Because they do not own a washing machine, or fear damaging them, many people avoid washing pillows. We spend about a third of our lives with our heads on a pillow, yet it is one of the most neglected things in the house. Over months, sweat, hair oil, dust and skin flakes settle into the filling, leaving yellow patches, a stale smell and a pillow that feels flat and tired. The good news is that hand washing works well if you do it patiently. Here are five simple steps to freshen your pillows at home without a machine.
Start by looking at the care tag. It usually tells you whether the pillow is polyester fibre, cotton, memory foam or feather, and whether it can be washed in water. Fibre and cotton pillows are generally fine to hand wash, while memory foam and some feather or latex pillows need gentler care or spot cleaning only. Take off the pillowcase and any protector, and wash them separately in hot or warm water. Shake out the pillow outdoors to remove loose dust. This article is intended for general informational and household purposes only. Washing instructions vary with the type of pillow and filling, so always follow the manufacturer’s care label. Memory foam, latex and some feather pillows may be damaged by water. Test any cleaning product on a small hidden area first, avoid mixing different cleaning agents, and keep them away from children and pets. Ensure the pillow is fully dry before use.
