Yellow marks from sweat mites and dust mites on the pillow: How to wash and disinfect it depending on its material

Pillows are one of the items we use every day. Especially now in the summer when we sweat in the heat, pillows accumulate mites, dead cells, dust and create yellow marks. See how to wash and disinfect them according to their material without spoiling them.

Everything you want to know before you wash your pillows

Pillows should be cleaned regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria and odours. Special care is required when cleaning or washing the cushions to avoid damaging the padding. Memory foam can crumble when not cleaned properly and the materials in other cushions can knot or shrink if not used properly.

Here’s everything you want to know before you wash your pillows:

Many cushions are safe to machine wash, but some require special care. The first step to proper pillow care is to check the label for cleaning tips.

We’ll highlight some of the suggestions you may find on your pillow labels and what to keep in mind:

• Dry cleaning only: These cushions require dry cleaning and are not washable. Immersing them in water can damage the padding or cover. The label may also say “Do Not Wash”.
• Spot Clean Only: Clean spots and stains on the surface instead of washing the entire pad.
• Hand wash: The cushion can be gently hand washed. This generally means it can be submerged in water, but the spin cycle of the washing machine can damage the cushion.
• It is machine washable: Machine washable pillows will usually include care instructions on the label. These may include machine washing the pillow on the delicate cycle or avoiding bleach or harsh detergents.

Once you have determined whether or not it is safe to machine wash your pillows, consider washing them in pairs to balance the weight, as they will become quite heavy with water. The majority of pillows can be washed using warm water, a gentle cycle and a small amount of mild detergent. This means that proper care depends on the materials used to make the cushion.

It may take some time for a cushion to dry completely. Even if the cover appears dry, the padding may still have moisture in it. Adding clean dryer balls or dry towels to the dryer can help speed up the process.

Not all pillows should be tumble dried. Some can be dried outside in the sun or in a well-ventilated area. It is important to let your pillow dry completely before using it.

How to wash down pillows

Down pillows require special care to protect the integrity of the filling. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as only dry cleaning may be recommended.

If the cushion can be washed, it should be done carefully:

• Choose a soap designed for down or a mild detergent.
• Use only a small amount of soap to avoid build-up or residue.
• Use cool or lukewarm water, as hot water can damage feathers and down.
• Choose settings for delicate clothes to avoid knots.
• Add another rinse cycle to remove any soap residue.
• Add another blending cycle to get rid of the excess water.
• When using a dryer, select the lower heat settings.
• Foam your pads between cycles to prevent any knots.
• When drying, you can gently squeeze the water out of the pillow, but don’t squeeze it out. Consider using dryer balls to keep the pillows fluffy while drying.
• You can also carefully hand wash these pillows in a solution of detergent and water.

How to wash foam pillows

Pillows with solid memory foam should not be machine washed, as this may cause them to crumble or degrade the quality of the foam. They should also not be immersed in water. You can only wash them topically to remove stains or debris. Lingering odors can often be removed by sprinkling the pad with baking soda, letting it sit, and then vacuuming it.

Pillows with shredded memory foam can often be washed, but it is important to check any instructions provided by the manufacturer. Where a memory foam cushion can be hand washed, special care should be taken:

• Use the sink or bathtub to create a solution of room temperature water and mild detergent.
• Put the memory foam pad in the solution. Push the pad in and out of the water.
• Drain the solution from the sink or bathtub. Refill with lukewarm water.
• Squeeze the pad to replace the remaining solution with clean water.
• Continue to gently squeeze the pad until the water coming out of your pad is clear.
• Squeeze the remaining water from the pad and allow it to air dry in direct sunlight.
• To speed up the drying process, you can place the pillow in front of an electric fan.

How often should pillows be washed?

Most cushions should be washed at least twice a year, but some may need more frequent care. Over time, your pillows can trap dirt, sweat, grease, and even fungus. If left unwashed, these problems can lead to odors and health issues.

It is usually recommended to replace cushions every 1 to 2 years, but the best cushions can last up to 5 years – with proper care.