One of a person’s home’s most essential items of furniture is a pillow. They’re used to support your head And can be a source of comfort and relaxation. But, over time, They can start to look dirty And grimy. You may not think of them as being dirty, But the dust, hair, And other debris that accumulates over time can make pillows look unclean And uncomfortable. Deep cleaning pillows is necessary if you want to maintain healthy sleeping habits. In this post, we will discuss how to deep clean pillows.
What Is A Deep Clean And Why Is It Important?
A deep clean is a thorough cleaning process that focuses on removing dirt, dust, And grime from surfaces, fabrics, And other household items. This type of cleaning goes beyond regular surface-level cleaning And requires extra effort to get rid of hidden germs And bacteria. One area in your home that could benefit from a deep clean is your pillows.
Deep cleaning your pillows involves removing the covers And washing them separately And washing the actual pillow inserts using hot water to kill any bacteria Or mites. They accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, oils from hair products, And even saliva that can harbor germs over time. Deep cleaning can help to eliminate these sources of bacteria leaving you with fresh-smelling pillows that are free from allergens.
1. Remove All Pillowcases
Removing all the pillowcases is an essential step to deep-clean pillows. They are often neglected in our cleaning routines, And over time they can accumulate sweat, oil, dust mites, And bacteria. Therefore, washing your pillowcases alone won’t eliminate all the dirt lurking inside them.
Read the label on your pillow before removing the pillowcase as your first step. Some pillows might not be machine washable Or require specific care instructions. Once you’ve checked that out, it’s time to remove all the pillowcases And place them in a separate laundry basket for washing later.
After removing all the pillowcases, it’s time to focus on cleaning your actual pillows. One option is to use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to suck up any dirt Or debris from both sides of the pillows.
2. Remove All The Stuffing
Taking out all the stuffing is one of the greatest methods to give them a thorough cleaning. Over time, they can accumulate dust mites, allergens, And sweat which can cause them to become discolored And smelly. By removing the stuffing, You will be able to thoroughly wash both the pillowcase And interior without damaging the pillow itself.
To start the process of removing all the stuffing from them, first, remove any outer coverings such as a decorative pillowcase Or sham. Then use a seam ripper Or small pair of scissors to carefully cut open one end of the pillow cover. Be sure to pull out all of the stuffing by hand so that no clumps are left inside.
It’s crucial to thoroughly clean them after taking out all of the stuffing from them before replacing them with brand-new filler.
3. Fill Pillowcases With Hot Water
Deep cleaning your pillows is crucial in maintaining a healthy sleeping environment. Sweat, oil, And dead skin cells accumulate over time, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria And dust mites. One way to achieve a deep clean is by filling pillowcases with hot water.
Remove the pillowcases from them And machine wash them separately to start the process. Then, fill a large basin Or bathtub with hot water – as hot as your hands can handle without scalding yourself – And submerge each pillow in turn. Gently press down on each pillow to release any trapped air bubbles.
4. Soak The Pillow In Hot Water And Baking Soda
First, remove any pillowcases or covers from the pillows before washing them. Check the care labels on the pillows if you are not sure about their washing instructions. Fill a large basin Or bathtub with enough hot water to submerge them. Add one cup of baking soda per pillow for an extra deep clean effect. Baking soda helps to neutralize odors and removes stains without damaging the fabric.
5. Rinse The Pillow With Cold Water And Fresh Air
To start the process, remove the pillowcase and check for any tears or holes. If there are any damages, repair them before proceeding. Next, fill a bathtub Or sink with cold water And add a mild detergent. Place them in the water And gently press down to ensure they are fully submerged.
Before emptying the water, give them at least 30 minutes to soak. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until there are no suds left. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible before laying them on a flat surface to dry in direct sunlight or fresh air.
6. Clean The Pillow Surface With A Soft Cloth Or Vacuum Cleaner
One of the best ways to deep clean pillows is by using a soft cloth Or vacuum cleaner. Start by removing the pillow covers And cases and washing them separately in hot water with detergent. Then use a soft cloth Or vacuum cleaner to remove any surface debris from the pillow itself. Be sure to pay attention to seams And edges where dirt tends to accumulate.
For more stubborn stains Or odors, try spot-cleaning with a mixture of water And mild detergent or vinegar. However, be sure not to saturate the pillow as this can cause mold growth.
7. Dry The Pillow With A Soft Cloth Or Air-dryer
Deep cleaning them on a regular basis is crucial if you want to maintain their immaculate state and increase their longevity. While washing the pillowcase is a wonderful place to start, it’s also important to periodically give the pillow a complete cleaning. Drying the cushion using a soft cloth Or an air dryer is one of the most efficient ways to achieve this.
Many individuals make the error of putting them in the washing machine to clean them without realizing that this can harm or flatten the contents within. Instead, opt for spot cleaning any noticeable stains before proceeding with deep-cleaning methods like air-drying or using a soft cloth. This will ensure that your pillows remain fluffy and comfortable.
Using an air-dryer or soft cloth is particularly useful for down-filled pillows since they can take longer to dry than other materials.
8. Replace The Pillowcases And Stuffing
Are you looking to give your pillows a deep clean? If so, then it’s time to replace the pillowcases and stuffing. Over time, sweat, oils from your hair and skin, and even drool can accumulate on your pillowcase. This buildup can lead to unpleasant odors and potential health issues such as acne breakouts or respiratory problems.
In addition to replacing the pillowcases, it’s essential to check the condition of the stuffing inside of your pillows. Flattened or lumpy filling can cause discomfort while sleeping and may not provide adequate support for your head and neck. Consider investing in a new filling that suits your preferences – whether it be down feathers, foam, or memory foam – for a comfortable night’s sleep.
By replacing both the pillowcases and stuffing in your pillows, you’ll not only improve their appearance but also ensure better hygiene during your restful nights.
Conclusion
A well-maintained pillow will not only look great But also function better—this quick overview of how to deep clean pillows is an excellent place to start. Keep in mind that the specific cleaning methods for different types of cushions may vary, so please consult your pillow’s care guide Or manufacturer for specific instructions. Finally, always dry them thoroughly before storage Or use them to help prevent mold And mildew growth.
