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Pillows can indeed be washed in a washing machine, making it easier to keep them clean and fresh. Most synthetic, down, and cotton pillows are safe to wash in a machine, although there are a few important considerations to ensure they come out intact and fluffy. Wool pillows, on the other hand, should be hand-washed to avoid damage.
When washing pillows, I recommend placing two pillows in the washing machine to maintain balance during the wash cycle. Using a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water helps prevent the pillow filling from clumping. Avoid using fabric softeners, especially on down pillows, as they can reduce fluffiness.
Be sure to use a mild detergent and add a bit of white vinegar, which helps remove odors and keeps the pillows fresh. After the wash, squeeze out any excess water and if using a dryer, add a dry towel or tennis balls to ensure the pillows dry evenly and quickly. These steps keep your pillows clean without ruining them.
Preparing Pillows for Washing
Before washing pillows, it’s important to check the care labels and treat any stains or odors. This helps to ensure the cleaning process doesn’t damage the pillows and keeps them fresh and hygienic.
Checking Care Labels
First, I always check the care labels on my pillows. These labels provide essential information on how to wash my pillows without causing damage. Most pillows made of cotton, polyester, or feather and down are safe to wash in the machine.
However, pillows made of memory foam or latex often need special cleaning methods like spot cleaning or professional dry cleaning. I refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the best washing method. It’s essential to not overlook this step, as improper washing can lead to a ruined pillow.
Pre-Treatment of Stains and Odors
To prepare my pillows for washing, I first focus on pre-treating any stains or odors. For stains, I apply a mix of baking soda and vinegar or even a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the spots.
I let this sit for about 15 minutes before washing. If there are any lingering odors, sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda over the pillow and letting it sit for a few hours helps neutralize them. After this treatment, I shake off the excess baking soda. This keeps my pillows fresh and ready for the wash cycle.
Washing and Drying Process
When you decide to clean your pillows, using your washing machine and dryer can be an efficient and safe method. It’s important to follow proper guidelines to avoid damaging the pillows.
Machine Washing Guidelines
I always start by checking the care label on my pillows. Most pillows, including down and synthetic, can be washed in a machine. I suggest using cool or lukewarm water, a gentle cycle, and mild laundry detergent.
To keep the washer balanced, I wash two pillows at a time. For top-load washers with a center agitator, placing the pillows vertically can help. It’s a good idea to add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is removed. If there are yellow stains, a mixture of white vinegar and warm water works well to pretreat them.
Drying and Fluffing Techniques
After washing, I squeeze the pillows gently to remove excess water but avoid wringing them out. For the drying process, I set the dryer to low heat. Adding two clean tennis balls or dryer balls helps fluff the pillows and prevent clumping.
I often place a dry towel in the dryer alongside the pillows to speed up drying. Regularly checking and fluffing the pillows during the drying cycle keeps them evenly dry. If you prefer to air-dry, laying the pillows flat in a well-ventilated area and occasionally flipping them works best. Always ensure they are completely dry to prevent mold and mildew.
