Pillows provide you an elevation as you sleep, therefore improving your sleep quality as the soft plush cradles your head. However, dirty pillows can do the opposite, and make it difficult for you to catch a good night's rest.
Pillows get filthy with regular use as dust, sweat, skin flakes, and dust mites get into your pillows. This is why most home cleaning experts recommend you wash your pillows regularly to keep them clean. We'll show you how to wash polyester pillows in this guide:
What You’ll Need
- Mild detergent
- Spot clean solution:
- Baking soda
- White Vinegar
- Large basin
- Wet and dry vacuum cleaner OR
- Thick towels OR
- Tumble dryer
- Dryer balls
How to Wash Polyester Pillows: A Step-by-Step Guide
Spot Treat Pillows
Step 1: Make a Stain Remover
Create a stain remover made with baking soda and just enough vinegar to form a paste. Alternatively, you can keep vinegar in a spray bottle, and apply each ingredient separately to let the fizzy reaction lift the stains away.
Step 2: Apply Directly on Stained Areas
Our recommended method to do this is to keep some vinegar in a spray bottle, and apply the baking soda dry on stained areas. Spray with vinegar, and let the solution bubble. If you prefer the paste method, apply the paste directly on stains, and let the paste dry.
Step 3: Let Dry and Remove Residue
Let the stain remover dry before wiping off the residue. Repeat the steps if the stain doesn't seem to come out. For white pillows, you can use hydrogen peroxide or bleach instead of vinegar, but never mix these ingredients together.
Hand Washing Pillows
Handwashing is the preferred way of washing pillows, specifically memory foam pillows, polyester pillows, and feather pillows as it is a gentler way of washing them without the high pressure of washing machines.
Step 1: Submerge in Soapy Water
Submerge the pillows in water mixed with a couple of tablespoons of mild detergent. Press down to allow the water to seep deep into the pillows. At the same time, wash the pillow cover the same way in a separate basin.
Step 2: Let Soak
Let polyester pillows soak in the soapy water for around 10 minutes. Letting them soak allows the soapy water to lift out dirt from deep within the pillows, and make it easier for you to squeeze out the grime later on.
Step 3: Gently Squeeze to Wash Pillows
Gently squeeze out the soapy water from the polyester pillows by pressing down on them. Avoid using too much pressure, especially if you're washing memory foam pillows. Wash pillows by repeatedly pressing down to let the dirt out. You may need to use a soft-bristled brush on the surface of polyester pillows, but this is optional.
Drain the dirty water, and fill the basin with fresh, clean water. Keep pressing down pillows to rinse them. Don't worry about the fillers flattening. You'll be able to fluff them back up when your polyester pillows dry.
Step 4: Remove Excess Moisture
Using a Vacuum Cleaner
Use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner to remove the excess moisture from your pillows. This is our preferred way as it is quick, and uses less effort than manually wringing out the moisture. Use the wet function to remove excess moisture from your pillows.
You could also do this between washing and rinsing your pillows to get a deep clean. You'll notice the water being sucked up getting clearer and clearer after each rinse. Make sure the vacuum nozzle is flat down on the pillow for better suction.
Using the Manual Way
The manual way involves squeezing out as much moisture as you can from the pillows, then using some thick towels to absorb the rest of the moisture. It may help to place the polyester pillows covered in thick towels in a basin, then stepping on it with clean feet to remove the moisture.
However, this does tend to flatten down pillows, so it is important to fluff the pillow back up before and after they completely dry to maintain the plush texture of the pillows. Consider, too, that polyester pillows regularly flatten when you sleep on them, so it is important to fluff pillows often.
Step 5: Hang to Air Dry
Pick a warm, sunny location to hang up your pillows, and let them air dry completely before using them. Your polyester pillows should not be the least bit damp as you use them, so let them dry for about a day or two.
Machine Washing Pillows
Step 1: Separate Removable Covers
If you use removable pillow covers, separate these from your pillows. You may opt to place them in the same load of laundry, or add them to the same load as the pillows. Fill your machine with cold water, and add a couple of scoops of laundry detergent.
Step 2: Place Pillow in Washing Machine
Place the pillows in the washing machine. Both polyester and feather pillows can be machine washed, but avoid washing memory foam pillows this way as the foam may disintegrate. Add in your pillow cover as well if desired.
Step 3: Let Machine Run on Gentle Cycle
Let the machine run on a gentle cycle to wash pillows. This will get the dirt and dust mites out, and kill off any harmful microbes in the process. Wash polyester pillows in cold water to prevent damaging the filler.
Step 4: Rinse the Pillows
Drain the water, and fill with fresh, clean water to rinse. Let the machine run another gentle cycle, and keep draining and rinsing until the water is no longer sudsy. You may opt to add fabric softener on the final rinse, but this is optional.
Step 5: Toss in Tumble Dryer
Toss your pillows in the tumble dryer along with some wool dryer balls, or clean tennis balls. These will prevent your pillows from becoming flat, and will evenly distribute the filler to avoid lumps and indented areas.
Step 6: Hang to Dry
Hang up the pillows in a well-ventilated area where they can dry properly. Allow the pillows to completely dry before using them.
How Often Should You Clean Your Polyester Pillow?
Ideally, you should wash your polyester pillows every six months. In between washes, it is a good idea to spot clean them with a mild cleaning solution. You may also use baking soda as a dry clean powder to keep your pillows smelling fresh, and to remove dirt and oils.
Keeping Your Polyester Pillows Fresh and Clean
- Wash pillows regularly - every six months or so.
- Use a pillow cover, even for throw pillows.
- When in doubt, wash pillows in cold water to prevent damaging the material.
- Use only mild cleaning solutions.
- Fluff pillows constantly for a better sleep.
- Keep the room and the rest of the house clean.
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