Feather pillows are soft and plush, but you should take care of them by washing them at least once a year. Washing the pillow will help remove bacteria, dust, dirt, sweat, and oil that sticks to the pillow. This article will guide you to wash your pillow properly.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Washing the Pillow
Step 1. Remove the pillow from the cover
If the pillow is in a pillow case, remove it from the pillow.
Step 2. Find holes or rips in the pillow
If the pillow has holes, you will need to sew it up first.
Step 3. Place two pillows in the washing machine to help balance them
If you can't put the pillow in the washing machine, press the pillow first to let the air out. Avoid top load washing machines for washing pillows, as the spinners can damage the pillows. However, if you only have a top-loading washing machine, consider visiting a laundromat that has a front-loading washing machine.
If you absolutely must use the top load washer, place the pillows vertically, rather than horizontally, so they don't get stuck in the swivel
Step 4. Pour the low-foam detergent into the detergent container in the washing machine
Use a small amount of detergent to wash the pillow so that the remaining detergent does not stick to the pillow. Also, try using a liquid detergent instead of a powder. Powdered detergent may stick to the pillow. Detergent attached can cause skin irritation and allergies. Pillows are large objects, so they are difficult to rinse. The less detergent you use, the less likely you will have to rinse your pillow.
Step 5. Set the washing machine to Delicate mode
If possible, use hot water to wash the pillows. Hot water will help kill any fleas that may be living on your pillow. However, hot water can damage the feathers in the pillow. If you are concerned about the integrity of the fur, use warm or cold water to wash the pillow.
Step 6. Consider rinsing and spinning the pillow in the washing machine for longer to remove any soap residue
More spins will help remove any remaining water in the pillow.
Method 2 of 3: Drying the Pillow
Step 1. Remove the water from the pillow with the help of a towel
Place the pillow between the two towels, and press the pillow. Towels can absorb the remaining water "trapped" in the pillow. Repeat the same steps for each pillow you wash. Do not squeeze or twist the pillow to dry it.
Step 2. Place the pillow in the dryer
Use Delicate mode on the dryer, and set the heat to low or off. Low heat can help the pillow dry faster, but it can also damage the feathers inside the pillow. The air-only setting on the dryer may take longer to dry the pillows, and you may need to dry the pillows in three cycles, but it's safe for pillow stuffing.
- Pat the pillow to release the air inside before putting it back in the dryer. Remove the pillow from the machine, then pat the pillow. Patting the pillow will also help remove any lumps in it.
- If you're drying your pillow on a low heat setting, consider turning off the heat at the end of the drying process to prevent the pillow from getting too hot and damaging.
Step 3. Place the dryer ball in the dryer to keep the pillow soft
If you don't have one, you can use clean tennis shoes/canvas, but make sure you put the balls/shoes in a clean pillowcase. You can also tuck a tennis ball in a sock. Dryer balls, tennis balls, or shoes can help keep shoes soft as they dry.
You can also put a thick towel in the dryer to absorb any remaining water trapped in the pillow
Step 4. Remove the pillow from the dryer, then pat the pillow
Even if you use a dryer ball, some lumps may remain in the pillow. Grasp the two ends of the pillow, then shake the pillow up and down for a few minutes. Repeat holding the other two ends.
Step 5. Put the pillow in the pillowcase after it dries
Do not use a pillow that is still damp so that the pillow does not get moldy and damaged.
Method 3 of 3: Remove Odor, Yellowing, and Mildew on Pillows
Step 1. Add 240ml hydrogen peroxide and 120ml white vinegar to whiten the yellowed pillow
Set the washing machine to after soak, then put the hydrogen peroxide and vinegar directly into the laundry tub. After the washing machine is finished, add detergent, then turn the washing machine back on.
Step 2. Use 45-90gr of baking soda to get rid of the odor on the pillow
If the washing machine you are using is a top loader, use 90g of baking soda, and if the washing machine is front loading, use 45g of baking soda. Add baking soda directly to the detergent.
Baking soda can also help remove stains from your pillow
Step 3. Use 120 - 240ml white vinegar to get rid of mold and bad odor on pillows
Put white vinegar in the detergent container in the washing machine.
Step 4. Try putting a few drops of essential oil in the washing machine while the pillow is being washed to make the pillow smell good
Use essential oils with a calming scent, such as lavender, rosemary, or vanilla.
Step 5. Consider using a pillow protector
A pillow protector is a layered glove that is used over a pillowcase. The pillow protector will keep the pillow clean longer, and prevent stains from hitting the pillow.
Step 6. Dry the smelly pillow in the hot sun for a few hours
The hot sun and fresh air will kill bacteria that cause bad odors, and make your pillow smell fresher.
Tips
- If the pillow still smells bad after washing, dry it in the sun for at least 2 hours to get rid of the smell.
- Use a gentle or delicate setting when washing the pillow to avoid lumps in the pillow.
- Wash pillows at least twice a year. Better yet, wash your pillow 3-4 times a year.
- If you don't have a front loading washing machine, visit the laundrette.
Warning
- Do not use a freshly washed pillow until it is completely dry. Using a pillow that is still wet will cause an unpleasant smell and lumps on the pillow.
- Most feather pillows can be washed at home, but it's a good idea to read the washing guide that comes with the pillow to see if it contains non-washable materials (such as silk).
- Do not use fabric softener or bleach to wash pillows to prevent hair loss.
- Never wash pillows with covers. If you wash the pillow in the cover, the pillow will not be clean.
