Most people launder their sheets once a week, setting aside the actual pillows for less frequent washings. It's a bit of a bigger job and one that tends to get put off, so if you haven't done it in a while, why not take care of it this week for a nice fresh start to the new year? To get you started, here's Martha's method:
Washing Pillows:
According to MSL, pillows should be washed at least twice a year (the covers once a month, along with your mattress cover). Check the care label to confirm that your pillow (down or synthetic) can be machine washed - most can be. Use mild liquid detergent rather than a powder to avoid residue. Wash a pair of pillows together to keep the machine balanced and run them through the rinse cycle twice to rinse them fully.
Drying Pillows:
For down and feathers, use the air cycle and dry very fully. Make sure they are completely dry as dampness left in the pillow can lead to mold. For synthetics, use the low heat setting as high heat can cause clumping. Throwing in a couple of tennis balls wrapped in white socks during the dryer cycle helps to refluff the pillows without transferring dyes.
Martha's tips are from the January issue of Martha Stewart Living, part of a six page primer on Bedding Care 101 (starting on page 116) with all sorts of tips and how to's on cleaning and maintaining your bed healthfully.
Happy washing and enjoy those clean pillows!
(Image: Max Kim-Bee, Martha Stewart Living)
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Comments (18)
And if we don't have a dryer? I guess dry-cleaning is the only option!
what about memory foam pillows? anyone know if they're washable?
I don't think dry cleaning penetrates the interior of a pillow the way a wet wash would. perhaps a trip to the laudromat?
I don't wash my pillows often enough because drying them is such a pain. I would like to try the tennis ball trick.
Maybe this is because I buy cheap pillows, but my pillows always flatten after a year or so and I have to buy new ones anyway.
Wait a minute....most people wash their sheets once a week!?!? Wow, I feel like a slob now - I'm lucky if they get done once a month!
amie-- the pros say once per week, and I'm sure some or even most folks do, but trust me, you are not alone.
We wash our sheets, pillow cases, pillow covers and mattress cover once a week, but I don't think I've ever washed the pillows themselves. Oops.
Is all the RANDOM BOLD text really NECESSARY?
Hey, can anyone suggest something to use in the dryer other than tennis balls? The laundry room in my building is adjacent to two other apartments, and the walls are pretty thin, so I imagine the incessant thumping inflicted on my neighbors for an hour would not be appreciated....
@amiebarber8, You are not alone! If I had a washer and drier in my apartment, maybe sheets would get washed once a week, but I seriously doubt it. So you are not alone!
rachpie
for memory pillow foam , i would soak in in the tub very well , pour the detergent of ur choise and stand on it with my feet , very well until it foams so well , then rinse while i m standing on and stepping on it , then do it again , u ll see it would work greately , then put in on a towel under the sun , keep flipping it
@nicolaluna
"can anyone suggest something to use in the dryer other than tennis balls?"
I don't know that anything would work if your problem is incessant thumping....the point is something sort of hard to hit into the pillows to fluff them while tumbling...but maybe with the pillows to buffer the "thumping"...it won't be as bad as you anticipate.
I have read that a clean pair of tennis shoes is good...or you can dry them in the sun, turning and fluffing the pillow periodically to redistribute the down.
I like crispy sheets, so I wash them once a week. I have extra sheets incase I don't get a chance to wash them. But I hate doing my pillows, it's such a pain drying them!
What about the dryer balls? Will those work for fluffing?
@nicolaluna
someone on AT a week ago mentioned rolled up socks instead of tennis balls.
I disagree with the recommendations for washing memory foam pillows
From what I have read, it absorbs liquids all too well and does not like to release it.
Use a good pillow cover (probably one of the dust mite ones that zips shut) and wash the cover instead.
At the recommendation of my allergist, I buy cheap pillows and replace them twice a year. I take the old ones to Goodwill. I've got enough stuff to worry about cleaning.
This is a good project for the long weekend, as well as all the baking Martha has inspired me to do.
Thanks, Martha. You never let me have a moment of rest...