How to wash pillows–sanitize feather, down and synthetic fibers

When should your pillow be cleaned? When it gets discolored and stinky — or once a month if you're not sure. If you put protection pillowcases under your regular pillowcases, you can leave it for longer, but if you don't wash it at least twice a year, you risk it storing bacteria and allergens.

IS IT SAFE TO USE A WASHING MACHINE TO CLEAN PILLOWS?

Most pillows can be washed in the washing machine quickly and easily. Unless your pillows are labeled as not being machine washable, this is fine as long as you check your washer's load limit and do not exceed it. It's not worth destroying your washing machine for the sake of a few of pillows.

This information applies to down and hollow fibre pillows, but we do not recommend washing memory foam (or getting it wet in any way), and silk or wool pillows should be handwashed.

Continue reading to learn how to properly wash each type of pillow in a washing machine.

HOW TO WASH FEATHER AND DOWN PILLOWS IN THE WASHER?

Machine washing feather and down pillows should be acceptable as long as you use a low temperature setting and remove as much moisture from the pillow as possible after washing. A faster spin speed will be beneficial.

Dry feather and down pillows in a tumble dryer on a low heat setting to restore the fluffiness you loved when you bought them. It's not necessary to put rubber drying balls (opens in new tab) –or tennis balls in a couple of socks – in the tumble dryer, but it will help the pillow filling spread uniformly. You may alternatively remove the pillow from the dryer and plump by hand for the same result.

If you don't have a tumble dryer, choose a hot day and dry them in the sunshine. Use the plumping method if you are air-drying pillows, too.?

Ensure the pillows are thoroughly dry before returning them to the bed, otherwise they will soon smell musty. This is a good reason to have spare pillows for every bed in the house to allow for washing day.

WASHING MEMORY FOAM AND LATEX PILLOWS

Don't bother, is our honest suggestion. In the washing machine, foam will almost likely be destroyed, and hand washing is tough since the pillow will become incredibly heavy and difficult to dry.

If you have a memory foam pillow, use a pillow protector to protect it and wash it separately from the pillow. Because they are more difficult to clean, you should avoid using them around anyone who is prone to spills to improve your chances of keeping them liquid-free.

Simply use a vacuum attachment to eliminate any dust or debris to keep dust mites and allergens at bay. Vacuum well with a nice open cell memory foam.