Since the pillow is used every day, it is subject to great pressure and impurities. All this affects its characteristics. Very quickly, the pillow becomes a place where mites develop. They are one of the most common causes of allergies and poor sleep. There are two things you can do to prolong its life and keep it clean. First of all, you must use a pillow cover that you will wash at a high temperature at least once every two weeks. You should also change it every 2 to 3 years if you maintain it well. If you want to find out if memory foam pillow can be washed, check it here.

Cleaning stains from your pillow

All you need for this is large sink, liquid laundry detergent, and warm water. It is enough to apply a little liquid detergent to the place where the stain is. Then let the pillow stand for about 10 minutes in warm water. It is important to soak it with enough water to keep it below the surface of the water. There is also a chance that your pillow is stained permanently or you are just simply not happy with it anymore. There’s a great buying guide for top UK pillows.

Machine-washing your pillow

Depending on the type of pillow and the manufacturer’s instructions, you can wash your pillow in the washing machine. Most down pillows can be washed this way. You need to opt for a gentle cycle. It is best to keep the water warm, but then add an extra cold water rinse and spin cycle. You will need very little detergent for this procedure.

Hand-washing your pillows

Before you start washing, remove the pillow cover. Then, fill the container with water that can fit a pillow and make sure the water is warm enough. Only then will you be able to kill all the mites without bleach or other strong chemicals. Put a little detergent with a little foam, rinse the pillow several times.

How to dry your pillow?

After washing, squeeze excess water from the pillow. You can also use a towel to pick up a lot of moisture. If you have a feather pillow, do not twist it because you will tear the feathers. Dry the pillow at low temperature in the dryer and turn it more often. To keep the pillow full, put a few balls in the dryer.

How to make your pillow white again?

The pillow can change color over time, and the main cause is moisture. We sweat during the night, and the pillow retains the greatest amount of sweat. Due to that, yellow spots appear on it, which can be removed with hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. You can pour this combination into the drum of the washing machine.

Types of pillows you can wash in a washing machine

Regardless of the fact that certain pillows can be washed in the washing machine, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This refers to the careful selection of water temperature, number of cycles, type of washing machine and type of detergent.

Cotton

Before you start washing, remove the pillowcases from the pillow. Wash them separately. If you want to wash several pillows together at home, first check the dimensions of the machine. Once you determine that there is enough space, you can put two pillows. Add detergent that you normally use.

Feather

Place the pillow without the pillowcase and protector in the washing machine. Do not use detergent during washing, only water. Have the machine set to gentle cycle or delicate. Then, transfer it to the tumble dryer and let it dry on low heat. When the first cycle is complete, start the second.

Down

Sometimes down pillows do not need professional care. In this case you can wash, them yourself. All you need is cold water. You can put two pillows at the same time to maintain the balance of the washing machine during the spin cycle.

Fibre-filled

You can use a lot of detergent with this material, which is recommended, but it is important that it is mild. Also select the gentle washing cycle, and immediately start the second cycle after the first one to rinse the detergent completely.

Microbead

Put the pillow in the washing machine that you previously set to the gentle cycle. During washing, use warm water as well as mild laundry detergent.

Buckwheat

You must not put this pillow directly in the washing machine, but carefully remove the buckwheat from the inside of the pillow. After you take out the last piece, put them in something solid like paper bags. The case can be washed in the washing machine, using cold water, normal cycle and moist detergent.

Types of pillows you cannot wash in a washing machine

Some pillows cannot be washed in the washing machine, because that way they will lose their function and become unusable.

Wool

After determining that the cover has been removed and the zipper of the case is closed, place the pillow in a bowl with cold or lukewarm water. Pour a little detergent or wool detergent into it. You can also add a tablespoon of baking soda, because it removes all odors. Leave the pillow in the bowl for about 15 minutes and rinse it.

Memory foam

When it comes to this material, it is not recommended to wash it in the washing machine. Instead, wash them by hand. You can remove the dust from the pillow with a vacuum cleaner, and then run it over the surface with a damp cloth with very little detergent. You can then leave the pillow to air dry.