Can the pillow be washed in a washing machine?

Periodic cleaning is required for all sleep accessories, including pillows. They accumulate dust, epidermal particles, sweat and other contaminants. This leads to loss of aesthetic appearance, deformation and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. The filling of some pillows can become a favorable breeding ground for germs and mites. In addition, pollution can cause respiratory or contact allergies, especially in young children. Let's figure out whether the pillow can be washed in a washing machine and how to wash it correctly.

What types of pillow fillings are there?

The answer to the question whether pillows can be washed in a washing machine depends on what kind of filling is inside the cover. Their main types:

Down and feather pillows are made from raw materials obtained from waterfowl - ducks, geese, and less commonly - swans and eiders. The more down component a pillow contains, the softer it is and the better it holds its shape. Such bedding is elastic, elastic, they allow air to pass through and absorb moisture. With proper care they can last a long time. Disadvantages: difficult to clean and highly allergenic.

Synthetic products are made from various materials. The most popular are padding polyester and holofiber. Also used are polyester, fiberlon, non-woven fabric, comforter, polystyrene foam balls (anti-stress pillow) and other fillers. Synthetic pillows keep their shape, do not cause allergies, do not absorb odors, and are easy to wash. But they are worse than natural ones, they allow air to pass through and absorb liquid, and can also become electrified.

The following are used as organic fillers:

1. buckwheat husk - highly durable, adapts to the shape of the head, does not lead to sweating;
2. bamboo – characterized by high hygroscopicity, hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties;
3. sheep wool - retains heat, allows air to pass through, has a healing effect on muscles and joints;
4. horsehair – supports the head and retains elasticity for a long time.

The last two materials are usually combined.

Important: Pillows with buckwheat husks and chicken feathers should not be cleaned in the washing machine. The only way to process these fillers is by drying them in the sun or in special chambers. You should also not wash memory foam pillows yourself.

Caring for feather pillows

Wash

How to wash feather pillows in the washing machine? It is not advisable to put them completely into the drum, otherwise the filler may clump together and make it more difficult to dry. It is recommended to wash down and feathers in parts.

You should prepare several fabric covers (bags) - 4-5 for a medium-sized pillow. You can make them from cotton fabric or use old pillowcases. It is important that the material does not have holes. It is not advisable to take gauze - feathers can come out through the holes and contaminate the filter of the machine.

Then you need to rip the pillow cover at one end and carefully fill the covers ½ full (you can’t stuff them too tightly). There is no need to make sudden movements or pour out all the filler at once. This can cause lint to fly around the house. The open end of the filled case should be sewn up.

How to wash pillows in a washing machine? Stages:

1. Load no more than 2-3 cases of down into the drum. If you put more, the quality of the wash will deteriorate.
2. Pour a liquid preparation into the detergent compartment - gel for baby clothes or a special composition for fluff. They rinse out fibers better than powders. If a dry detergent is used, it should be poured in 2 times less than is customary for such a volume of washing.
3. Select the “Delicate Wash”, “Hand Wash” or “Duvet” mode. It is important that the temperature does not exceed 30 ºС, and the spin speed is 400. It is advisable to set an additional or intensive rinse. Start the wash.

If the pillow is very small, then it can be washed entirely.

How to wash pillows in a washing machine with balls? It is necessary to proceed according to the described scheme, but while loading the drum, put 2 special PVC balls or tennis balls into it. They will constantly beat the fluff, preventing it from clumping.

Note: If the filler is heavily soiled, it is recommended to soak the bags containing it for 2 hours in a special solution before washing in the machine. To prepare it, dilute 4 teaspoons of ammonia (3%) and a few milliliters (a capful) of washing gel in 5 liters of water.

Drying

Can a feather pillow be washed in a washing machine? As it has already turned out, this is quite possible. But after cleaning, you should dry the filler very carefully. It is better to wash in the summer heat. In damp down, the process of rotting can begin and mold can form.

When you finish washing the covers with down and feathers, they should be laid out on a terry towel and rolled into a roll to squeeze out excess moisture. Further drying should be carried out in a well-ventilated room, on a balcony or outside in direct sunlight. In the latter case, the filler is additionally disinfected using ultraviolet light.

Drying can be done in several ways:

1. hang the bags on the clothesline;
2. pour all the filler onto a horizontal surface in a thin layer, laying it under hygroscopic fabric (care should be taken so that the fluff is not blown away by the wind);
3. use the option of drying in a washing machine (no more than 30 ºС).

