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How to Clean Your Pillows

How to Clean Your Pillows
July 23, 2021

Have you ever taken a good look at your pillows without the pillowcases? It’s probably not a pretty sight. Things like sweat, skin and hair oil, and drool (you know who you are) can all lead to unsightly brown and yellowish stains that make your pillows look nasty. However, your pillows are also home to things like dead skin and dust mites. Yuck!

Tips on how to clean your pillows effectively

So, while you might think cleaning your pillowcases and protectors is enough to keep things sanitary, you need to think again. Here, we offer our home cleaning services tips on how to really clean your pillows.

Why bother cleaning pillows?

Well, we understand why you might be asking this question. The thing is, though, every night you spend about 6 to 8 hours where you leave behind all kinds of residue even if you’ve just taken a shower. All of the stuff your body sheds and produces during sleep, from sweat to oils and skin to hair, add to an unsightly and not so healthy pile up of yuck.

So, while you might think pulling a crisp white clean pillowcase over the pillow makes up for all that buildup, it really doesn’t do as much as you’d think.

Do I have to wash my pillows whenever I wash my sheets?

Nope, you really don’t. However, you should be washing them at least twice a year. This is nothing in the larger scheme of things, and it helps you keep your pillows sleepably and cuddlably fresh. An easy way to remember when to clean your pillows is to do it every time you reset the clocks for Daylight Savings time.

How can I clean my pillows?

Here are our tips:

Washing Machine

Most pillows can actually be tossed right into your washing machine; just be sure to read the label before you do it. For example, if you have down pillows, you can, but if you have something like memory foam, you can’t. When buying new pillows, choose ones you can wash in the washing machine to make life easier. Follow these steps:

1. Always do two pillows at a time to avoid jamming the machine with too many while also keeping the machine balanced.

2. Add a small amount of your usual laundry detergent.

3. Although saving energy is good, in this case, go for the hottest water setting to kill germs.

4. Run the pillows on the gentle setting.

5. If your machine offers the option to run two rinse cycles, then choose that. If not, run the machine a second time without the detergent to make sure the detergent is completely removed.

The spin cycle should get out most of the water, but if you have different spin settings, then choose the highest to be safe. Otherwise, you might have to run the spin twice.

Removing Stains

First, let’s consider those gross brown and yellow stains. Don’t worry, everyone has them, so no need to feel like you’re the only one. Major stains require major cleaning power, and we recommend using vinegar first, as it is strong but natural. You can remove stains using the washing machine if your pillows are machine-safe following these steps:

1. When adding your detergent, add about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of vinegar. You can either put it in the fabric softener slot, or wait until the water is almost filled and add it then. Only use the vinegar for washing your pillows twice a year, as it can damage tubing if used too often.

2. Some machines have a cool setting designed for whites. It includes a soak that helps loosen stains. If you have a soaking option, be sure to use it to see the best results and add your vinegar at this stage.

3. After the first run, see how your pillows look. If they are still brown, you might want to run them through the cycle a second time. This time, you can consider using a laundry stain remover designed specifically for whites. Avoid bleach, as it can lead to issues with rashes or breathing troubles.

4. If the pillows seem too wet when the cycle ends, then run them through the spin cycle again to remove the excess water.

How to Dry Pillows

Drying pillows should be easy, but you should follow these steps to make sure they are dried thoroughly:

1. As mentioned above, if the pillows seem too wet, then run them through the spin cycle again to remove the excess water.

2. Use wool dryer balls to help keep your pillows fluffy.

3. Use the lowest setting and never put your foam pillows in the dryer even if the instructions say they are washing-machine safe. Down and feather pillows are best on air dry as opposed to low if you have that option.

4. Try running the dryer for about 30 minutes and check to see how the pillows feel. They have to be completely dry or else they can get mouldy and will also feel awful when trying to sleep.

If it’s a warm sunny day outside, then you can try laying them in the sun on your balcony. Only do this if you get sun though, as they won’t dry in the shade! The sun will give them a nice fresh smell naturally, while also helping kill any germs left behind.

What if my pillows are not machine washable?

For pillows that are not machine washable, read the label to see what is recommended. Most pillows should be safe to bring to the dry cleaners. You can look for a dry cleaner that uses eco-friendly methods to reduce chances of irritation.

If cleaning pillows sounds like too much work, then contact the experts at Maid4Condos. Our home cleaning services can take care of all your cleaning needs, including drool and sweat-stained pillows—no judgement!

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