how to wash pillows in front loader

A good night's sleep is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. One of the most crucial components to ensure a restful sleep is the pillow. Pillow hygiene is often overlooked, leading to undesirable consequences for our health. Over time, pillows collect dirt, sweat, oil, and dead skin cells, resulting in an unsanitary environment that could cause health problems. Therefore, it's necessary to wash pillows regularly. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of washing pillows in a front loader.

The Right Frequency

Before diving into the washing procedure, it is important to determine the right frequency of washing your pillows. A general rule of thumb is washing them every six months if you use a pillowcase, and every two to three months for bare pillowcases. However, pillow frequency should also be determined by the weight of the pillow and the frequency of use. A simple test to determine if a pillow needs washing is folding it in half; if it doesn't bounce back, it needs washing.

Preparation for Washing

Before washing your pillows, you need to prepare it by removing the pillowcase and checking the pillow's care label. Most pillows can be washed using hot water, but some materials require cold water washing or dry cleaning. Some pillows may require pre-treatment of stains or odors, and some may have specific washing instructions. It's essential to read and follow the care label instructions to avoid damaging your pillows. Also, it's recommended to wash two pillows at a time to ensure proper balance of water in the washer.

The Washing Process

When washing pillows in a front loader, it's essential to put them in the washer loosely. If you compress the pillows too much, they may become lumpy and lose their shape. Also, adding a small amount of detergent or fabric softener can improve the washing results. Use hot water and gentle cycle for synthetic or down pillows, and cold water with a delicate cycle for memory foam or latex pillows. If your pillow is stained or has a bad odor, you can add white vinegar or baking soda to the washing machine for an extra boost. After the washing cycle is complete, run the pillows through an additional rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent or fabric softener is eliminated.

Drying the Pillows

Drying your pillows after washing is an important step in the process. High heat can damage the pillow's fillings, so it's important to keep the dryer on low or medium heat. Synthetic pillows can take up to 2 hours to dry entirely, while down or feather pillows may need 2-3 hours. Additionally, adding dryer balls or clean tennis balls aids in fluffing up the pillows, making them more comfortable. A helpful tip would be to check the pillows' dryness periodically, making sure they are balanced inside the dryer.

Conclusion

Washing pillows is an important hygiene practice that should be included in our regular cleaning routine. It's a simple process that can be done in a front loader, following specific instructions based on the care label. Proper pillow hygiene helps maintain a healthy sleeping environment and increases the lifespan of your pillows. So next time your pillows need washing, remember to follow these simple steps for a clean and restful sleep.