How to wash pillows correctly

Of the large number of household items, pillows require the most careful and delicate care. The fact is that skin particles, dust, and sweat accumulating inside the pillow create a favorable environment for the life of microbes and mites, which can cause allergic reactions in humans. That is why you need to clean them regularly; in this article we will share our experience and tell you how to wash pillows in an automatic machine.

The process of washing synthetic pillows

It is easiest to wash pillows with synthetic filling, as it does not lose its shape. Among synthetic fillers, the most common are holofiber and synthetic padding; there are also pillows filled with polyester, fiberlon and polyester balls.

Before putting a pillow in the drum of a washing machine, you need to check the ability of the filler to be subjected to such treatment. It is enough to place a heavy object on the pillow for a few minutes and then remove it. And if the pillow has regained its original shape, then feel free to wash it in the machine.

You can wash synthetic padding pillows using one of the following washing modes:

• "Delicate wash"
• "Handwash"
• "Duvet blanked"

All these modes are gentle on the fabric, because during washing the drum rotation speed is reduced. As for the water temperature, it should not exceed 40⁰C. When choosing a detergent for washing, you should give preference not to powders, but to gels. This is because the soap solution is well absorbed into the filler, and rinsing the product becomes problematic. Gel-like powder is easier to rinse out than powder particles.

Please pay attention! To effectively rinse out the detergent, you need to install an additional rinse.

You can spin pillows with synthetic fillers at high speeds, but not more than 1000 rpm. But this does not apply to anti-stress pillows, the filling of which is polyester balls. It is better not to wring out such pillows or to wring them out at low speeds.

Features of washing down and feathers

Most often, people are interested in the question: can a pillow filled with down or feathers be machine washed? Washing such pillows is not easy, because the filling will have to be divided into several parts. Pillows with synthetic filling are placed entirely in the car. But feather and down pillows will first have to be carefully ripped apart along one of the seams, then the down or feather should be divided into two or three pillowcases and sewed up tightly. Instead of a pillowcase, you can use a special washing cover.

Important! The less fluff there is in one case, the better it stretches and rinses.

Now let's move on to washing:

1. We put the covers with the filling in the drum. Two covers are placed in a standard-sized drum, which will create an even load and prevent imbalance of the drum. In machines with a large drum, you can wash 3-4 covers with down or feather at once.
2. Along with the pillows, we put a couple of tennis balls in the drum, which will prevent the fluff from bunching up.
3. Pour gel-like detergent into the powder compartment. You can use free-flowing automatic powder, but it is half as much as for washing ordinary things.
   It is not recommended to use laundry conditioner, because its aggressive and persistent smell can cause dizziness.
4. Select the “Down” (“Down Blanket”) washing mode or the “Delicate Wash” mode.The water temperature should be 30⁰WITH.
5. Set up an additional rinse.
6. We set the spin speed to the lowest possible so that the down filling does not form a lump.
7. Let's start the process.

It is necessary to wash feather pillows in this way at least once a year, optimally 2-3 times a year. This will prevent the proliferation of germs and dust mites.

Other materials

In addition to the above mentioned pillow fillings, there are pillows filled with:

• bamboo;
• sheep wool;
• camel hair;
• organic materials (for example, buckwheat hulls).

Pillows filled with buckwheat husks cannot be washed at all. Caring for such pillows involves pouring out the filling, drying it or calcining it. The cover can be washed on a delicate cycle in the machine or by hand. In general, orthopedic pillows should not be machine washed., as this can lead to loss of shape, as well as its health-improving functions. These pillows must be cleaned by hand.

Bamboo pillows are washed in the same way as pillows with synthetic filling. The water temperature when washing should not exceed 30⁰C. Bamboo is a natural material that perfectly retains its shape and does not lose its amazing properties after repeated washing.

For your information! Bamboo pillows are hypoallergenic and suitable even for asthmatics.

When washing pillows made of sheep or camel wool, you need to use special liquid detergents for washing woolen items containing lanolin. This substance protects wool fibers from contamination, making them elastic. Machine washing for such pillows is allowed in the “Wool” or “Hand Wash” modes. Rinsing should also be repeated, and spinning at low speeds.

Drying rules

It is very important not to just wash the pillows. But also dry them after washing. Improper drying can lead to musty odors and bacterial growth in humid, warm environments.

Synthetic and bamboo pillows should be dried in a well-ventilated area, spread out on a horizontal surface. Do not over-dry the products to avoid the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Washed feather and down covers should be dried quickly. It is best to do this on a sunny and hot day. This is necessary so that the filler does not begin to rot. After washing, it is recommended to lay down pillows on towels or terry sheets to quickly absorb excess moisture. Then, as the pillow dries, you need to fluff and smooth out the fluff. When the filler dries (this process may take a couple of days), it is transferred to a clean diaper and sewn tightly.

Pillows made of wool filling can be dried naturally on the balcony. Laying the product out on a horizontal surface. Or you can use a dryer or Tumble dry function. In this case, the drying mode should be gentle, the temperature should not exceed 30⁰WITH.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

If you are against washing pillows in a machine, you will have to wash and clean the pillows by hand. This should be done in a large container, for example, in the bathroom. The basic principles of washing are the same:

• water temperature no more than 40⁰WITH;
• You need to use a gel-like product or thoroughly dissolve the powder in water.

Washing feather pillows by hand is carried out without covers, which means you will have to wash the feathers. First, they are soaked in soapy water for 2 hours. Then change the soap solution and wash the feathers, stirring them in the bath.After washing, use a colander to rinse all the feathers and lay them on a towel to dry.

To refresh a pillow, in some cases it is not necessary to wash it at all. It will be enough to treat the pillow with steam. This is done as follows:

• the pillow is suspended in a vertical position;
• use a vertical steamer to process the product twice on both sides;
• Dry the product in a horizontal position and put on a clean pillowcase.

Please pay attention! A similar “Refresh” mode is programmed in some models of modern washing machines with a drying function.

Another alternative option for washing pillows in a washing machine is dry cleaning. The dry cleaner will not only wash the product, but also treat it against pests and germs. If you do not want to waste time on such an activity at home, then use the services of professionals.

So, we hope that now you understand how to wash bamboo, down or other pillows in an automatic machine. The most important thing is to be patient and follow the rules.

3 reader comments

1. 11/25/2015 at 01:29

   Karinka:

   I washed down pillows much easier. I used the product “UniPuh”. Of course, the first time I was worried that the fluff would bunch up, but my worries were in vain. The fluff was not divided into parts and no balls were used. The pillows washed perfectly and when they dried the down straightened out on its own.

   Answer
   • 04/01/2016 at 13:15

     Zukhra:

     Please tell me, what kind of cover did you wash it in? And where can I buy these covers?

     Answer
     • 10.28.2017 at 19:05

       Ilona:

       I just took off the pillowcase and washed it with UniPooh right in the bed sheets. The fluff didn’t go astray and that’s the main thing.

       Answer