Ideally, yourechanging your sheetsonce a week for the benefit of your skin and allergies.
But surprise surprise: learning how to wash pillows properly is just as important as washing your bedding andblankets.
Well, your pillows, like your sheets, are secretly kind of nasty.
Your pillow can certainly harbor dust mites, and they grow better in warm weather, says Dr. Hooper.
(Cue a horrified shudder.)
If general pillow care and maintenance is uncharted territory for you, fear not.
cleaning expert and author ofClean Mama’s Guide to a Healthy Home
Read ahead for expert intel on how to wash pillows and say goodnight to germs in the process.
How often should I wash my pillows?
All kinds of bacteria, viruses, mites, fungi, grime, and allergens stick to our pillows.
you’re free to encounter bacteria and allergy-inducing dust mites from your pillowcase, too.
Can you wash pillows in the washing machine?
Good news: Many different kinds of pillows can be washed in the washing machine.
Your standard down alternative pillow can likely stand a washing machine cycle.
That said, certain types of pillows are too delicate to be tossed in.
Before you wash your pillow, always check the care label instructions and follow the brands recommended laundry instructions.
cleaning expert and author ofClean Mama’s Guide to a Healthy Home
However, memory foam, latex, buckwheat, and decorative pillows cannot be machine washed.
How to wash pillows in the washing machine
1.
Take off the pillowcase or protector
Remove the pillowcase from the pillow and wash it separately.
Load the washer
If possible, wash your pillows two at a time, says Mock.
This will help keep the washer balanced, preventing their filling from clumping up.
And keep the load pillows-only.
The biggest mistake is throwing your pillow in with a small load of laundry, says Mock.
That can cause your pillow to lump and damage more quickly in the wash.
4.
Other cycles use faster, more frequent tumbling motions, which could break up the fabric of your pillows.
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It will help to return those fibers to their natural fluffy state, she says.
To avoid any dye transfer from tennis balls, put them in a white sock and tie them off.
Mock says this method is great way to freshen up bedroom pillows and get rid of any lingering odors.
If your delicate pillow needs a full clean, Mock recommends hand washing it.
Heres her step-by-step method:
1.
Mix in a few drops of detergent.
(Check the care label on your pillow to see if there are any particular recommendations.)
Soak your pillow
Submerge the pillow in the warm water for 10 minutes so that its fully soaked.
Rinse your pillow
Once its good and soaked, rinse your pillow with warm water.
Wring out the excess water and residue by hand.
Air dry
Lightly pat the pillow dry with a clean towel.
Then let it fully air dry in the sun or another warm spot.
check that the pillow is totally dry before using it.
How do you get the yellow out of pillows?
Want to prevent yellow staining?
Rapinchuk recommends investing in a pillow protector.
Rapinchuk washes hers every other week and tosses it right into the washer and dryer with her other bedding.
How do you deep clean pillows?
When should you replace a pillow?
If your pillow bounces back, the structure is still springy and cushioned enough to provide support.
If it stays bent and feels heavy or lumpy, its probably time to replace it.
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Acetic Acid, the active component of vinegar, is an effective tuberculocidal disinfectant.mBiovol.
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