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How To Dry Pillows Without Tennis Balls

How To Dry Pillows Without Tennis Balls

We lay our heads on our pillows every day. That means your pillows get dirty with our constant use with both dirt and oil from our head and face, and sometimes we drool on them.

Therefore, it is no surprise that you wash your pillow regularly. You know the basics, do's and don'ts to wash your pillow; however, when it comes to the next step, which is drying, you are having a hard time. Well, ladies and gentlemen, today I am going to show you how to dry a pillow in an easy-peasy way.

Note: When drying a pillow, you need to dry it immediately to avoid clumping and bad odors.

So, how can you dry pillows without tennis balls? First, tennis balls can be replaced by dryer balls. Most dryer balls are organic and good for sensitive skin. When it comes to drying methods, then you can either use your household clothes dryer, or you can use the sun and air to dry your pillows naturally.

Dryer Balls

For years, moms were suggesting using tennis balls when drying pillows. Why? Because when using tennis balls they move around and prevent pillow from clumping.

However, tennis balls have their own odor (they stink) when they get wet. If you looking to replace tennis balls consider dryer balls. Here is my recommendation:

These dryer balls are perfect if you have babies at home or someone in your household has a sensitive skin.

But even if you don't I prefer them because they are made from the organic wool and they look funny!

Now, let's go over the ways to dry pillow with and without dryer.

There are many ways to dry your pillow; it is your choice on what method you will choose. Either you dry your pillow using a dryer, or you prefer the natural way of sun and air-drying.

However, take note that there are tips to consider getting this job done efficiently. Did you know that it is crucial to get all the moisture out from the pillow?

In case you didn't, let me explain why this is a BIG NO. You must thoroughly to avoid this musty odor on our pillows and, most importantly, to avoid the growth of bacteria. As we get along, later on, I will show you the two methods and the step-by-step procedure on how to dry a pillow properly.

Therefore, you refrain from doing your chores for now and then you seatback and enjoy your cup of coffee while reading this #dryingyourpillow101.

Method 1: Using a Household Dryer

Who would not want to get things done easily? Of course, we all want that. Drying your pillow in a dryer saves time and energy, and this is the easiest way. Also one can use a dryer just to freshen the pillows without washing.

You just place your pillow inside the dryer and then let the household dryer do the job for you. However, here are the things worth to consider when you use the household dryer:

1. Tossing pillows in the dryer immediately

Once your pillows have completed the wash cycle, gently squeeze some excess water into your washtub or sink. Then put your pillows in the dryer, but remember not to overload the dryer. Note that your pillows will expand as they dry. 

2. Setting your dryer to a very low heat

You wonder why to set it to very low heat, instead of setting it too high temperature. This is because drying your pillow on a high temperature tends to break down the filling in the pillows, which leads your pillow to wear them out faster. Besides, high heat can cause lumpiness in polyester-filled pillows. Therefore, you set a low heat or air-dry setting on your dryer for a dry cycle that will keep your pillows safe from damage and breakage.

3. Drying for 45-60 minutes at a time

This is the waiting game, where you wait until the dryer gets its job done. Since you set the dryer on a low or no heat, the pillows may need to go through a few cycles in the dryer before they are completely dry. On one point, after each cycle, you remove the pillows from the dryer and fluff them by giving them a good shake, while dancing the song of Taylor Swift, "Shake it off" (just kidding)

4. Removing your pillows from the dryer

The waiting game is over! It is time to give your pillow a great big HUG; (just kidding) I mean a great big squeeze to make sure it is dry on all sides, especially in the corners. Sniff and smell your pillow to make sure that it is free from bad odor, which might be a sign that it is not yet completely dry.

5. Laying your pillows flat in the sun           

If you think that only you can go sunbathing, your pillow can do it too. Allow your pillow to cool outside of the dryer. This will help to remove any excess moisture and musty smells from laundering. Moreover, it helps to ensure that your pillow is completely dry.

6. Double-checking if your pillows are completely dry

A hot pillow can feel drier than a normal one. Therefore, before you put your pillow back in the pillowcase, just give it one last touch test to ensure that it is completely dry. To ensure that your pillow is completely dry, pat and squeeze hard on both sides of the pillow.

Therefore, we are done with the first method. Worry not; we still have another method if the dryer is not available in your household, we can go something more natural with the use of Mr. Sunshine.

Method 2: Drying your pillow without a dryer

You can try this method using the heat of the sun if you prefer the traditional way of drying your pillow. Though this method requires a lot of your time and energy, yet it helps you save money from paying electricity bills. Here are some quick reminders when drying your pillow without a dryer:

1. Choosing the perfect day to dry your pillow

It would be best if you dry your pillow while the sun is out. You can dry your pillow outdoors or indoors. Just make sure it is a dry and sunny day and let your pillow get some vitamin D! 

If you plan to dry indoors, you can place your pillow in front of a window to get some light. However, try to consider these things:

• Protect your floors and furniture with towels so that they do not get wet from the pillow

• Move your appliances if you have some electronics placed near the window. Remember that water and electricity do not mix!

2. Hanging your pillow on a clothesline

Your pillow will dry faster with the most airflow. If there is a possibility that you cannot hang your pillow from a clothesline, try to position it so that most of the surface will get an exposure to the air. You may also try to consider doing this:

• You may also lay your pillow flat-ways to dry, but you need to check it from time to time, to break up any filling lumps that may form as it dries.

3. Fluffing and turning your pillow every hour or two

As I said earlier that this method requires most of your time, so brace yourself and be attentive for the formation of lumps in your pillow. As your pillow dries, the filling will cling to itself, so remove your pillow from the clothesline every hour or two, to shake and massage for you to prevent the filling from forming lumps. Who would love to sleep in a pillow full of lumps and bumps? No one, I guess.

We are done with method two. So far, which method do you prefer? Are you more on the practical way of drying your pillow or more on the traditional way? Whichever you prefer, still both ways share the same goal, which is to dry pillow.

Here is a table I made for a quick comparison between the two methods.

Comparison

METHOD PROSCONS
Using a household dryer1. You will save time and effort
2. A tidy home (no washing lines or drying racks)
3. No need to check the weather forecast
1. The high cost of dryers
2. The cost of keeping it running
3. Air-drying is gentler
4. More prone to form lumps (this can be solved using tennis balls, but they have a disadvantage that they usually stink)
Sun and air-drying
1. Saves electricity bills
2. No need to use dryer sheets
3. Smell fresh and wonderful
4. Can help disinfect your pillows
5. Conserves resources
1. Need to build or buy a clothesline or rack if you do not already own one
2. Requires more time and effort
3. Limited loads can be done
4. Must be a sunny day to dry pillow

In general, here are some warnings to know when you dry your pillow:

  1. Always check care tags on pillows. Pillows may have different care needs
  2. Have a separate drying for pillowcases or coverings. Covering may require different drying methods than your pillows

Finally, we are done! You can hit the hay tonight knowing that you have perfectly dried and clean pillows. Sweet dreams!

Image credit: Flikr