As our pillow plays a significant role in providing us with a night of restful sleep, it requires to be maintained and washed to provide similar comfort for a longer period. However, pillows are categorized differently, following their fabric. Thus, before you wash it, you need to know about your pillow.

Let us take you on a visual journey of how pillows of different fabrics need to be washed:

“Feather Pillows”

As the saying goes, “There is no better feeling than sinking your head into a feather pillow…” The saying is self-explanatory. Feather pillows are one of a kind. It has qualities that grab your attention instantly with the comfort and warmth it provides. One of its astounding qualities is that it is temperature-intelligent, thus keeping your body temperature at what is required. Therefore, they require greater attention when being washed.

The washing should be done in the following ways:

• Use a mild detergent but in less quantity.
• Cool and warm water is preferred.
• Select ‘delicate’ from the settings of the washing machine.
• Set the dryer settings to the lowest temperature.

“Memory Foam Pillows”

Are you a side sleeper? Or Do you suffer from back pain? Well, a memory foam pillow comes as your savior. These kinds of pillows are best as they help in keeping your spine in the best position. They further help with the neck pain and shoulder by taking all the pressure away. The foam absorbs less heat, and it has ventilating properties, making it breathable. The pillow itself is soft and offers a luxurious sleeping experience. For the given qualities to last long, it requires to be maintained in a specific way.

Moreover, it should not be machine washed, the pillow will be ruined. Therefore, washing by hand is preferred.

The guidelines for washing memory foam pillows are as followed:

• Place the pillow in a bathtub and add a mild detergent to it.
• The pillow then needs to be squeezed in and out.
• Let all the water drain.
• Add warm water to the bathtub again.
• Squeeze the pillow to remove any detergent particles left on it.
• Air dry or fan dry it.

“Throw Pillows”

Throw pillows are the ones that finish the look of your bed, sofas, and other respective places. They are not only used at home, but they are the comfort that you can carry with you on trips, picnics, and any other place you want to. The tag on the pillow will give you the instructions such as you what kind of fabric is it made from and will provide you with the guidelines on how to wash it. Let us have a look at some of the general guidelines when it comes to washing a throw pillow:

• Wash every three to six months.
• Separate pillow from its cover.
• Wash it in warm water and let the machine settings be at ‘gentle’.
• The drier setting should be between medium to low.
• If there is any specification of the pillow being made from delicate materials, wash them with your hands.

How Often Should The Pillows Be Washed?

The accurate answer to this will depend on the type of material that the pillow is made of. Generally, the pillows should be washed two times a year. Some pillows might require special care and thus, will need to be washed frequently.

Cleaning pillows is important. It will help in washing away all the dirt and sweat trapped in it. Therefore, pillows will last longer and provide you with the same comfort throughout.

The post How To Wash Pillows? appeared first on Bedding Republic.

Replacing your pillows regularly is necessary for both your sleep and your health. Your pillows provide support to your upper body and keep your spine in a neutral alignment as you sleep. If you’re not getting a restful slumber but a night of tossing and turning, and waking up with aches and pains, you’re due for a pillow upgrade.

WHY YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR PILLOWS?

Over time pillows absorb dead skin cells, sweat, dust mites, saliva, body oils, makeup, and other allergens which can surely affect your hygiene. Well, a pillowcase can provide some protection and washing your pillowcases and pillows can help you to manage allergens, but you can’t prevent the dead skin cells, dust mites, and other unwanted materials from
sticking around your pillow. That explains the stains that develop on your pillows despite regular washing. Eventually, you can develop skin irritation and other symptoms of allergies that can affect your long term health and hygiene.

Most Importantly, pillows are meant to work with your mattress to properly support your head and neck. Proper alignment and a neutral spine help to minimise sleep disruptions and provide comfortable sleep. A proper support from your pillow protects you from muscle stiffness and pain. Eventually, all pillows experienced wear and tear and the stuffing inside your pillows will begin to sag and flatten which means your head will no longer get the right support from your pillow and you may wake up with aches and suffer from sleep disruptions.

10 SIGNS THAT YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR PILLOWS:

Generally, your pillows will usually give you certain clues that your relationship is over. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s probably time to upgrade your pillows:

• You wake up in the mornings with an aching and stiff neck
• Your shoulder muscles get stiff and hurt in the mornings
• You wake up tired due to pains interrupting your sleep
• You wake up with bad headaches in the morning
• You wake up sneezing from the allergens and dust mites
• You notice lumps in the filling of your pillows
• You can fold your pillows in half
• You notice permanent stains on your pillows
• Your pillows feel flat and you have to re-fluff them to get comfortable
• You experience breathing difficulties, itchy throat, runny nose, or skin rashes when going to sleep

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR PILLOWS?

According to National Sleep Foundation, it is recommended to replace your pillow every one to two years. Although, the exact frequency in which you should replace them will definitely depend on the materials of your pillows along with your cleaning habits and allergies. If you’re wondering about the lifespans for different pillow types, we have got you covered! Here are average lifespans for different pillow types:

• Latex pillows: 3-4 years
• Buckwheat pillows: 3 years
• Bamboo pillows: 24 – 36 months
• Feather pillows: 18 – 36 months
• Foam pillows: 18 – 36 months
• Down pillows: 2+ years
• Down alternative pillows: 18 – 24 months
• Polyester pillows: 6 – 24 months

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR PILLOWS:

To ensure that your pillow reaches its maximum lifetime, you must pay attention to its maintenance by using a pillow cover and washing it regularly. Always follow the care label instructions before washing your pillows to make sure whether it is machine washable. If your pillow is washable, you must wash it every 4 months. Always use a pillow cover along with your pillowcase for some added protection. Using a pillow protector can double your pillow’s lifespan as it can prevent excess body oil and dust mites from getting absorbed by the pillow. Make sure to wash the cover every 3 to 4 weeks.

So, replacing your pillow regularly can help you to get healthier sleep every night and maintain your comfort and hygiene rather than breathing in germs and dirt. How often do you replace your pillows? Let us know in the comments below!

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