The Ultimate Guide On How To Wash Dirty Pillows

Learning how to clean dirty pillows is important if you have pets at home. Your pillows could be full of pet hair or dander, which can ruin your entire room. But, you should not throw them out just yet. Instead, you can take the pillows to your local dry cleaner in town, and they will come back clean.

Detergent

When you want to know how to wash dirty pillows, the first thing that you need to do is get a good detergent. You can choose from liquid detergent or powder detergent. You can also use other types of detergents, but they are less effective and tend to get out other types of fabrics. When shopping for a good detergent, you want to choose one that is fragrance-free and non-toxic. Synthetic detergents are not as effective as natural ones. Therefore, they can leave a chemical residue on your pillows, which may not be safe.

Warm Water

After getting your laundry detergent, you will want to mix it with warm water. This mixture can be a combination of one part laundry detergent to two parts warm water. After mixing them, you will then want to put your pillow covers back on and make sure they are completely dry.

There are other methods you can use to clean your synthetic pillows. One is to thoroughly vacuum them, which will remove any loose particles. Another method is to place them in the washing machine and run it with the cycle with low heat. However, this method will take longer. You should note that low heat will damage your washing pillows.

Pillow Cleaner

If none of the above techniques work, then your next option is to purchase a pillow cleaner. A pillow cleaner will come with its special detergent mix. However, you should note that you should only use gentle detergent with your pillow cleaner as harsh detergents will cause damage to your memory foam. After applying the detergent, simply allow it to sit for five to ten minutes and spin in the air to remove the remaining detergent.

The final step is to rinse off your pillow covers. Again, you should note that there are many different brands of pillow cleaner available in the market today. So, you should shop around until you find one that fits your needs. Most of these cleaners will have instructions printed on their label regarding the proper way to clean memory foam pillows. For example, if you buy split king mattress pillows you may be advised to first rinse the pillow covers using a solution that is equal to parts warm water and mild soap. Once you have done this, add about half a cup of the cleaner’s solution to the water and wring out the water completely.

Using Shampoo

Washing dirty pillows does not end with the ingredients listed above. If you are targeting your problem from allergy or dust mites, you should also consider the area where the pillow is made from. Dust mites love to reside in pillows made from down, feather, wool, or synthetic fibers. You can get special pillows that are allergenic or you can use normal shampoo to thoroughly clean your pillow covers. To be on the safe side, you should consult a doctor before going to the extent of washing your memory foam covers to remove dust mites.

Using Washing Machine

The next step in learning how to clean dirty pillows is to put them into the washing machine. You can choose from either a washing machine that is specially designed for cleaning down and feather pillows or one that comes with a built-in machine. If you would prefer to use a regular washing machine, you should note that the recommended washing machine temperature is a gentle “hot” water cycle, which will ensure that your pillows do not get damaged by overheating. Once in the washing machine, use the gentle cycle to ensure that your pillows are thoroughly cleaned. Do not put your pillows into the dryer as this can cause damage to your synthetic foam.

Washing By Hands

One benefit of washing your memory foam pillows by hand is that you’ll avoid introducing dust mites into your home. Dust mites live in fabric fibers and can easily travel from one person to another through washing. If dust mites aren’t eliminated after washing, they’ll often cluster near your pillows. This is especially problematic if you have children who like to play with their stuffed animals is one of their favorite things to cuddle upon.

There are some additional benefits when learning how to wash pillows by hand. One is that the process is much gentler than using a washing machine. You won’t have to deal with all of the suds that come from the wool fibers getting tangled up in the spin cycle of the washing machine, and the heat from the water will be fine to handle. If you use your ordinary detergent to wash your pillows, all of those memories will cling to your pillows in just about the same way that plaque sticks to your teeth.

A Detergent Containing Bleach or Chemicals

If you’re wondering how to wash dirty pillows, you can still use your regular detergent to effectively remove dirt. If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain or one that seems to be coming back, you may need to go with a stronger detergent or even try a natural detergent that doesn’t contain any bleach or chemicals. Many people prefer natural detergents over harsher synthetics, as they are generally less harmful to our health.

Using a Tea Tree Oil or Lavender Essential Oil

In addition to the traditional laundry detergent, consider adding a dab of tea tree oil or lavender essential oil to your pillow covers or the tops of your foam pillows. These simple household ingredients are often quite effective at getting rid of smells that we associate with pet odors, like cigarette smoke or pizza. Using a few drops on a fabric-covered pillow and the tops of your throw pillows will give them a fresh scent without the smell of pet dander or baking soda. These remedies are far gentler than using an old laundry detergent and don’t leave any residue behind on your pillows or the foam.

Conclusion

One of the easiest ways to make a clean new look is by using the very same detergent that you’re going to use to wash your other laundry. Add just a touch of the solution to your wash cycle, and follow that up with a gentle rinse and a spin in the dryer. Once your pillow is dry and cleaned, you can put it right into your favorite quilt or bedding set to complete the rest of your bedroom overhaul. Keep in mind that the detergent you choose should not be harsh on your skin. Memory foam pillows and blankets are not made to hold on to stains for very long, so make sure that your next laundering is gentle enough to avoid irritating your new pillow.