How to Clean a Pillow? A Home Cleaning Guide Based on Practical Experience

How to Clean a Pillow? A Home Cleaning Guide Based on Practical Experience

Many people overlook the cleaning of pillows when it comes to the bedding we use in our daily lives. But there are also many stains on the pillow, such as sweat, scalp oil, dandruff or other dust, dust mites, which need to be cleaned regularly. If we have never seriously cleaned our pillow, then this article will definitely change our attitude towards pillow care.

We will combine our own personal experience to present a real and feasible solution, from why pillows need to be cleaned, to the handling methods, cleaning steps, frequency recommendations for different pillow materials, to tips for extending their service life. All the content is a summary of our actual operations, not just empty talk on paper.

Ⅰ. Do I Need Wash My Pillow?
We have at least six to eight hours of intimate contact with pillows every day. Although the pillowcase can be replaced, the dust and sweat have already seeped into the inside of the pillow. If not cleaned for a long time, there will be a lot of bacteria breeding inside the pillow. It will affect our skin and respiratory problems.

We rarely consider this issue. Until someone reported discomfort in their eyes and nasal congestion after waking up, it turned out to be caused by a pillow that had not been cleaned for a long time. So we need to pay attention to regular cleaning of pillows.

Ⅱ. Common Pillow Materials and Cleaning Methods
Each pillow material has its own care method and cannot be generalized. Here are the common material cleaning suggestions we have summarized based on years of practical operation:

Down and feather pillows are our favorite types, they can usually be machine washed, but must be washed with a gentle washing program and appropriate laundry detergent. Be patient when drying, shake it out every once in a while to avoid internal down clumping.

Polyester fiber filled pillows are also a common choice for many households, and most of these pillows can be machine washed. We usually clean two pillows at once and put in two or three large towels to help balance the load of the washing machine and prevent it from becoming unbalanced during high-speed spin drying.

Memory foam pillows are much more delicate. We never put it into the washing machine, because solid foam is easily deformed or even broken under high water pressure and high-speed rotation. To clean this type of pillow, we usually use a damp cloth to wipe the surface, lightly remove dirt, and then air dry it in a well ventilated place. Occasionally, we also put them in the dryer for hot air sterilization for a short period of time, but they must not be exposed to high temperatures or for a long time.

The processing principle of latex pillows is similar to that of memory foam, and it is not recommended to soak them in water.We will gently wash with our hands and then air dry naturally. At the same time, be careful not to expose the material to direct sunlight, as it can affect its aging.

We can first check the note on the pillow, which will indicate whether the pillow can be machine washed. This is a simple yet important good habit.

Ⅲ. Commonly Used Steps for Cleaning Pillows
We have developed a standardized process that is suitable for most households, from pre-treatment to drying, and the entire process has been tested and proven effective.

The first step is to check the pillow label and determine if machine washing is allowed. We never take the risk of cleaning pillows with uncertain materials, as a single mistake can ruin a good pillow.

Next, we will use a stain remover to pre treat obvious stains such as sweat stains, oil stains, or saliva marks. Usually, after spraying, let it stand for five to ten minutes to allow the cleaning ingredients to fully penetrate.

Step three, we will put the pillow into a laundry bag and then put it into the washing machine. To prevent the washing machine from shaking or shifting violently during the spin drying stage, we will add two to three large towels of equivalent volume at the same time to balance the load.

During the dehydration stage, we recommend using a higher rotational speed. Many people are concerned that high-speed rotation may damage the pillow, but we have found that as long as the load is balanced, high-speed dehydration not only does not damage it, but can also more thoroughly dry the moisture, saving a lot of time for subsequent drying.

The drying stage requires more patience. We usually use medium high temperature. We put the pillow into the dryer, shake it for about 45 minutes, and then continue drying. For down pillows, we need a little longer, about two hours. Although it takes a bit longer, the cleaning effect is very good.

The last step is to cool down. We don't immediately pack freshly baked pillows into wardrobes or bedding, but let them cool naturally before storing. This can effectively prevent moisture regain or odor.

Ⅳ. How Do We Arrange the Cleaning Frequency?
To be honest, the frequency of cleaning different types of pillows does vary. We clean down and polyester pillows every two to three months. Memory foam and latex pillows cannot be washed with water, so we usually clean and ventilate the surface every six months.

However, if someone at home has just fallen ill or received guests, we will immediately arrange for cleaning, especially during the flu season. Even if we use a protective cover, sometimes we just throw the pillow into the dryer for a thorough sterilization. We would rather do more than let hidden dangers accumulate in our pillows.

Ⅴ. Practical Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Pillows
In addition to cleaning the pillow on time, we have also accumulated many tips that can extend the use time of the pillow:

Firstly, we always use a two-layer protective structure. Usually it is an inner protective cover that is waterproof and mite proof, with an additional layer of ordinary cotton pillowcase. We even use double layered bedding for children, which can be quickly replaced in case of emergencies such as vomiting, reducing cleaning pressure.

Secondly, we only purchase insect proof and spill proof pillow protective covers with zippers, and insist on replacing them once a year. Although the cost is slightly higher, it can effectively prevent bacteria and mites from penetrating into the pillow core, making our cleaning task much easier.

In addition, we also regularly change the direction of the pillow to avoid deformation caused by prolonged pressure on the same side. Every six months, we also conduct an overall evaluation: Has the support weakened? Is it difficult to remove the odor? If so, we will not hesitate to replace the pillow with a new one.

Our usual pillow replacement cycle is between one and a half to two years. After cleaning and using the pillow for a long time, the internal materials and structure inside will change. At this point, we can replace our pillows and choose a new one to use.

Ⅵ. Conclusion: Cleaning Pillows Is a Good Habit for Us
Looking back at our initial neglect of 'cleaning pillows', and now treating every step of the process with caution, we deeply realize that the comfort brought by a hygienic sleeping environment is irreplaceable. Pillows are one of the closest bedding items to our body, and their cleanliness directly affects our sleep quality and health status.

Now, we have made cleaning pillows a part of daily care, rather than an additional burden. As long as we master the correct method, cleaning is actually very simple and the effect is immediate.

If we haven't started yet, today is the best time. Pick up our pillow, check the material, and plan a deep cleaning. Believe us, clean pillows can really make people sleep more soundly and with peace of mind.

If we are looking for a high-quality pillow cover that is easy to care for, waterproof and mite resistant, we may want to take a look at our LEIZI series, designed specifically for modern households, compatible with a variety of pillows, and helps us complete every cleaning task more easily.