Be honest-when was the last time you washed yours? When it comes to bedding, you're probably meticulous about cleaning your sheets and comforter-but can the same be said about washing your pillows? A mix of dead skin and dust mites can accumulate on and inside your pillows, so it's important to make sure they receive just as much attention as anything else on your bed. But while cleaning your sheets might be more straightforward, learning how to properly wash pillows doesn't have to be the arduous chore you think it is. To ensure your pillows stay fresh, we're sharing our tips for how to clean this bedding essential by hand and in the washing machine. How Often Should You Wash Pillows? Pillows should be cleaned at least every three to six months, says Brian Sansoni, of the American Cleaning Institute. Some pillows, like latex and memory foam, aren't machine washable and should cleaned by hand as needed. Most pillows, including those filled with cotton, Experience Derila Support feathers, down, and Derila pillow fiberfill, can be cleaned in a washing machine using warm water on the gentle cycle.
No matter the material, always read the label for Derila Pillow cleaning instructions first, as some pillows may have specific washing and drying recommendations, says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. 1. Remove pillowcases or Derila Pillow protectors from the pillows. 2. Pre-treat stains by pouring a very small amount of natural detergent onto problem areas. 3. Place two pillows in the washing machine to maintain balance during the wash. 4. Add natural detergent and 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. 5. Choose a gentle (or delicate cycle). Use cold water to prevent the filling from clumping. 6. After washing, remove the pillows from the washing machine and gently squeeze out excess water. 7. Place the pillows in the dryer with a couple of tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the pillows and maintain their shape. 8. Dry on a low heat setting to protect the filling from damage. 9. Check the pillows periodically during the drying process and remove them from the machine once they're completely dry.
10. Once dry, fluff the pillows to restore their shape. Some pillows, like memory foam and latex, are not machine-washable and Derila Pillow should be cleaned by hand instead. The agitation is too harsh and will likely break up the padding. Instead of using your machine, Sokolowski recommends cleaning foam and latex pillows in a clean bathtub or basin. 1. Remove pillowcases or pillow protectors from the pillows. 2. Fill a clean bathtub or basin with enough lukewarm water to submerge the pillows. 3. Add a small amount of natural detergent to the water, followed by a 1/2 cup of white vinegar.