Cleaning homemade pillows involves a similar process to cleaning store-bought pillows, focusing on gently removing dirt and grime without damaging the filling. Here's a breakdown of how to do it:
Washing Homemade Pillows
The core method for cleaning most homemade pillows is washing. The video reference, How To Clean Your Pillow!, provides guidance on how to do this properly.
General Washing Instructions
- Fill a tub or large sink with warm, soapy water. Use a gentle detergent.
- Submerge the pillow: Fully immerse the pillow in the soapy water.
- Squeeze and agitate: Gently squeeze the pillow in the water. This helps to release dirt and grime from within the filling. The video explains to repeat the squeezing process while the pillow is submerged.
- Rinse thoroughly: Remove the pillow from the soapy water and squeeze to remove the soapy water. Fill the tub/sink with clean water, submerge the pillow, and repeat the squeezing motion until all the soap is gone. You will want to rinse the pillow several times until there is no more soap residue.
- Remove excess water: Once rinsed, gently squeeze the pillow to remove as much water as possible. Avoid twisting or wringing the pillow.
- Drying: This process is important to avoid mildew and clumping:
- Air drying: Lay the pillow flat in a well-ventilated area. Flip it periodically to ensure it dries evenly. You can also place it outside in the sun, but avoid direct, intense sunlight which may damage the pillow.
- Tumble drying: If the filling material allows, you may tumble dry the pillow on a low heat setting. Adding a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls can help keep the filling from clumping. This is more common for down or feather filled pillows.
Specific Filling Considerations
Different filling materials may require slightly different care. Here are a few common filling types:
| Filling Type | Washing Guidance | Drying Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton/Polyester | Generally, these fillings can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. | Air dry or tumble dry on low heat. Ensure it's thoroughly dry to prevent mildew. |
| Down/Feather | Hand-wash gently, using mild soap. | Tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls, or air dry completely, fluffing occasionally. |
| Foam | Spot clean as needed, and avoid submerging in water completely. | Air dry completely; avoid direct heat. |
| Buckwheat Hulls | Buckwheat hulls should be removed from their casing and air dried, the casing can be washed. | Be sure to thoroughly dry both the casing and hulls before reassembling. |
Tips for Keeping Homemade Pillows Clean
- Use pillow protectors: A zippered pillow protector helps keep dirt and spills from reaching the actual pillow.
- Regular fluffing: Fluff your pillows daily to keep the filling evenly distributed.
- Sunlight exposure: Occasionally placing your pillow in indirect sunlight can freshen them up and reduce moisture.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean and maintain your homemade pillows for long-lasting comfort and hygiene.
