic filling can be washed in a washing machine. So if you want to wash pillows in a washing machine, it is best to use pillows that have this sort of a filling. Use cold water and a soft detergent to wash these pillows. If you choose to dry the pillows in the washing machine as well, then try and set the heat of the machine if it allows you to do so. Do not machine wash pillows with other linen as they will need space in the machine in order to retain their shape. If you use foam pillows, then you can wash them in the same manner as normal pillows with synthetic fillings. Do remember to check the tags on the pillows to see if there are any specific instructions from the manufacturers regarding the cleaning procedure. With foam pillows never dry them in the machine. In fact it is imperative that you lay them down in a cool place to dry.

The most amount of care needs to be taken of pillows that have some sort of a natural filling, like a down pillow. It is best that with down pillows, you give them to a professional cleaner who will know exactly how to get the grime out. Cleaning down pillows at home can be an extremely difficult task and one that you should definitely avoid trying at home. If you cannot avoid it though, hand wash it in warm water and let it dry on the clothesline in a shaded area. It is important that you allow a down pillow to dry properly as it can develop an extremely unpleasant smell.

Learning to wash pillows is not all that difficult. You just need to keep certain things in mind. It is important that you always wash only one pillow at a time. Also never wash the pillow along with pillow cover. Wash them separately. Once you have washed your pillows it is important that you allow them to dry well to avoid molds or mildew. Like most other home cleaning tasks, the entire process of washing pillows can be a tedious one, as having to wash pillows one at a time can be quite mind-numbing, but this is an important part of the entire cleaning procedure.