Drying pillows with natural filling is preferable outside during the warm season

In any case, you need to periodically shake the feathers and sort out the formed lumps with your hands. Absolutely dry filler should be poured into a clean napkin (washed and ironed or new) and sewed up. It is advisable to carry out such cleaning at least once a year.

Washing pillows with synthetic fillings

How to wash pillows in a washing machine if they are filled with synthetic material? They are much easier to clean than down products. In most cases, they do not deform in the machine. The exception is old (more than 4-5 years) or low-quality pillows.

Before washing, it is advisable to carry out the following test. Place the product on a flat surface and place a heavy object in the middle for 30 minutes. If, after removing it, the dent is quickly leveled out, the synthetic fibers have a sufficient degree of elasticity, they will restore their shape after cleaning. Otherwise, the pillow cannot be “reanimated”; it is better to replace it immediately.

Synthetic fiber filled pillow

How to wash synthetic padding pillows in a washing machine, as well as products with other non-natural fillings? Cleaning steps:

1. Remove the pillow from the pillowcase and place it in the drum. It is better to place a product with small synthetic balls (“anti-stress”) in an old pillowcase so that if the pillowcase accidentally ruptures, they will not fall into the machine.
2. Pour liquid detergent into the special compartment.
3. Select the “Delicate Wash” or “Hand Wash” mode. The water temperature should not exceed 40 ºС. The spin can be maximum - up to 1000 revolutions to remove maximum moisture. The exception is anti-stress pillows, the upper limit for them is 400 revolutions, but it is better to do without spinning at all.
4. Set to double or intensive rinse. Start the wash.

As with cleaning down, you can put balls in the drum. The product must be dried in the sun or in a well-ventilated room. It is better to place it on a horizontal surface.

How to wash holofiber pillows in a washing machine? They are cleaned in the same way. Then the filler should be leveled with your hands. Low quality holofiber can turn into lumps after machine washing.

Washing bamboo, wool and horsehair pillows

How to wash bamboo pillows in a washing machine? The product can be placed in a drum without additional covers. It is important to make sure that there are no holes in the napkin through which the filling could escape.

The optimal water temperature is 30-40 ºС, spin – up to 400 rpm, rinse – double. It is advisable to use a small amount of gel detergent. Do not use bleaches or aggressive cleaning agents, otherwise the fibers will lose their properties.

You can dry a bamboo pillow only on a horizontal surface in the sun or in a ventilated area. It should be whisked periodically. If you hang the pillow vertically, securing it with clothespins, the filling will become deformed.

A floor dryer is a good place to dry a bamboo fiber filled pillow.

It is recommended to wash products with bamboo fibers once every 3-6 months. This is necessary to remove salts formed as a result of the interaction of bamboo with sweat. A pillow with such filling can withstand up to 500 washes.

Items containing wool and horsehair are cleaned using liquid cashmere or wool products. Speaking about whether it is possible to wash pillows in an automatic machine of this type, it is important to note that the optimal washing modes are “Wool” and “Hand” at a temperature not exceeding 30 ºС without spinning. It is recommended to dry in an automatic dryer or outdoors in the sun in a horizontal position.

Regular cleaning of pillows is the key to good rest and prevention of respiratory allergies. Most fillers are machine washable. At the same time, it is important to choose the right operating mode and a high-quality detergent, preferably a gel-type one. If the pillow is heavily soiled, it is better to entrust the pillow to professionals. In dry cleaning, it will not only be washed in the safest way, but will also be irradiated with ultraviolet light to destroy pathogenic flora.

Attention! You can take part in our competition!

Send a video about how you solved your problem (washed a stain, cleaned a frying pan, or coped with some other household task) and get 400 rubles!

The content of the article

What types of pillows are machine washable?

If you are careful and choose the right washing modes and detergents, most pillows can be machine washed. Pillows can be subjected to the following operation:

The following types of pillows cannot be washed at home:

General rules for washing pillows in a machine

Pillows can be washed in two ways: either entirely, without removing the bedspread, or in a “disassembled” form. In this case, the seam on the pillowcase is ripped open, the filling is carefully removed and placed in covers for washing (thick pillowcases can be used for this purpose). The pillow is put together and sewn up after washing and drying. This method is more labor-intensive, but it allows you to better dry the filling, as well as use more stringent washing modes, bleaching, etc. in relation to the diaper.

