How to wash feather and synthetic pillows?

Pillows are an essential element of every bedroom. They have a purely utilitarian function – they guarantee comfortable and healthy rest. Decorative pillows additionally decorate the interior. However, they get dirty easily. They also absorb dust and sweat, collect mites and microorganisms. That is why it is extremely important to wash and clean pillows regularly. How to wash synthetic and feather pillows properly? Can pillows be washed in a home drum washing machine, or is hand washing better? What is the difference between washing feathers and washing synthetic bedding? What is the best way to dry pillows? Read the guide and find out more!

How often should you wash pillows?

Pillows, like other items in our home, are exposed to dirt, dust and contamination, which for many people, especially allergy sufferers, are bothersome and intensify the symptoms, making everyday functioning difficult. For this reason, it is important to take care of their proper hygiene . This will help us avoid many health problems and ensure comfortable rest . How often should we wash pillows? There is no clear answer to this question. It is assumed that headrests should be cleaned at least once every three months. Nevertheless, it is worth checking regularly whether there are no stains on the fabrics and whether the pillows do not emit an unpleasant smell.

Health issues should also be taken into account . If we struggle with excessive sweating, allergies, asthma, rhinitis, chronic conjunctivitis or acne, pillows should be washed more often to take care of our health and ensure comfortable sleep. We do the same with children's pillows. This will provide our children with the right conditions for healthy sleep.

How to wash synthetic pillows?

Synthetic pillows are among the most popular on the market. They are made of artificial materials, such as fiber, silicone or polyester fiber, granulate, foam or natural latex. Polyester pillows do not cause allergies, making them an excellent choice for allergy and asthma sufferers. In addition, they are exceptionally soft, elastic and lightweight. So how do you wash synthetic pillows?

Washing synthetic pillows is not complicated at all. However, before you start, you should carefully check the label. It contains important information There is important information on how to wash polyester pillows and clean specific types of fabrics. For example, natural latex pillows must be washed by hand. Others, on the other hand, require dry cleaning. If the manufacturer does not provide any specific instructions, the synthetic pillow can be washed in a home automatic washing machine. The optimal washing temperature should be 30-40 degrees Celsius. When it comes to spinning, synthetic pillows should only be spin-dried when it is permitted by the manufacturer. Otherwise, we can easily destroy the insert.

Hand washing a pillow is a great way to clean delicate fabrics. Submerge a pillow with a synthetic filling in warm water with a mild detergent and leave for 30 minutes. After that time, squeeze out excess water from the pillow. Avoid rubbing or wringing synthetic materials, as this can negatively affect the structure of the filling.

How to dry a synthetic pillow?

We have already learned how to wash synthetic pillows. The only thing left is to dry them. The most common method of drying pillows with synthetic filling is to hang the pillow on a string and pin it by the corners with clothespins. However, few people realize that in such a situation, the filling goes in one direction. This not only prevents the filling from drying quickly, but also damages the properties of the pillow, and the pillow becomes hard and compact. Tumble dryers with a low-temperature program will work well to dry some synthetic pillows. It is recommended to add a few tennis balls to the drum, which will help maintain the proper structure of the fillings in the pillows.

It is important to remember that it is best to dry a synthetic pillow on a flat surface, in a well-ventilated place, and preferably outdoors – for example, on a balcony or terrace. It is worth shaking the headrest from time to time so that the filling is evenly distributed and dries quickly.

How to wash feather pillows?

Feather pillows have enjoyed unwavering popularity for years. No wonder – they have a completely natural filling, are light, soft and elastic, absorb moisture well and are characterized by high durability. Unfortunately, they can cause allergies, so they are not a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Washing feather pillows is quite a challenge . First, check the label - if there is none or there is no information about washing instructions, it may be necessary to take the pillow to a professional dry cleaner for washing. However, if there is no such need, you can put the feather pillow in the washing machine , but you must follow certain rules. First, the temperature should be relatively low (maximum 40 degrees), because using too high a temperature will destroy the filling. You should also avoid strong detergents and use delicate washing liquids (and never powders). You should avoid spinning at high speeds - it is best to choose low ones - 600-800 rpm. Feather pillows should also not be dried in a tumble dryer , so as not to damage the filling of the pillow. Before placing a pillow with a natural filling, e.g. feathers, in the washing machine, check whether there are any holes in it. If there are, they must of course be sewn up. Feathers, due to the rotational movement, can easily get into the washing machine drum, which in turn results in dangerous failures. To load the washing machine drum, it is worth adding a few tennis balls or special balls designed for this purpose. Tennis balls will help wash a feather pillow without damaging the load and preserving its properties.

Feather pillows can also be washed by hand. Very often, such washing instructions for pillows can be found on the label sewn in by the manufacturer. The pillow should be immersed in warm water at a low temperature. Water that is too hot can have a negative effect on the feathers filling the insert. A gentle liquid for children or allergy sufferers works best during washing. Excess water should be squeezed out (do not wring out, as this can damage the natural filling of the pillow). After washing the feather pillow, it is time to dry it.

How to dry a feather pillow?

Washing feathers is a time-consuming task. However, it is necessary to maintain proper sleep hygiene. A wet, washed pillow should be placed on a flat surface, in a ventilated place , such as a balcony, terrace or garden. Remember to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, as this leads to fading of the color.

It is worth bearing in mind that after hand washing a pillow will drip a lot of water, so it is best to place washed items outside. Every now and then you should gently shake the pillow . This will distribute the feathers filling the filling evenly and the feathers will not clump together. A feather pillow should be dried well, because otherwise moisture or even mold may appear. This results in, among other things, an unpleasant smell. Bacteria can also accumulate, which can cause allergies, asthma or other ailments.

Summary

In addition to regular airing of pillows , which improves the comfort of sleep, washing bedding, including synthetic pillows, is a very important activity that allows you to maintain sleep hygiene. Regular washing of pillows - both synthetic and down - is also of great importance. In this way, we clean the fabric of accumulated bacteria, dust and other impurities.

Different types of pillows can be washed by hand or in a washing machine, although it all really depends on the manufacturer's recommendations. Feather pillows should be washed at low temperatures, while synthetic pillows can be washed at higher temperatures. Fabric softeners and strong detergents should be avoided, and to wash the pillow and maintain the good condition of the filling, add tennis balls to the wash as a weight. It is recommended to dry the pillow on a flat surface to maintain the correct structure and properties of the pillow filling. A well-chosen pillow and cyclical washing of synthetic or natural pillows, as well as frequent replacement of the pillowcase, will ensure a hygienic sleeping environment and comfortable rest for a long time.