Washing pillows in a washing machine is a straightforward process involving careful loading, selecting the right settings, and appropriate drying.
Washing your pillows regularly helps remove allergens, dust mites, and keep them fresh. Here's a simple guide based on best practices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Pillows
Follow these steps for effectively cleaning your pillows in a standard washing machine:
Step 1: Prepare and Load Your Pillows
Begin by removing any pillowcases or coverings from your pillows. According to the reference, you should load in pillows two at a time, if possible, to balance the load in the washing machine drum. This helps prevent the machine from becoming unbalanced during the spin cycle. If you can only wash one pillow, consider adding towels to help balance the machine. Always check the pillow's care label first to ensure it is machine washable.
Step 2: Add Detergent
Use a mild detergent. The reference advises to add a small amount of detergent. Using too much detergent can leave residue on the pillow, which can be difficult to rinse out and may irritate skin. For tough stains, you might pretreat spots before washing.
Step 3: Select the Wash Cycle
Choose the appropriate setting on your washing machine. As per the reference, you should select a gentle cycle. This setting uses slower agitation and spin speeds, which is less harsh on the pillow filling and stitching, helping to maintain its shape and integrity. Use warm water for synthetic pillows and cool water for down or feather pillows, if recommended by the care label.
Step 4: Drying
Proper drying is crucial to prevent mildew and ensure the pillow is thoroughly dry inside. The reference specifies to dry with low or no heat. High heat can damage synthetic fills or make down brittle. Tumble dry on a low heat or air-only setting. You can add dryer balls or clean tennis balls (placed inside socks) to the dryer to help fluff the pillows and speed up drying time. Ensure the pillows are completely dry before using them or putting them back on the bed.
Quick Reference Table
| Step | Action | Key Detail from Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Remove covers, check care label. | |
| Loading | Load into machine. | Two pillows for balance. |
| Detergent | Add detergent. | Small amount. |
| Wash Cycle | Select machine setting. | Gentle cycle. |
| Drying | Place in dryer or air dry. | Low or no heat. |
By following these steps, you can effectively clean and refresh your pillows using your washing machine.
