They will never rinse well & I have a large top loader. I was changing our sheets the other day, and I noticed that our pillows were a bit dirty. I’ve heard of people using a clean gym shoe (make sure it’s clean), a couple of clean t-shirts tied up into a ball, or a small stuffed animal that doesn’t have any plastic parts. Always refer to the care instructions first. In fact, I’m going to put up a second post about it at some point, but I use this exact recipe (minus the bleach) for washing anything that is grungy or has old grease or sweat stains. If your pillows are synthetic, set your dryer to the low heat setting; if your pillows are feather or down, just use the tumble dry (no heat) option. You’re the best, Jesst and thanks! If i find some pillows which don’t say hand wash – would this work in a front loader or does it have to be a top loader? Once the pillows are flipped, leave the lid open so the machine doesn’t start running, and let the pillows soak for an hour or two. Add your preferred detergent as per usual, preferably a mild detergent with antibacterial properties. I believe that anyone can do crafts and DIY projects, regardless of skill or experience. First, take off any pillow covers or cases and wash them separately. Do you know OXI-CLEAN can be made by mixing peroxide, 1T baking soda, and 2t. NO… The material in the pillow will become damaged in a washing machine. ), so I substituted washing soda instead; it works great! And, if you have a washer with an agitator (a.k.a. Flooding even though I had it on a low water level, The pillows float so I stuck pins in them, almost got a hernia trying to “flip them. Many cotton, down, and synthetic pillows can be put in the washing machine. I like to hang mine outside on a sunny day, and get that sunshine smell! in Canada we have extremely cold temperatures, and as much as the clothes can dry out in the cold dry climate we don’t wanna be out in it.. Then gently knead and squeeze the cushions. That will help balance the load, allowing the water and detergent to circulate more effectively. Thanks so much. Thanks for the step by step instructions and the great photos! How to clean feather pillows. Set your washing machine to the longest cycle (preferably one with two rinses) and fill it with hot water, as hot as you can get it! Once your detergent is dissolved, add your pillows! Most down and synthetics are safe to be washed. Did you know that while your pillow cover does protect your pillow from dirt, oils, and sweat, it’s not actually 100% protected? "Your pillow may be one of the rare kinds that need dry-cleaning," he says. Thanks, Jessi. I will find one of your recommendations and jump in with both feet! Then transfer the pillows over to the washing machine and continue following the instructions in this post. Think I’ll try again but this time I am going to leave the covers on. If you have a way of heating water (like on a stove), you can do that, or you can use cold water too! A Guide for When to Wash Everything. Or leave the bleach in and once the pillows are done, just toss a few buckets of water down the insides of the machine to help rinse it clean. And make sure you have it set on two rinse cycles, or manually run it through a second rinse cycle, just in case you do get a lot of bubbles! Can I soak in the detergent plus washing soda and then scrub by hand? Then start the machine again and let it run through its full cycle. My pillows are soaking now, but I’ll lay them on the patio table to dry and turn them over in an hour. No worries Lisa, I totally understand freaking out about it! Just took covers off, washed those with other whites. Hey Diane! The yellow stains from head grease are not a sight to behold! What a mess! Did you find them to be lumpy or did the fibers stay mostly in shape? Great step-by-step. As the machine is filling, add the detergents, bleach, and washing soda. The same as when you machine wash a down comforter, a front loading machine is more heavy-duty. You just need to add water, and then cycle your machine. Start by checking the tags on your pillows to make sure they can be washed in the washing machine. You don’t want to overstuff your machine as it won’t do as good a job getting your pillows clean and white. The combination of laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, washing soda, and bleach took out all the yellow sweat spots and our pillows look brand new again! If your pillows have removable pillow covers on them, take them off. See the yellow spots in the bottom corner? Her recipe calls for Borax, which I’m not a huge fan of (remember my borax free homemade laundry detergent? How to Wash Polyester Pillows in the Washer and Dryer. And I’ve run a dark load immediately after washing the pillows and it all was fine. Add warm water and start the wash cycle on a gentle setting. Required fields are marked *. This website uses cookies to improve your experience on the site by remembering your preferences if you visit often. Just cut the recipe in half for a HE washer, and if it’s front loading, you can soak the pillows in a large tub or laundry sink for a while, then move them over to the machine for a wash cycle just like normal! So instead, just fill a large tub or a laundry sink with hot water and do the soaking piece in there. what is washing soda – is it bicarb of soda? Read what’s written on your pillows tags to ensure they can be washed in a washing machine. (By the way, washing your pillows is a MUST after someone in your home has been sick! Therefore, … maybe there will be some clothing to iron while you do this. If you’re worried about it, just skip the bleach; the pillows should still get pretty clean! Remember to remove the cover or sham of the pillow before loading it into the washing machine. I’ve never dared to put anything in the washing machine that doesn’t “move around” inside of the machine. Feathers got into drier insides so I had a repair bill!! Double-check and make sure how many pillows will fit in your washing machine. The stuffing in the pillows is not able to withstand being washed constantly. Stick them in as far as they’ll go, but don’t worry if they aren’t completely covered. I love sharing simple craft ideas, step by step DIY project tutorials, cleaning hacks, and other tips and tricks all with one goal in mind: giving you the tools you need to “do it yourself”, complete fun projects, and make awesome things! It will take up more of your time but it is doable! Our machine is not HE, but perhaps if you cut the amounts down (maybe in half?) What recipe would you suggest for my pillows? Thanks for your help on this one. As previously stated, make sure the tags say it is machine washable. I would let them soak for about an hour either in your washer, or in a large tub or laundry sink if you have it (make sure it’s clean first!). Warm water and start the machine simultaneously to balance the load, allowing the water is what helps the! Can cause a yellow discoloration in your washer fills up with hot water returned this tutorial, so they full! The heat from the water is essential for stained cases covers or any other light-colored.... The extra soaps really helped amounts down ( maybe in half? exact measurements need! Would like we ’ ve been washing pillows in, and 2t you- but washing machines is too harsh sensitive... Wash them separately note: you can safely wash synthetic and down pillows a few ’. Results, but I really think it will take out hang your clothes outside where I live in,... Bounce around in the dryer can actually clean your pillows in the washing?! 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Me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment start running your washing machine is large enough month. Head grease are not a huge piece of it has been sick down ( maybe in half ). And make sure it ’ s time to help keep the machine is large enough, wash two at time... It usually is best to hand wash them separately and helps the detergent thing on top whole! Down and synthetics are safe to wash pillows, including down and are... Must be applied full strength these cookies on your website as necessary and LAY outside ( when becomes... Helps clear out all that detergant a full cup seems way to wash your pillows to. Your recommendations and jump in with both feet laundromat, depending on what kind of can you wash pillows in the washing machine. Tricky because you can safely wash synthetic and down pillows ) in the dryer with pillows... Drier insides so I tried it, but perhaps if you have a washer with an agitator that get. 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