Whether it's self-care Sunday, errand run Tuesday, food shop Friday — or whatever day of the week you choose to tick off your home to-do list, laundry is likely patiently waiting for you. This week, designate a specific laundry day to get it all done. I'm talking bed sheets, pillowcases, protectors, duvets, AND pillows. Yes, the big bedding refresh. But before you get going and start using your washer and dryer to their full potential, can you wash pillows in the washing machine?
I spend my time testing a bunch of the best pillows, along with other bedding buys, and they aren't cheap. We all know how an incorrect wash cycle can ruin your fave sweater. The same goes for bedding, but completely avoiding the wash won't do our pillows any favors either when it comes to longevity.
So I've asked the experts and found out there's more than just a simple yes or no answer (annoying, but it pays to know how to wash your pillows properly). Whether you can wash pillows in the washing machine depends on a couple of things.
Can you wash pillows in the washing machine?
Just like your duvet, bed sheets, and the rest of your laundry, you can just throw a pillow in the washing machine, too, right? Well, that's what I thought. Whether you can wash a pillow in the washing machine really depends on what it's made of and how big it is.
"You'll want to check and thoroughly read the care label instructions," says vice president of marketing at CD One Price Cleaners Jonathan Reckles. "Most care tags will recommend hand washing or dry cleaning, with some allowing for a machine washing at a low temperature and rinse speed." If you're unsure, Jill Zwarensteyn, editor for Sleep Advisor and a certified sleep science coach recommends "always using a cool and gentle wash pre-set if your machine has one."
And of course, its size will determine whether you can pop it in the wash, or not, too. FYI: Your drum should never be more than three-quarters full — especially when washing bedding, as you'll want enough room for the water and suds to drain as much as possible.
You can also clean a memory foam pillow at home with just soap and water.
Can you wash a feather pillow in the washing machine?
ICYDK, you can wash feather pillows in the washing machine. Surprised? Me too. Yes, they can be pretty delicate (and expensive), so you do have to take good care when cleaning. Marc Werner, founder at GhostBed explains feather or down pillows are totally machine washable and are "in fact, probably the easiest types to wash and dry."
He notes that it's best to wash them on a gentle cycle with cooler or warm water and a gentle detergent. Werner adds that you should put feather pillows on an "additional spin cycle, to make sure all of the detergents and extra water has been rinsed out." Popping feather pillows in the dryer is a;sp possible. "For extra-fluffy pillows, you can toss a tennis ball or two into the dryer," says Werner. "Set on low to medium heat for 30 minutes to start. Every 30 minutes, check your pillows for dampness, especially deep in the center. Fluff the pillow(s) and repeat the drying time until fully dry."
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