Most of us spend a third of our lives sleeping. But did you know that your pillows are dirtier than most surfaces in your home? A study found that 91% of all pillowcases contain bacteria and mould. This is why it’s essential to clean them regularly! The average person will shed about 100,000 skin cells per night, which can build up on the surface of the pillowcase.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about how to wash your pillows properly, so they last longer and don’t end up collecting more dirt or bacteria!
How to clean pillows
Note: To prevent the accumulation of mites, mould, and bacteria, give your pillow a fluff every day. Also, check any special instructions about cleaning if you have some pillows that came with it! We recommend taking them outside to fluff, so whatever comes out doesn’t fall back on your bed.
Washing them is the first step. They will be exposed to the sun next. Finally, we’ll look at how to remove stains that are too stubborn for a washing machine.
Lastly, make sure to wash your pillows every six months or so, depending on their use. If you’re sick with colds often or have used them for a while without washing them (gross), toss them in the laundry more frequently!
Pillow washing instructions
Unless otherwise noted, most pillows are machine washable, so throw them in the wash. Wash pillows in pairs (two times) to balance the load. Also, before adding the pillows to the washbasin, fill it halfway with cold water.
Next, add your preferred detergent (make sure to use a mild one if you have sensitive skin) and close the lid. Then take out any other items in there, so they don’t get washed along with your pillows! Set it on “warm/cold normal” and let it do its thing.
Afterwards, dump out the water so you can hang them up to dry! But if your pillows are too heavy or bulky for one person to handle, put them in a laundry bag before throwing them into the wash. Then roll that sucker up like a burrito and secure it with rubber bands.
Lastly, find a place outside to hang them up! We recommend doing it when the sun is out so any moisture can evaporate quickly. Also, if you have some pillows that come with special instructions about cleaning, make sure to check those before putting them in the wash too!
How to clean pillowcases and bedding
If your pillows came in a set with their pillowcases, you’d want to wash those separately from the actual pillow. You can just throw them in on cold and use mild detergent too!
For stubborn stains that won’t come out of cotton or other fabric-type bedding, move on to using a bleach solution (about half a cup of bleach to every gallon) and then wash as usual.
How to fluff your pillows
Lastly, give your pillows some TLC by fluffing them before bed each night! This will help circulate any trapped moisture from the day, so you’re not sleeping on it for hours at a time all night.
Remember to wash your pillows every six months or so, depending on their use. If you’re sick with colds often or have used them for a while without washing them (gross), toss them in the laundry more frequently! And when using any fabric softener when they’re wet, make sure only to do one pillow at a time, so the soap doesn’t get on them all.
How to remove stains from pillows
If you have stubborn stains that won’t come off in the wash, try using a bleach solution (about half a cup of bleach to every gallon) and then washing as usual.
Most pillows are machine-washable, but make sure to wash them with other items in cold water and use a mild detergent. Also, if your pillow is too heavy or bulky for one person to handle, put it in a laundry bag before putting them into the wash.
If you have some pillows that come with special instructions about cleaning, make sure to check those before putting them in the wash too! Lastly, when using any fabric softener when they’re wet, only one pillow at a time, so the soap doesn’t get on them all.
How can I disinfect my bed and pillows?
Regarding COVID-19. Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, which means their genetic material (RNA/DNA) is protected by an envelope made of lipid (aka fat). Just use a regular washer and tumble dryer for normal laundering.
By dissolving this fat, you destroy the virus. What dissolves fat well? Other household detergents, such as dishwashing liquid and laundry detergent, as well as plain soap. Therefore, handwashing with soap and warm water for 20 seconds is so effective.
Also, sunlight helps disinfect items, so leave your curtains or blinds open and let direct sunlight into your bed.