For a quality sleep worthy of a night at a hotel (and optimal hygiene!), nothing beats very clean bedding. And that’s without regular cleaning of your duvet and pillows! But when you're ready to take the plunge, one question is nagging you... Can you really machine wash your pillow without risk? We explain how to put all the chances on your side!
Washing frequency and lifespan of your pillow
To combine hygiene and comfort, a clean pillow is the essential element in any bedroom! But over time, it tends to become damaged: exposed to perspiration, saliva, humidity and dead cells... your pillow sees all the colors! Dust mites also tend to accumulate, which is why pillows and cushions should be washed regularly. It is strongly recommended to clean your pillow every three months to prevent the proliferation of bacteria. With a good washing frequency, you will be able to avoid allergies and bad odors and sleep in optimal conditions every night.
Rules to follow to properly wash your pillow
Machine washing remains the most practical option for cleaning your sheets, pillowcases, covers and pillows. To put them in the machine, it is preferable to opt for a program dedicated to delicate fabrics, without spinning or with slow spinning. To avoid deforming this item of bedding, remember not to overfill your machine during washing. As the pillow will become waterlogged and swell during the process, a machine half to three-quarters full is recommended.
Never put in the machine a pillow with a cut, tear or undone seam: the filling could come out during washing, and seriously damage it. Please note: not all pillows are suitable for machine washing, such as latex or memory foam products. For synthetic or wadding pillows, washing at low temperature is recommended. Also take the opportunity to wash the case or underlay that covers your pillow, if possible at least twice a month.
How to wash a feather or down pillow?
With a product made from feather or down, you will need to take a few extra steps for proper cleaning. Machine washing is possible, but opting for a program that will protect it. For example, a wool program at 30°C or a no-spin cycle not exceeding a temperature of 40°C. Moderate spinning is also possible, below 400 revolutions per minute. It is helpful to add a tennis ball to the drum to maintain the fluffy appearance of the pillow. Drying in the open air is the best solution afterwards to avoid deforming your cushions.
For a memory foam model, hand washing is simply recommended. You can use a sink, a bathtub or a basin of lukewarm water for laundry. The pillow must be immersed in water and kneaded to remove stains and dirt. A simple rinse with clean water will then be carried out, before drying in the open air.
Another type of fragile product: the latex pillow cannot be washed by machine or by hand. Light cleaning can be done using a cloth dipped in hot water into which you have poured a tablespoon of white vinegar. Drying is done in the open air, preferably indoors so as not to expose it to UV rays.
Some tips for successful washing
If your pillowcase or pillow is marked by a significant sweat stain, you can restore it to its original color without difficulty. During the machine wash step, add half a cup of baking soda (or washing soda) to your laundry. Hydrogen peroxide can also be placed directly in the tank. This method allows all bad odors to disappear so you can enjoy impeccably clean bedding at all times.
After washing, do not hesitate to restore volume to your pillow by giving its surface a few repeated blows. Drying flat is also preferable so that the filling does not deform. For increased firmness, a pillowcase with a slightly smaller diameter can be used to give it a rounded appearance.
In summary :
- A pillow should be washed at least every quarter
- Synthetic pillows are machine washable at 30 or 40°C
- A feather product can be machine washed
- A memory foam pillow can be washed by hand
- Latex models do not wash
- Air drying is always best.
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