Don’t forget to wash your pillows! They need to be cared for similar to your sheets and mattress.
When we clean our bedrooms every week or two, we take the time to change or wash our sheets, sweep or vacuum our floor, and make sure everything is dusted and cleaned. But wait- you’re missing one crucial step- your pillows!
Air It Out
Many people seem to forget about washing their pillows, which can harvest germs and must be cleaned occasionally. First, add fluffing your pillows into your daily bed-making routine. This helps your pillows restore their shape and removes dust. Every month, you’ll want to hang them outdoors on a clothesline for a few hours at a time on a bright, breezy day- either warm or chilly. If this is not an option for you, you can also run them through the dryer on a no-heat cycle.
How Often Should You Wash Your Pillow?
Pillows shouldn’t be cleaned in the washing machine too often, as they can lose their shape. However, it should be done every 5-6 months to remove dirt, dust, and dead skin, and to keep them smelling fresh and clean.
Before you put your pillow in the washing machine, check the instructions on the label. Most form-filled or synthetic pillows can be machine-washed, but it’s always best to double check, as not to ruin your favorite pillow. Also, select your washer’s gentle cycle and run with lukewarm water and a good laundry detergent. If you have a large enough machine, wash two pillows at one. This will help balance the load, allowing the water and detergent to circulate more effectively. If you have a conventional top loader, the agitator may be too tough on your pillows. It’s best to agitate on the gentle cycle for only a few minutes, or the shortest time setting available. Alternatively, you can make a special trip to the laundromat to use its front-loaders.
Hand-Washed Pillows
Down and feather-filled pillows should be hand-washed only. Start by filling a basin with warm water and add as much detergent as you would for a small load in your washing machine. Then, submerge the pillow completely and knead it gently. Drain the basin and press on the pillow to remove all of the water, then roll it in a dry towel. After, put the pillow in your washing machine and run the slowest possible spin cycle to gently extract any leftover water before drying.
Drying Your Pillow
Once your pillow is clean, it’s important to make sure that it is completely dry all the way through, or mildew could develop. Put the pillow in the dryer for an hour on moderate heat, adding dry towels to the load if you want to speed up the process a little. Also, you can add two fresh tennis balls to the load, as they’ll keep the filling in your pillow from clumping as they bounce around. After the cycle is completed, double check that the pillow is completely dry by checking inside and feeling for any damp spots.
Get Your New Mattress And Pillows at All American Mattress
At All American Mattress, we have the expertise and great prices to help you choose the perfect pillows and foam mattress for your bedroom. We have mattresses and bed frames available made from a variety of materials to suit your needs, whatever they are. Stop by our showroom, visit us online, or give us a call at (410) 451-9006 to see how we can get your toddler sleeping through the night. We offer brand names at affordable prices, and we will always work hard to keep your whole family comfortable. For more mattress shopping tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.