How to Clean Pillows for Fresh Smelling Comfort

TL;DR: Regular cleaning and drying, especially for pillows that have been in contact with pets, can significantly improve their freshness and hygiene. Whether you prefer synthetic or down pillows, follow these steps to maintain their cleanliness and ensure a comfortable sleep environment.

Introduction to Pillow Cleaning

Cleaning your pillows is a crucial step to maintaining a fresh and hygienic sleep environment. While some may recommend replacing old pillows, regular cleaning can keep your pillows smelling fresh and feeling comfortable for many years. Here’s how to clean both synthetic and down pillows effectively.

General Pillow Cleaning Tips

Before you start cleaning your pillows, ensure that they are compatible with your washing machine and dryer. Synthetic pillows are generally the easiest to wash and dry. Here are the steps to clean and freshen up your pillows:

Use the correct cycle: Choose the "bulky" or "permanent press" cycle in your washer. Balance the load: Use two pillows at once, one on each side, ensuring the load is not overloaded. Washing and water temperature: Warm water is more effective than hot for most detergents and doesn’t kill the enzymes in your soap. Use detergent carefully: Use a small amount of your normal soap and a couple of drops of TruEarth laundry strips for enhanced cleaning. Add baking soda: It helps to soften the pillows and absorb odors. Fluff with dryer balls: This helps to fluff up the pillows and speed up the drying process. Shape periodically: Regularly shape the pillows during the drying cycle to maintain their shape. Complete dryness: Ensure the pillows are completely dry before putting on the pillowcases. Exposure to sunlight: Sunlight not only dries the pillows but also helps kill viruses, bacteria, and dust mites, providing a fresh and clean aroma.

Cleaning Synthetic Pillows

Synthetic pillows are easier to clean and maintain. Follow the general cleaning steps mentioned above. Here are some additional tips:

Wash cycle: If your washer has a "bulky" cycle, use that. If not, "permanent press" works just as well. Timing: Wash the pillows at least once a week, especially if you have dogs or other pets that remove the pillowcases daily. Post-wash: After the wash cycle, put the pillows in the dryer and shape them as needed. Exposure to sunlight: Leave the pillows in direct sunlight for a while to enhance their fresh scent and kill any remaining contaminants.

Cleaning Down Pillows

Down pillows require a slightly more careful approach due to their weight and tendency to clump when wet. Follow the general cleaning steps but with some additional considerations:

Wash cycle: Use the same cycle as synthetic pillows, but add an extra spin cycle at the end. Drying time: Expect the pillows to take at least an hour to dry in the dryer, per pillow. Complete dryness: Ensure the pillows are completely dry to prevent feather clumping. Post-dry: Again, expose the pillows to the sun for a fresh, clean scent.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your pillows can extend their lifespan and keep you comfortable and healthy. Whether you have synthetic or down pillows, the steps outlined above will help you maintain their freshness and hygiene. Happy sleeping!