When washing pillows in a machine, you need to choose delicate ones. gentle washing modes at a temperature of 30-40°C and spinning at lower speeds (no more than 600) - then the filler will roll off and deform less. The drying mode cannot be used for pillows. – hot air will ruin them irrevocably.

To wash pillows, it is better not to use dry washing powders, but liquid products – they wash out better. It is advisable to use an additional rinse. It is better not to use bleaches - they are harmful to both the feather and synthetic fillers.

It is better to wash two pillows in the machine at the same time (or distribute the filling over two or three covers) - then they will be evenly distributed throughout the washing drum. You can add a couple of tennis balls to the drum - they will “break” the filler and prevent it from rolling off.

Pillows should be dried in a horizontal position - for example, laid out on a clothes dryer or clothesline. The ideal place for drying is a warm, well-ventilated room. The drying pillow must be fluffed with your hands from time to time and turned over, not allowing the filling to cake or bunch up into one lump.

How to machine wash pillows filled with down and feathers

“Traditional” pillows with down and feathers are the most labor-intensive to wash. This is the only type of pillow that cannot be washed entirely - “disassembly” is required. Otherwise, the filler simply will not be able to dry properly, and the pillows will soon begin to emit an unpleasant smell of rotten feathers.

Prepare at least 2-3 cases for washing the filling - thick pillowcases without scuffs or bags made of teak or similar fabric. They can be sewn up or tied in a tight knot before washing. You can make the covers double-layered by placing them in additional pillowcases - if feathers “slip” into the drum of the washing machine during washing, they can clog the drain. The fewer feathers there are in each case, the better the washing and drying will be.

In order to remove the filling, the napkin is ripped open along the seam. This must be done extremely carefully, without sudden movements - otherwise the light filler will quickly scatter throughout the house, and collecting feathers and down is very difficult. It is best to first open the seam by 10-15 centimeters, place the corner of the pillow inside the cover and squeeze the filling into it. And only at the last stage can you open the entire length of the seam and collect the remnants of the feather from the breastplate with your hand.

Place the filler in the washing machine and wash according to general rules. In this case, it is best to choose a detergent designed for wool products. An additional rinse is also required.

During washing, the feather will certainly clump into clumps. After washing, be sure to knead the wet filler with your hands. To speed up drying, lay the covers on a terry towel or a sheet and duvet cover folded several times, wrap this “sandwich” in a tight roll and leave for 5-10 minutes. The fabric will absorb excess water.

Dry in a warm place, periodically fluffing and turning the covers over. It usually takes at least two days for feather litter to dry completely. After this, you can transfer the filling into a bed sheet, washed separately, and sew it tightly.

Washing pillows with natural wool or bamboo fillings

Pillows of these types can be washed either together with the pillowcase or in a “disassembled” form. However, if we are talking about a large pillow measuring, for example, 70x70 centimeters, it is better to remove the filling and divide it into two parts. Small items can be washed entirely.

Wash wool and bamboo in a delicate mode; additional rinsing is also mandatory, especially when it comes to washing with a bedsheet - detergent residues that are not washed out of the thickness of the filler can lead to “sticking” of natural fibers to each other. If this happens, after washing the pillow will become feminine and “packed.”

The best detergent for wool or bamboo pillows is cashmere shampoo. However, other liquid products intended for washing wool products are also suitable. It is better not to use powder - it washes out much worse.

The spin should be very gentle - no more than 500 revolutions. If the washing machine does not have such modes, it is better to wash without spinning, and then let the water drain and wring out the pillow with your hands without twisting. You can also use the method of wrapping in a towel to remove excess water.

While drying, periodically fluff the pillow. If the filler was washed separately, when putting it back into the bedsheet, you can additionally “rumble” the fibers, fluffing them up.

Washing pillows filled with padding polyester and holofiber

It is often recommended that pillows with synthetic fillings not be washed in a machine at all, only by hand. When washing automatically, the fluffy fibers invariably pill and the pillow loses its elasticity. However, with careful handling, washing is still possible.

Choose gentle washing modes suitable for synthetics and a temperature no higher than 40%. Turn off the spin mode - it is detrimental to holofiber and padding polyester; the filler that has clumped into clumps cannot be “disintegrated.” Do not use bleach under any circumstances; give preference to liquid products. Use tennis balls.

After washing, carefully remove excess moisture without twisting the pillows. After excess water has drained off, dry flat, whisking and turning occasionally. These pillows dry quite quickly.

