How to wash and care for pillows

We spend around 8 hours per day resting our heads against pillows, so, it’s vital that they are washed regularly. As we sleep, we’re not just resting, we’re sweating and shedding skin cells. While that’s maybe not the nicest thought in the world, it highlights the importance of washing and caring for your pillows. Throughout this process, your pillow is absorbing everything your body is getting rid of. And, If that doesn’t make you want to chuck your pillows in the washing machine, nothing will! If you’re wondering how you can best wash and care for your pillows, we’ve got you covered.  In this guide, we will show you step-by-step how to wash your pillows properly. Here’s a brief overview of what we will be covering. 

Why you should wash your pillows

How often should you wash your pillows 

Can you put pillows in the washing machine? 

How to wash pillows in the washing machine  

How to spot-treat pillows 

How to care for your pillows 

The range of pillows available at Briscoes 

Let’s get started!

But first, why should you wash your pillows?

Think about how much people tend to sweat throughout the night. And, this sweat seeps into our pillows, yuck! Although your pillow should always be protected by a pillowcase, it’s not enough to stop sweat and bacteria from being absorbed into your pillow as you sleep. Sweat and bacteria build up in your pillows over time can contribute to a number of conditions, such as acne and allergies. Aside from this, bad odours can also occur if you leave your pillows untreated. Washing your pillows regularly protects your skin and also keeps your pillows fresher for longer. So, we’re here to show you just how easy it is to wash your pillows, read on for more.

How often should you wash your pillows?

You’re probably wondering how often you should wash your pillows and you’re not alone! So many people go long periods of time without washing their pillows. when in reality, it’s recommended that you wash your pillows every 3-6 months. At the very least, you should be washing your pillows twice per year. So, if you’re reading this and you think it’s time to give your pillows a deep clean, keep reading. 

Can you put pillows in the washing machine?

We know what you’re thinking, and, the answer is yes, most pillows can be washed in your washing machine. If your pillows are made from cotton, down or with synthetic filling, you can probably pop them in a machine wash. But, it’s important to check the care label on your pillow for specific instructions. If the washing instructions on the label differ from the advice in this guide, be sure to follow the care label. Some pillows may specify dry clean only, in which case you should add a trip to the drycleaners with your pillows to your spring cleaning to-do list. 

How to wash pillows in the washing machine

If you think it’s time you wash your pillows, follow our simple step-by-step instructions below: 

Step 1: Check the label

First up, take a closer look at the care label. This will specify the recommended washing instructions for your pillows. If the label gives you the green light, you can go to the next step. If not, jump down to the next section to find out how you can spot-treat your pillows. 

Step 2: Cover your pillow with a pillowcase

Before you put your pillow in the washing machine, make sure you cover it with a pillowcase. This will prevent your pillow from being damaged in the wash. The last thing you want is for your pillow to snag something inside the washing machine and tear it. We recommend that you put it in a white pillowcase to avoid any dye from the pillowcase transferring onto the pillow. 

Step 3: Put the pillow in the washing machine

Next up, put your pillow inside your washing machine. The type of washing machine you have shouldn’t affect how you wash your pillow. No matter if you have a top load agitator or a front load agitation machine, you should be able to continue. Most machine-washable pillows will be able to be washed with cold water. It’s important to use a mild detergent when washing pillows, so be sure you have that on hand. 

Top tip: If you have a top loader, you may need to wash two pillows at the same time to ensure your washing machine is balanced and spins evenly. 

Step 4: Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle

When selecting your wash cycle, we recommend choosing a gentle cycle. This means the spin speed should be relatively low. This will ensure your pillow is protected during the wash. This will ultimately prevent your pillow from being flattened and losing volume. 

Step 5: Air dry your pillow

Once the wash cycle has ended, you’ll need to dry the pillow out. It’s important that the pillows are left to dry out completely before you want to use them again. Ideally, you’ll have some spare pillows to use in the meantime, while the others dry off. We recommend that you leave your pillows to air dry at home or out in the sunshine. Drying pillows outside in the fresh air can speed up the drying process.

How to spot-treat pillows

If you’re not able to machine wash your pillows, or you’re just trying to remove a stain, spot-treating them can be a good alternative. For best results, follow our step-by-step guide below.

Step 1: Remove your pillowcase

Firstly, to spot-treat your pillow, you’ll need to remove the pillowcase. When spot-treating pillows, you will apply the solution directly onto the pillow so there shouldn’t be anything covering the pillow.     

Step 2: Mix some mild detergent with water

Next up, you’ll need to mix up your solution. For this, it’s as simple as mixing mild soap or detergent with lukewarm water. Stir this solution and then move on to the next step. 

Step 3: Dip a cloth in the solution

For this step, you will need a soft cloth. Simply dip your cloth into the solution before applying it to the pillow. 

Step 4: Gently blot the pillow with the cloth

Blot the pillow with your damp cloth. You should continue doing this until the stain begins to fade. If you’re trying to remove stubborn stains, such as blood, sweat or spilled liquid, you might prefer to pre-treat your pillows before doing this. This can be done with any stain remover found at your local supermarket. 

Step 5: Air dry

Similarly, to washing pillows in the washing machine, you will need to allow the pillow to dry out completely before using it again. If your pillow is damp, it can cause mold, bacteria and odours to build up. So, make sure you allow your pillow to air dry outside or line dry inside.

How to care for your pillows

There are some steps you can take to ensure you are taking good care of your pillows. This will ultimately help your pillows to last longer and keep them looking and feeling fresher for longer. Here are our top tips for caring for your pillows. 

1. Wash at least twice per year 

Washing your pillows regularly is the best way to care for your pillows. This acts as a deep clean for them, preventing the build-up of bacteria and odour. 

2. Buy a pillow protector

Everyone has heard of a mattress protector, but, did you know that there is such a thing as a pillow protector too? This is a great way to prevent pillow stains and keep your pillow fresher for longer. 

3. Change your pillowcase once per week

Changing your pillowcase once per week is key when taking care of your pillows. All bedding should be changed weekly. This ensures that your pillowcase acts as a barrier and never gets too dirty. Check out our guide on how often you should change sheets for more manchester care advice. 

4. Replacing pillows as needed

Know when it’s time to replace your pillows. High-quality pillows can last approximately 3-5 years but cheaper pillows may not last beyond 6 months. So, be careful when you’re choosing your pillows. 

The range of pillows available at Briscoes

At Briscoes, we’ve got an unbeatable range of pillows on offer. So, if you think your pillows are in need of an upgrade or you want to introduce some new bed styling into the mix, we’ve got you covered. No matter if you’re looking for stylish European pillows or a practical solution for your sleep style, we’ve got the perfect pillow for you. Explore our range of pillows for back and side sleepers, stomach sleepers, allergy sufferers and so much more. Alternatively, If you’re not quite sure where to begin, check out our pillow-buying guide. 

Ready to buy new pillows?

Hopefully, after reading this guide, you feel more confident in washing and caring for your pillows. We wash and care for our clothes regularly because we spend so much time in them, so washing pillows should be no different. If you’ve tried washing your pillows and you’re not getting the results you’re looking for, it might be time to buy new pillows. Shop the wide range of pillows available at Briscoes today.