I Tried 6 Ways To Wash Pillows, And The Winner Was Transformative
Pillows collect skin cells, dust mites, and sweat like nobody’s business. After waking up sneezy one too many times, I decided to tackle my grimy sleep companions head-on.
Most folks never wash their pillows (gross!), but cleaning them properly can extend their life and improve sleep quality. Armed with determination and six different methods, I embarked on a quest to find the ultimate pillow-cleaning technique.
Ready to see which method wins the clean pillow crown? Time to fluff things up and get the scoop!
1. The Washing Machine Marathon
Front-loaders aren’t just for clothes. My first attempt involved tossing two pillows into my washing machine with regular detergent. Though convenient, this method left my synthetic pillows clumpy and sad-looking.
Balance matters when washing pillows this way. Without proper weight distribution, my machine performed a wild dance across the laundry room floor. The spin cycle sounded like a rocket launch!
While this method scored points for simplicity, the results were underwhelming. My pillows took forever to dry and never fully regained their fluff factor.
2. Hand Washing Nightmare
Whoever suggested hand washing pillows clearly hasn’t tried it themselves! This labor-intensive process involved my bathtub, gentle detergent, and two hours of squeezing sudsy water through pillow filling.
Squishing a waterlogged pillow is surprisingly difficult. My arms burned from the workout while water splashed everywhere. However, I noticed this method allowed for targeted cleaning of specific stained areas.
Though effective for spot cleaning, the drying time was ridiculous. Three days later, my pillows still felt damp in the middle despite frequent flipping and fluffing.
3. Dry Cleaning Disappointment
Think outsourcing pillow cleaning sounds like a dream? Well, my wallet had a nightmare! Professional dry cleaning gave my pillows a spa day, pristine and fresh, but the chemical cloud left my head spinning for days.
They do use fancy gear to evict dust mites without hurting those delicate fluff buddies, perfect for pricey down pillows that fear water. But for regular cleaning, it’s more “ouch” than “ahh.”
Guess my budget’s still recovering from that costly fluff-up!
4. Spot Cleaning Shenanigans
Okay, I admit, spot cleaning seemed like a reasonable compromise between doing nothing and full washing. Using upholstery cleaner and a soft brush, I attacked visible stains with gusto.
The process created weird water rings that looked worse than the original marks! While this technique works for emergency situations, it doesn’t address the deeper grime hiding inside.
Though quick and convenient for surface-level cleaning, spot treatment left my pillows looking like a toddler’s art project. The partially cleaned sections contrasted awkwardly with the untouched areas, creating a bizarre patchwork effect.
5. Sunlight Sanitizing Method
Grandmother’s wisdom sometimes beats modern solutions! Hanging pillows outside on a sunny, breezy day costs nothing but delivers surprising results. The UV rays naturally banish bacteria while fresh air eliminates musty odors.
My neighbors gave strange looks as my pillow collection dangled from the clothesline. Every few hours, I’d give each pillow a good whack to redistribute the filling and expose different areas to sunlight.
Though not a deep clean, this method freshened my pillows remarkably well. The downside? Weather dependency makes this unreliable in rainy seasons or apartment living.
6. The Baking Soda Revolution
Who knew this humble pantry staple would transform my pillow-washing game forever? This method involves removing pillowcases, sprinkling baking soda liberally over each pillow, and letting it sit for several hours before vacuuming thoroughly.
The baking soda absorbs oils and neutralizes odors without introducing moisture. My pillows smelled incredibly fresh afterward, with no weird chemical scents or damp middles to worry about.
Combined with monthly sunning, this technique keeps my pillows clean with minimal effort. The transformation was truly remarkable. Sleeping on my refreshed pillows felt like a luxury hotel experience!