If you decide to wash the pillowcase separately, before “assembling” the pillow, you can “fluff” the synthetic filler by combing it with a fluff brush (they are sold in pet stores).

Machine washable anti-stress pillows

Washing pillows filled with polystyrene balls has its own specifics. Machine processing at 30-40 degrees will not harm the filler itself. But if the balls slip out of the diaper during washing, clogged machine filters may lead to the need to call a technician.

Therefore, if you decide to wash the entire anti-stress pillow, make sure that the pillowcase is strong and that there are no frayed fabrics or loose seams. It is better to place the pillow in an additional cover for washing. When washing separately, it is easier to clean the litter by hand by placing it in a wash case, immersing it in lukewarm soapy water, and then rinsing.

Use delicate modes without spinning, dry in a horizontal position. Polystyrene does not absorb moisture, so the pillow will dry quite quickly.

1. - Laundry soap,
2. - sheet,
3. - pillowcase,
4. - ammonia,
5. - confidant.

Not every housewife dares to wash pillows, especially when it comes to feather pillows. The pen should be cleaned at least a couple of times a year. The anti-stress pillow should be washed approximately once every 2 months - if everything is done correctly, it will not lose its shape. But holofiber pillows do not like water procedures - they can be washed only as a last resort.

Bamboo pillows do not harbor mites and do not accumulate dust. They are washed approximately once a quarter - when the fabric gets dirty. The bamboo pillow can withstand up to five hundred washes.

How to wash feather pillows

Before you wash a feather filled pillow, you need to do a little preparation. Make a separate bag for the feather from thick fabric and pour the contents of the bib into it - it must be washed separately. Everything also needs to be dried separately. Sew up the bag with the feather, otherwise you will have to collect it all over the machine later. Choose a hand wash or gentle wash program. Detergent – ​​for wool or delicate fabrics. You can drop 3-4 drops of aroma oil into the softener tray.

It is better to dry the bag with the feather in a place where there is a lot of sun and the wind blows. Shake the bag periodically to prevent its contents from clumping.

How to wash bamboo pillows

Such products can be placed entirely in the machine if the drum dimensions allow. Wash on delicate cycle and temperature no higher than 40 degrees, with a very small amount of detergent. Bamboo pillows should not be wrung out. It is best to dry them horizontally on a clothes dryer. Anti-stress pillows filled with polystyrene foam balls can be washed in the same way.

Hand wash pillows

To wash pillows with feathers, pour warm water into a basin, dilute the powder in it, spread the pillowcase and dip the fluff into the water in small parts. If you pour everything out at once, the feathers will scatter throughout the room. Leave the feather to soak for 3 hours and prepare bags of thin fabric - you will need to place the feather there to dry.

Collect the wet feather in portions in a colander and rinse it free of soap, wring it out and pour it into bags. Dry in the same way as after machine washing.

It is better to wash holofiber pillows by hand - this way the filling is less likely to clump together. Dilute the gel detergent in warm water, soak the pillow for half an hour, rinse and, without wringing, place on a clothes dryer to dry. Shake the product from time to time.

Anti-stress pillows and bamboo pillows can be washed by hand using regular laundry soap in warm water. Wash with massaging movements, then gently press down on the pillow so that the water drains out. Rinse the product in the same way and send it to dry.

Sintepon is an artificially created fiber with a fibrous, porous structure, which has special qualities inherent only to it. It is able to retain heat, volume and its shape for a long time, and it is also durable. Therefore, in many household products, be it pillows, warm clothes or blankets, it is the main material. Despite the complex production, products made from padding polyester are not only affordable, but also safe to use, even for children. Often such products have higher strength and reliability, which is an absolute advantage in their use.

Is it possible to wash synthetic padding pillows in a washing machine?

Of course, you can wash products made from artificial materials yourself, using an automatic machine or hand washing. But how to wash a synthetic padding pillow in a washing machine so that the product can be preserved for a longer period, because throughout the night they absorb the secretions of the sebaceous and sweat glands, particles of skin, hair and dust. The main thing is to know the features of padding polyester products and observe the temperature regime.

Preparing the pillow before washing

Before you start washing, you should first pay attention to the product labels. It is there that you can see basic information about the principles, as well as recommendations for cleaning the product.

How to wash a padding polyester pillow in an automatic washing machine to achieve the best result. Pillow manufacturers, as well as doctors, recommend cleaning synthetic padding products once every 3-4 months. This will prevent premature wear of the product, will allow it to maintain its presentation for longer and will protect the owner from pathogenic organisms and dust mites, which over time become infested in most bedding.

