If you knew what was hanging out inside of your pillows, you’d be washing your pillows more regularly! Up to 10 percent of your pillow’s weight could be made up of a bunch of delightful things like dead skin cells, bed bugs, dust mites and all the unthinkable things they leave behind. In this blog post we share our tips on how to wash pillows.
This isn’t just extremely gross, it can also be harmful to people with serious allergies and conditions like asthma. If you often wake up in the night sneezing or reaching for your inhaler, then your pillow could be part of the problem.
While there are no hard and fast rules for pillow care, there are a few general guidelines you can follow. These will vary depending on the shape and material of your pillow, and you should always check the label on your pillow to see if there are any specific manufacturer guidelines.
Your pillows will last longer if you wash them on a regular basis, air them out once a week, and use pillow protectors and pillowcases.
Invest in a pillow protector
The most important thing you can do to help your pillow stay clean longer is to invest in a pillow protector. These are usually placed between the pillow and the standard pillowcase, zipping up around the pillow. They should be washed regularly with your bedding.
Sealy manufactures two types of pillow protectors:
- Cleanshield Quilted Pillow Protector
- Soft Touch Bamboo Pillow Protector
Click here to view our range of mattress and pillow protectors.
How to wash pillows
So, how do you go about washing your pillow properly? First of all, check the label to see if it’s machine washable or not. If it is, then here are some basic guidelines for you to follow:
- Wash every three to six months on the hot water setting
- Use mild liquid detergent; avoid fabric softeners
- Use the gentle cycle
- Run them through a second time on the rinse cycle without detergent
It’s a good idea to wash two pillows at once so the washing machine stays balanced and cleans them equally. Machines without agitators are best as the agitator can damage the pillow.
If your pillow is not machine washable, then you may be able to hand wash it (but check this too). For hand washing pillows, the following guidelines are helpful:
- Submerge the pillow in lukewarm water with mild detergent and gently squeeze
- Using cool water, rinse using the same method
- Gently squeeze out excess water
Advice for washing Sealy Memory Foam and Gel pillows
When washing your Sealy My Memory, My CoolSmart Gel, My Gel, My Comfort Memory pillows, take the cover off the core of the pillow, and wash these separately. Be sure to check the care instructions label on the pillow for washing advice. Generally, the pillow cover can be washed in 40 degree temperature and should not be bleached, tumble dried or ironed. Do not wash the pillow core, rather spot clean with a damp cloth. Do not use detergent, keep out of direct sunlight and ensure the pillow is dried fully before putting the cover on again.
Drying your pillows after washing
Whichever method is best suited to washing your pillow, you need to make sure you dry it properly afterwards. You can’t just hang it out on the washing line next to because your pillow will lose shape. It is best to leave your pillow to air-dry on a flat surface, either outside in the shade or in a cool, dry room inside.
Some pillows may be able to go in the dryer while others will become damaged from this, so check the label before putting it in to dry. If you do use this method, keep it on a low heat and check it regularly to fluff the pillows back into shape.
How often should you buy new pillows?
How long your pillows last will depend on the material and how well you look after them. A standard inexpensive polyester pillow should be replaced every six to 12 months, while other materials can last much longer. Cotton, wool, and down pillows can last anywhere from three to five years, for example, while memory foam and latex pillows typically last up to 5 years.
So, investing in a more luxurious pillow than the standard fare doesn’t just mean a more comfortable night’s sleep, you will also save money in the long run by not having to replace them as often.
Click here to view the Sealy pillow range.
How can you tell if you need to replace your pillows?
One standard test is to fold your pillow in half (if it’s not a foam pillow) and let it go. If the pillow doesn’t spring back to a flat position, then it’s time to move on to a new one. Other signs can be stains that won’t come off with washing and if the pillow has become lumpy or broken up inside.
If you’ve got an old pillow that looks like it’s had tea spilled all over it, get rid of it – that’s sweat and drool that’s built up from every time you’ve slept on the pillow.
