The Simple Way To Clean Large Pillows That Won't Fit In Your Washing Machine
Nothing feels better than tucking yourself into freshly washed bedding, but you can probably think of many things you enjoy doing more than the chore itself. Throwing sheets in the laundry machine is easy enough, but washing bulky items such as duvets and large pillows can be a real hassle.
If you're ready to give your pillows a much-needed deep clean but can't get them to fit comfortably in your laundry machine, this simple solution will do the trick. All you need is a large basin full of water and gentle detergent. If done correctly, this can be just as effective at removing bacteria and irritants from your pillows as a laundry cycle. And note that while cleaning large pillows by hand may require some effort, it's not a task to overlook. Your unwashed pillow may be the culprit of allergy flare-ups, skin irritations, and more. So, before you go searching high and low for a washing machine that's big enough for your oversized pillows, give this easy at-home method a try.
The right way to wash pillows by hand
Large pillows made of down or feathers can be washed by hand with water and mild detergent, ideally for delicate fabrics. The best way to do this is in a bathtub or a laundry sink. Fill the basin with water so that the pillow can be fully submerged. Add the detergent and leave the pillow to soak for up to 20 minutes, giving dirt and oils enough time to lift.
After 20 minutes, squeeze the pillow while it's in the water, then drain and refill the tub or sink with clean lukewarm water to rinse the suds. Ensure that the pillow is submerged and give it another good squeeze to get rid of excess soap. As you remove it from the water and wring it out, be sure not to twist it as this could hurt the pillow. Finally, hang the pillow to air-dry. It is important to allow it to dry fully to prevent mold or mildew. This process may take a few hours, but you won't regret it when you lay your head on a fluffy, clean pillow.
Memory foam pillows require a different cleaning method because they cannot be washed directly with water. Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to a damp cloth for spot cleaning. Lift odors by sprinkling baking soda on the pillow and vacuuming it clean after one hour.
Benefits of washing your pillows regularly
As you might imagine, resting your head on the same pillow night after night affects its cleanliness. Over time, pillows accumulate a whole host of unwelcome guests, including dirt, oil, bacteria, dust, dust mites, allergens, and even fungus, per Healthline. As for how often you really need to wash your pillows, the safest bet is once every three to six months. Allowing your regularly used pillows to go unwashed for six months or more could have some unpleasant consequences, including allergic reactions, acne breakouts, and oily hair. Plus, giving your pillows a good wash will make them fluffier and more comfortable to sleep on.
Another reason to deep clean your pillows is for the visual appeal. Yes, pillowcases exist for a reason, but those yellow sweat stains aren't pretty. Thankfully, you can remove yellow stains from your pillows with just a few ingredients. In between washes, it's also a good idea to air out your pillows every once in a while. By giving them a thorough fluff or airing them outside once every few weeks, you can remove potential irritants like dust and dust mites.
So, if your pillows are too large for your machine, fear not. You can still keep them fresh and clean by giving them a thorough soak. It may not be as easy as throwing them in the washer, but it's well worth it for a good night's sleep.