How to wash a pillow: Key tips
Washing pillows properly is not only essential for maintaining optimal hygiene in our sleeping environment, but also for ensuring that they retain their comfort and structure over time.
Not all pillows should be washed in the same way. Depending on the material they are made of—hollow fiber, memory foam, or latex—they require different handling and specific care to avoid damaging their internal materials and prolong their useful life.
For example, feather pillows require gentle washing with liquid detergent, while memory foam pillows should not be machine washed because they are prone to tearing.
We must also consider how often we wash our bedding; washing it every two to six months eliminates dust mites and other allergens, ensuring greater comfort and health while we sleep.
In this article by Morfeo, we will delve into the recommended methods for washing different types of pillows, offering practical tips to make this process effective, keeping your pillows fresh, clean, and ready to accompany you in your dreams night after night.
How to wash memory foam pillows:
If you are going to wash your memory foam pillows, it is essential that you follow a series of specific steps to avoid damaging the materials.
Viscoelastic foam, also known as memory foam, is particularly sensitive to water and heat, which means that if you put it directly into hot water or use a dryer, it can become deformed or irreparably damaged. Do not use hair dryers or radiators either, as they are not recommended.
To begin with, we recommend gently vacuuming the pillow with the brush attachment in up-and-down strokes to remove surface dust and mites.
For visible stains, simply use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild detergent and rub the affected area with gentle circular movements.
Once cleaned, you should allow the pillow to dry completely in the open air in a well-ventilated area. You can take it out onto the balcony or terrace, but BE CAREFUL: you should avoid direct exposure to the sun, as the rays will damage the memory foam.
Monthly cleaning is sufficient to keep it in perfect condition.
How to wash feather pillows?
If you prefer feather pillows and have decided to clean your pillow properly, you should know that this type of pillow requires special care so as not to damage the feathers, as they are very delicate.
The first thing you should do is check the manufacturer's label, as it will provide specific instructions that you must follow to the letter.
Almost all feather pillows can be washed perfectly in your washing machine using a gentle cycle and cold water, along with a mild detergent.
One trick you can use is to wash two pillows at the same time, as this way they will rub against each other during the wash, improving its effectiveness.
After washing, an additional spin cycle will help remove excess water from the feathers to aid drying.
When it's time to dry them, we recommend using a low cycle, and here's another tip: add some clean tennis balls to the dryer to help the feathers regain their volume. You'll see how well it works.
How to wash a latex pillow?
The first thing you should NOT do is put latex pillows in water, as this will damage the internal structure of the latex and seriously reduce its useful life.
Instead, the best way to clean them is to wipe localized stains with a cloth dampened with a solution of water and a little mild detergent. Use gentle movements so as not to damage the latex, and then it is essential to dry the pillow completely in the open air. However, as with memory foam pillows, you should avoid direct exposure to the sun, as UV rays destroy latex and you will have problems in a short time.
Can a pillow be washed in the washing machine? How should I do it?
The answer is yes, but...
The good news is that many pillows can be safely washed in your washing machine, although the method will vary depending on the type of pillow (memory foam, feather, synthetic, or latex).
Here is a general guide on how to do it correctly, ensuring that your pillows are not only clean but also retain their shape and comfort.
Always check the label: Before doing anything, it is very important to check the manufacturer's label, as no one knows better than them how to care for your pillow. This label will provide valuable information on whether the pillow can be machine washed and under what conditions (water temperature, cycle type, etc.).
Method: For feather or synthetic pillows, we recommend washing two pillows at the same time whenever possible. In the case of latex or memory foam pillows, it is best to clean them by hand, first vacuuming them and then using a cloth dampened with mild detergent. Remember that they are very sensitive to water.
Washing cycle: Always use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water to avoid damaging the pillow material. It is preferable to use a mild detergent, avoiding bleach or harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric or filling.
Drying:Remember to always dry them outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Feather pillows and some synthetic pillows can be dried in the dryer at a low temperature. Adding a few clean tennis balls to the dryer can help the pillows regain their original shape. However, latex and memory foam pillows should not be exposed to high temperatures, so air drying is the safest option, always avoiding direct sunlight.
