By Sumaira Fakhir
This is probably the most used item in our households. But did you know it is the one which is the least clean? While people may be washing their sheets regularly, the same kind of attention is not given to pillow covers. Unfortunately, most of us forget to do this vital household task because it seems like too much hassle or we don’t know where to start. But the fact is it is easily taken care of. And you need to know ways in which it is to be tackled. If you don’t know how to clean pillows, you could be gambling with your health. There are so many risk factors to it. Cleaning your pillows regularly is important to ensure they stay fresh, hygienic, and comfortable to use. Before we get into how to wash pillows, you should know something. Not all pillows are the same. Throw pillows or cushions are decorative ones you have on your bed. You might have a few statement pillows in bold colors or with a cool print. While these pillows don’t tend to get as much use as your everyday ones, you still need to clean them. Here are some tips on how to clean your pillows:
CHECK THE CARE LABEL: Before you start cleaning your pillows, check the care label for any specific instructions. Some pillows may require special care or may not be washable.
MACHINE WASHABLE PILLOWS: Most pillows can be machine washed. Use a mild detergent and choose a gentle cycle with warm water. Add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is removed.
HAND WASHABLE PILLOWS: If your pillows are not machine washable, you can hand wash them in a bathtub or sink. Fill the tub or sink with warm water and mild detergent. Soak the pillow for about 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
DRYING: It’s important to dry your pillows completely to avoid mold or mildew growth. Tumble dry on a low heat setting or air dry outside on a sunny day. Adding a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls can help fluff up your pillows while they dry.
SPOT CLEANING: If you need to clean a specific stain or spill on your pillow, spot cleaning is the best option. Use a mild detergent and a damp cloth to gently clean the area. Avoid using too much water, as this can damage the pillow.
