Washing pillows is essential, and to ensure a healthy sleep, you should wash them quarterly or every three months.
Admittedly, the pillow washing process can be puzzling. Should you tuck your high-end memory foam pillow into the washing machine?Do down pillows need to be dried on the highest setting?Can all pillows be washed together?
These synthetic pillows tend to be the cheapest, which explains why they also have the least staying power. Cheap pillows have a lifespan of about 12 to 18 months. A pillow protector can help you reach the far end of that estimate, but two to four times a year, you should still clean it somehow.
To check if your pillow will stand the test of the washing machine, "fold it in half", if it does not immediately return to its original shape, then the pillow will most likely not survive the cycle.
If it does bounce back, roll it up, use the longer side as the base, and place rubber bands at the ends and in the middle. Doing so, Davis says, will minimize the clumping of synthetic fibers in the washing machine.
Wash with a mild detergent and warm or cold water, then tumble dry on the lowest heat cycle.
To maintain the longevity of a soft, supple pillow, cover it with a pillow protector that is washed frequently – wash it at least every two weeks, and it is recommended to wash down pillows only twice a year.
Never dry clean down and down pillows, instead, pass them through the washing machine in a subtle loop. (Wash two at a time so you don't throw the machine off balance.) Use mild detergents, but don't use fabric softeners and bleach. After that, let dry over medium heat.
You have to keep the pillow dry until it looks and feels dry, as down and feathers will clump inside. Remove the pillow from the dryer every half hour to avoid burning. Fluff and cool slightly, then put it back in its place. To maximize the fill power and prevent the down from sticking together, add some wool laundry balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer, (you can place the balls in a clean sock and tie them up to keep noise to a minimum.)
In between washes, place the pillow in the dryer over medium heat for 15 minutes to give the pillow a new look. Doing so will help kill dust mites and keep them fluffy.
Most foam pillows come with a lid that you should wash and dry two to three times a month, Fishberg says. As for the pillows below?It is hypoallergenic and mildew-resistant, so washing once or twice a year is sufficient.
When it's time to clean, "steer clear of the washing machine." Mechanical movement may disrupt the shape of the pillow. Instead, submerge your pillow in warm water and add a small amount of mild (preferably unscented) detergent. Gently squeeze out the water and rinse several times until the water is clear.
The same children's glove treatment is also suitable for drying latex or foam pillows. Let it air dry, this process can take up to 24 hours, place it in front of a fan to speed up the process.
If your pillow is not suitable for the washing machine, then fill a spray bottle with a solution of one part vodka (any cheap brand will do) and three parts water, it is recommended to spray the pillow generously and let it air dry, preferably in the sun. (You may need to mix a stronger solution to get rid of unpleasant odors.)
It may sound strange, but it works. Alcohol is a powerful disinfectant and antimicrobial.
Still, when one day you notice that your pillow takes on a yellow hue or is noticeably lumpy, it's definitely past its prime.
There is no wash or vodka in the world that can restore it. By spending money on a new (clean) pillow, you'll sleep more easily.