You are doing it wrong if there is a lump in the pillow after wash. Here is our take on how to wash a pillow without ruining it.
Buying a premium pillow does not guarantee a good night’s sleep. Like any other bedding accessory, pillows require proper cleaning and care.
How to Wash a Pillow without Ruining it?
Most users want to know how to wash a pillow without ruining it because buying a new one can cost more than $100. Throwing a pillow into the washing machine with other clothing items will create a mess.
This way, you will also ruin your pillow and infect other clothes.
Your pillow is home to countless bacteria. Itching and a feeling of discomfort or skin irritation are the clear signs of a dirty pillow.
Dust mites feeding on your dead skin cells, allergens, remaining sweat, and saliva stains may not be visible to the naked eye, but they are surely there.
When do you need to Wash a Pillow?
Every product comes with different washing instructions. Gel or memory foam pillows require less frequent washing, and in case of spots, you can easily clean them with a wet cloth.
Generally, we highly recommend washing yellowed pillows 2-3 times yearly. It does not matter how expensive the pillow is; you will have to replace it at some point. Consider replacing the pillow as soon as it starts feeling uncomfortable.
If the overall condition is good, 3-4 years is a good lifetime for a quality pillow. Here are some clear signs indicating that pillow needs a wash:
- For routine maintenance, 4-6 months
- When it starts smelling
- After visible stains and spills
- If allergies flare up
- When it looks dirty
- After you have suffered from any illness
- At the start of the new season
- When it starts losing fluffiness and loft height
- Apart from these, you will know when to wash a pillow correctly. Every person pays different attention to hygiene, but the real problem is maintaining the pillow’s shape after washing.
Synthetic material pillows attract more dust, so these pillows require more frequent washing.
Steps to Wash a Pillow without Ruining it
Have you already ruined a pillow after washing it without any precautions? From now on, we won’t let you destroy your favorite $100 pillow.
There is not much effort involved in careful pillow washing, but the real details are important. Here is how to get started cleaning a pillow with a wash.
1. Check the Pillow Brand’s Recommendations on Tag
The pillow manufacturer knows the product better than anyone else. Look at the pillow tag for washing instructions. If any special material needs attention, the pillow tag will have instructions.
Users can machine wash foam pillows, but spot cleaning may not work. Not every pillow is machine washable, and the pillow tag will help you understand the best washing practices for it.
2. Remove the Cover or Fill
Premium pillows are not as simple as ordinary pillows. Even if the pillow is not machine-washable, you will get a pillow cover that can be washed. If the cover is made of sensitive material, remove it before washing it in a machine.
For water pillows, you must remove the pouch before washing. These steps take just a moment and help you clean the pillow without ruining it.
3. Washing a Pillow in a Washing Machine
Automatic washing machines are perfect for washing a regular or premium pillow. Adding 200ml of distilled vinegar alongside the detergent will help disinfect the pillow.
Many people complain about bad odor after washing. For that, add your favorite essential oil during the wash.
Cold wash cycles are better for pillow durability because hot water may damage some materials. After the wash, if pillows can go in the tumble dryer, go for it. Let the pillow dry completely before throwing it into bed.
Best Way to Wash Pillows without Clumping
How can I wash a pillow without ruining it or clumping it? Throwing two pillows vertically at the same time will prevent pillows from being lumpy after washing.
Two pillows will provide essential support to each other to maintain the shape. Wash pillows separately instead of throwing them with a load of laundry.
Hot to Hand-Wash Pillow without messing it up?
A messed up pillow due to wrong washing practices can cost you quality sleep and up to $150. Memory foam or latex pillows are not safe for machine wash.
Brands recommend using a wet piece of cloth for spot cleaning. You may also find some special sprays and liquids that can easily clean any stain from a pillow.
A simple soft brush, an organic cleaning agent, and a tub are good to start washing a pillow by hand. Here are the steps that you need to follow:
- Remove the pillow cover or case from the pillow before starting the process
- Fill the tub with warm or cold water and add soap or detergent to wash.
- Mix up the detergent or cleaning agent and then soak the pillows and cover in the water
- Pay special attention to the stained area and use a brush when necessary.
- Use a brush gently until the stain comes off. Then, spill the dirty water and add fresh water to the tub.
- Rinse the pillows until the detergent is washed out
- Gently press the pillow to remove the excess water and avoid twisting
- Don’t hang it on wire to dry, but lay the pillow on the surface area
- Make sure to keep the pillow in proper shape while drying to prevent any lump or deformation
- Change the pillow’s sides occasionally and wait for a few days before using it again
Washing pillows by hand is time-consuming, but for certain materials, it is the safest option. When you want to know how to wash a pillow without ruining it, don’t worry about the effort or time.
While looking for the best ways to wash pillows, washing by hand is a better choice for certain materials. After washing a pillow, drying it properly is also important.
Cleaning your Pillow without a Wash
Some people take the shape and fluffiness of pillows too seriously. They understand the importance of choosing the right pillow for their sleeping style. They believe that washing the pillow will deform it.
This might be true in certain cases. For such readers, we highly recommend exposing pillows to direct sunlight for a few hours for 3-4 days.
Remove the pillow cover or case and sprinkle a little baking soda on the pillow before placing it in the sunlight. Always place the pillow on a flat surface, and baking soda will remove bacteria and other germs.
This pillow cleaning method will surely keep your pillow in perfect shape, but it will not work to remove stains and spill marks. People usually opt for this cleaning method to get rid of the irritating smell of pillows.
How to Remove Odor or Bad Smell from Pillows?
Even clean pillows can stink, and that can make you really uncomfortable. Removing odor or bed smell from pillows is important for a good night’s sleep. Why is there a smell in the pillow even though I just bought it? Pillow odor is not related to continued use only.
Pillows remain packed in different packaging materials for months. The irritating odor of a new pillow is normal, and keeping it open for a few days will help you get your nose used to it.
For a stinking pillow that is in regular use, a nice wash in good detergent might resolve the issue. Did the smell not go away after the wash? Place the pillow in direct sunlight for some hours.
Adding baking soda will speed up the process, and you will have a brand new pillow like this in a few hours.
How to Wash a Pillow without Ruining it? FAQs
Readers often have several common questions about the pre and post-pillow-washing process. Our editors have answered some of the pillow-wash FAQs for your convenience. We know you want a good night’s sleep at any cost, and we will assist you with our knowledge.
How to maintain shape of pillow after wash?
During the wash, add two pillows vertically to the machine. After the wash, don’t hang pillows on wire but place them on a flat surface in perfect form.
This will prevent possible lumps in the pillow due to the wash. Drying the pillow well will also help you clean it without ruining it.
When should you replace a pillow?
Replacing a quality pillow after 2-3 years is a good practice. But you can generally fold the pillow in half to check its quality.
If the pillow does not open, it’s time for a replacement. In case of serious damage, you can replace the pillow as needed.
Can you wash all the pillows in a washing machine?
No, not all pillows are machine washable. Read the product description or pillow tag to check if you can wash the pillow in the machine. Some materials remain durable with hand washing.
Any ordinary pillow that does not have a specific warning about machine wash is safe for this method.
How many pillows can I wash at a time?
The best practice is to wash two pillows at a time. Placing them vertically in a washing machine will also help maintain their original shape. This is how to wash a pillow without ruining it.
