How to wash a pillow may be a question for many people, but depending on the type of pillow, washing it is simpler than you might think.
Tell the truth, one of the best feelings in life is sleeping in a comfortable bed, with clean, fragrant bedding and pillows, right? However, to get this feeling you need to keep everything clean at all times. As for the sheets, there aren’t many secrets, the most difficult thing is cleaning the pillow. But after all, how to wash pillows?
Many people have this doubt, considering that it is a delicate product that requires specific washing, especially when it takes on a yellowish appearance. Our pillow, despite giving us a good night’s sleep, is also a very conducive place for dust mites and other bacteria to accumulate. Therefore, it can cause allergic problems, such as asthma and rhinitis. That’s why it’s very important to know how to wash pillows correctly.
Furthermore, it is important to note that pillows have an expiration date. So, the ideal is to change them every two years, and clean them every 6 months to avoid the proliferation of bacteria. Therefore, today we will learn how to wash pillows, and tips on how to take care of your sleeping partner.
How to wash pillow
Before learning how to wash a pillow, we first need to check the type of material used in yours. This is very important, considering that each material must be washed in a different way. Among the main materials that make up a pillow, we can mention foam, feathers, feathers, microfiber and viscoelastic.
So, each of them comes with washing recommendations from the manufacturer and must be followed by users. So, the first step is to check these instructions. Most pillows can be machine washed, others require special care by hand washing or dry cleaning.
How to machine wash pillows
The washing machine is a real help for any housewife, making washing clothes easier. Therefore, many people wonder if they can wash the pillow in the machine, to be more practical. If the product instructions say you can, great, it’s very easy. The most common ones to wash in the machine are down, feather and polyester pillows.
Check out how to wash pillows in the machine:
- Start by removing the pillowcase or protective cover from the pillow;
- Then, once done, place the pillow in the machine. But remember, the ideal is to place a maximum of two at a time;
- Then, add soap, preferably neutral liquid or coconut, and instead of fabric softener, add white vinegar, to ensure that it becomes even softer;
- Set the wash cycle to gentle to avoid damaging your pillows;
- Therefore, avoid centrifuging and drying machines to avoid deforming the pillow. The ideal is to let the pillow dry naturally in a ventilated environment for 2 to 3 days. It is important that it is completely dry before using again, to avoid mold.
How to wash pillows by hand
Don’t have a machine, do you prefer to wash the old fashioned way or is your pillow very delicate? The solution is to sanitize the pillow in your hand. It may be a little more work, but nothing major. Check it step by step:
- First, remove the pillowcase or protective cover as usual;
- Then, soak the pillows for an hour in a mixture of water, baking soda and white vinegar, this will help to sanitize and also lighten stains;
- After the soaking period, with a coconut bar soap, wash the entire pillow by rubbing gently;
- Then, once this is done, rinse very well to completely remove any product residue;
- Then, remove excess water and place the pillow in a cool environment for complete drying, which can take up to 3 days.
How to remove stains from pillows
Over time, the pillow absorbs sweat, oil, secretions and saliva, so it is normal to get yellow stains, which is not pleasant at all. But fortunately, it is possible to solve this easily and make them white again.
One of the main homemade ways to do this is to use white vinegar. If washing in the machine, simply apply vinegar instead of fabric softener when washing. Now if it is washed by hand, it is recommended to make a solution with 1 liter of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 200 ml of white vinegar. Then spray on the yellowish stains and let it act for 10 minutes. Then rub gently and rinse as indicated in the step-by-step guide on how to wash a pillow by hand.
Another option to lighten yellowish stains on your pillow is with lemon. To do this, simply apply lemon juice to the stains and rub gently. Finally, wash normally, rinse well and leave to dry.
Washing types of pillows
Feather pillow
The feather pillow is one of the most popular, which stands out for its quality and softness. So, it’s normal to want to make it last as long as possible and that’s why it’s common to have questions about how to wash a feather pillow. And it’s actually very simple, in fact this type of pillow can be washed both by hand and in the machine. So just choose the method and follow the step by step instructions above.
Foam pillow
The foam pillow, which is also widely used, is a little more delicate and requires more delicate washing. So, in this case, the foam pillow should not be placed in the washing machine. Therefore, washing must be done by hand, following the instructions above;
NASA pillow
NASA pillows became popular due to their softness and adaptation to the user’s body. It is made of viscoelastic, and therefore requires special washing, done in a laundry. It is not recommended to wash this type of pillow at home, as it cannot be machined or soaked. Therefore, the ideal is to have a professional wash.
Caring for your pillow
Each night, you spend an average of 8 hours in direct contact with your pillow. So, it absorbs everything from skin debris to oil and saliva, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Therefore, it is very important to take some precautions to take care of your health and make your pillow last longer.
First, let it air out and remove excess dust. In addition to washing at intervals of 6 months, it is important to take daily care of the pillows, dusting them off and leaving them for a few hours in a cool, ventilated place to “breathe”.
It is also very important to change bedding regularly, preferably every week. Changing sheets and pillowcases once a week is essential to keep your bed always clean, smelling good, and free from bacteria.
Furthermore, choose to use a protective cover with a waterproof interior, which prevents the passage of moisture and the accumulation of dust mites and increases the pillow’s durability. But remembering that it doesn’t last forever, it’s recommended to change your pillow every 2 years.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out How to wash a carpet – Best products and homemade recipes.
Sources: Viva Decora Lave em Casa
Images: Universa Dry Wash Laundry Sources Gshow Viva Decora Tips Mary Help Theva