Next, you need to check the pillow for holes or tears in the material. This will help you decide whether it can be washed in a machine immediately or whether the product needs to be repaired first. If there are defects, you first need to eliminate the damage, and only then start washing.

Oddly enough, not every pillow can withstand cleaning in a washing machine. The fact is that over time, synthetic winterizer, like any other material, loses its basic qualities, such as maintaining a constant shape and volume. If this happens, then washing in an automatic machine is absolutely contraindicated and then it is more advisable to choose alternative cleaning methods or take the product to dry cleaning. In order to test this property of the pillow, you need to place it on a flat horizontal surface and place some weight on top, for example, a book or a jar filled with water. After a few minutes, you need to remove the weight and pay attention to how long it takes for the pillow to return to its original shape. If this happens within 5-7 minutes, then such a product can be washed in an automatic machine, and it will not lose its original appearance.

How to wash a synthetic padding pillow in a washing machine

The rules for washing a pillow in an automatic machine include following the recommended washing mode and minimum temperature. Taking into account simple rules will allow the pillow to retain its shape and properties.

Washing mode

When choosing a washing mode, pay attention to the following:

1. The optimal modes for washing products made from padding polyester are “delicate wash”, “bulky items” or “hand wash”.

Important! The names of modes on washing machines may differ between different manufacturers. To choose the optimal mode, you need to pay attention to the proposed temperature and spin speed.

1. It is not recommended to reduce the time specified by the program, as this may lead to poor cleansing.
2. To preserve the integrity of the fabric and prevent small objects from getting inside the washing machine, manufacturers recommend using special mesh covers made of polyester.
3. After the main wash, it is recommended to additionally turn on the rinse and spin mode, especially if the pillows are used by children.

Temperature

Washing synthetic winterizer items in boiling water or hot water is strictly prohibited. According to the recommendations, the water temperature should be in the range of 35-40 degrees Celsius.

Do I need a spin?

1. padding polyester pillows can be wrung out manually, without twisting;
2. when selecting the “spin” mode, it is recommended to set a low speed value, in the range of 500-800 per minute;
3. For greater effect, you can put tennis balls or special balls for washing down jackets and bulky items in the drum of the machine along with the pillow.

Important! To wash synthetic padding pillows effectively, you must use only liquid detergents or special products for caring for pillows. The use of regular powder is not recommended.

Main differences from hand washing

There are many advantages of washing using an automatic machine compared to hand washing. Washing with an automatic machine saves time and effort, hot and cold water, and therefore money. But the choice of how best to wash a synthetic padding pillow always remains with its owner. After all, there are times when it is simply not possible to use an automatic washing machine. The reason may be the absence of a machine, its breakdown, or the insufficient size of the washing machine drum. In this case, an alternative, in addition to dry cleaning, is hand washing.

There are not many differences in the washing process by hand and by automatic machine. The basic principles are preserved, but certain nuances are added. The procedure for hand washing is approximately as follows:

1. into a large container, for example, into a bathtub, it is necessary to pour a sufficient amount of warm water, at a temperature of approximately 35-40°C;
2. Next, you need to dilute liquid gel for washing delicate items in water;
   
   
   
   
3. distribute the product evenly throughout the entire volume of water;
4. soak the pillow in water for 10-20 minutes;
5. if necessary, clean areas of particular contamination manually;
6. squeeze the pillow with gentle squeezing movements, without twisting or deforming it;
7. repeat if necessary;
8. rinse thoroughly in a large volume of water until the water is clear;
9. gently squeeze with gentle movements.

How to dry synthetic padding pillows

After washing, you need to dry the pillow properly to avoid deformation and loss of basic qualities. Drying is carried out on a flat horizontal surface, in a ventilated area. It is better to place the pillow on a floor clothes dryer, which will allow air flow evenly from all sides. It is not recommended to expose it to direct sunlight or place the pillow near heating devices, as this can lead to deformation of the product.

Important! It is not recommended to hang dry pillows on a clothesline, as this disrupts the shape of padding polyester products. It is necessary to dry them in a lying position, turning them over and beating them every 2-3 hours until completely dry.

Taking care of bedding is not that difficult. Washing a padding polyester pillow is not difficult, and anyone can handle this task. The main thing is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and simple rules so that it lasts as long as possible.