How to look after and clean pillows
Every night we put our heads on our pillows, but do we actually ever think about cleaning them? After a hot summer, our bedding needs extra TLC. I have covered mattress cleaning before, so let's talk pillows!
Polyester Pillow Care
If your pillows are made from polyester, they are much easier to refresh in the machine:
- Wash: Use a low heat with your usual laundry detergent. DON’T use fabric conditioner.
- Double Rinse: I advise a double rinse to get all suds out. Add a cap-ful of white vinegar to the second rinse to shift nasty odours and yellow patches.
- Drying: Tumble dry on a low heat with dryer balls to keep them fluffy and kill more germs.
- Quick Refresh: If they don't need a full wash, pop them in the tumble dryer for 15 minutes to kill germs with heat.
Foam Pillow Deep Clean
These CANNOT be tumble dried! Hand wash in a bath tub filled a quarter full with detergent and vinegar. Use a large sponge to scrub sweat stains, rinse thoroughly, then soak up excess water with a bath sheet. Dry flat outside on a breezy day. For a lovely scent, add a drop of lavender essential oil to the water.
Protection & Charity
Always use thick pillow protectors and wash these every time you change your bedding. Refresh your bed with new pillowcases to keep everything crisp. If you need a fresh start, these memory foam pillows are great value. Don’t forget, animal shelters will be grateful for your old ones! Use a laundry basket to transport them easily.
