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How To Wash Polyester Fiber Pillows

How To Wash Polyester Fiber Pillows

Who does not love to sleep in a soft and squishy pillow at night? While most of you preferred down or feather-filled pillows, unfortunately, there are people who are allergic to these kinds of pillows. Therefore, polyester-filled pillows may be our best choice. These types of pillows are cheaper, hypoallergenic, and are easy to wash.

Recently, I have done my research online on how to wash these types of pillows correctly, and here is my finding, which might help you.

To wash and clean polyester fiber pillows, first, check for any tears and stains that require special attention and then toss your pillows inside the washer using a mild detergent in a gentle cycle, and then you must load the washer correctly to balance the machine. Lastly, choose your preferred drying techniques, whether using a dryer or hang your pillows under the sun.

Polyester pillows are available in different degrees of thickness and firmness. Their covers come from various breathable fabrics, from cotton to linen and bamboo. Polyester-filled pillows come in different sizes and shapes.

You will find the traditional rectangular shape, they also come in round and square shapes, and some of your decorative pillows are made from polyester filling inserts. All of these have the same method of washing, regardless of their shapes. Therefore, you just follow these steps, and surely, your pillow will turn into as if they are newly bought!

Washing Conditions

Before you wash your polyester pillows, here are the things you should keep in mind:

REQUIREMENTSCONDITIONS
DetergentPreferably, low-suds laundry detergent
Temperature of WaterCold to Warm water
Cycle TypeGentle
Gentle1. Dryer
Setting: Medium heat cycle
2. Sun-drying
Condition: sunny and breezy day
Special Treatments1. Dryer
Toss your pillows with dryer balls
2. Sun-drying
Use a special pillow hanger or lay them on a flat surface with a clean towel beneath
Iron SettingDO NOT IRON

It is better to know these bits of information beforehand, as this can save your time, and you already have the ideas on how to wash your polyester-filled pillows.

Washing polyester-filled pillows (machine)

Before anything else, you should prepare first the materials you will need.

Things you will need:

  • Regular, low-suds laundry detergent
  • Water
  • Baking soda

Tools you will need

For the tools listed as "optional," it is your choice whether you prefer to wash your pillows in the washing machine, or you wanted to be creative in washing your pillows under the sun. No worries, later on, I will show you how to wash your polyester pillows by hand.

So, bear with me, please. For now, you just follow these easy five steps to wash your polyester pillow without a hitch.

Step 1: Remove pillowcases and wash them regularly

One of the best ways to maintain your pillows clean is to change their pillowcases and covers regularly. Keep this in mind that your pillowcases are the first point of contact with your skin. Your pillowcases are prone to accumulate dirt, facial sebum, and sweat, and then, over time, the dirt will go deeper to your pillows. Therefore, it is essential to change and wash your pillowcases regularly.

Tip #1: Wash your pillowcases at least once a month in warm water using a mild detergent. After washing your pillows, you can add some fabric conditioner to add more fragrance and freshness to your pillowcases.

Step 2: Check your pillows

Before you totally wash your pillow, check for any tears where the polyester fillings may get out. Try to mend these tears by sewing the damaged part or seek help from sewing shops nearby. You may also try to check for any specific stains that require immediate attention.

Pretreat the stain by using a stain remover, or if it's not available, try mixing laundry detergent, baking soda, and water to make a paste.

Rub the paste on the area with a soft brush on your pillow that has stain, and then leave it for 15 to 30 minutes before you wash them completely.

Step 3: Set the washer according to the specified conditions

Polyester pillows are gentle; therefore, they need extra care when handling and washing. You need to wash these delicate items in the gentlest way as possible.

Use cold or warm water in washing with a generous amount of mild detergent (preferably one to two teaspoons), and select the gentle washing cycle.

Once the cycle is complete, rerun the pillows in another cycle to ensure that all the detergent is washed off.

Step 4: Load the washer properly

If your washer has a center agitator like a standard top load washer, it is very important to know that loading only two pillows into your washer is the safest way to balance your washer.

Tip #2: Add two towels into your washer to keep it operating smoothly and may prevent your washer from becoming off-balance.

Note: If you have a front load washer or high-efficiency top load washers, you can load one pillow only to operate your washer successfully.

Step 5: Dry your pillows

Before you toss your pillows in a dryer, squeeze gently, your pillows in the corner to remove excess water, and then you fluff the filling of your pillows.

Toss a couple of dryer balls, or if not available, you can use tennis balls wrapped in clean socks to help in breaking lumps. Set your dryer on low to medium heat and stop your dryer every 15 minutes to massage and re-fluff your pillows by hand.

Repeat the cycle, once your pillows are almost dry.

Tip #3: To completely dry your pillows, hang your pillows under the sun to evaporate all the existing moisture.

Finally, we are done with the steps on how to wash your polyester pillows in a washing machine. This is quite simple and fast, as you have the machines working for you. However, if you are more into an economical way of washing your pillows, this method is the best for you.

Washing your polyester pillows by hand

Due to the high cost of keeping it running, some people prefer to wash their pillows by hand than washing them in a washing machine. Because, why not? Even though they are different methods of washing, still they have the same goal, which is to clean your pillows.

Despite the fact that it may take a little bit longer and used most of your energy, you may not deny the fact that you can save money from paying electricity bills. Therefore, I will now show you the steps on how to wash polyester pillows in the gentlest way as possible.

Ideally, polyester pillows should be washed by hand because you can control the amount of force you will apply when you massage and press your pillows. This will also prevent further damages to your pillows.

Without further ado, here are the steps below.

Step 1: Fill the sink or bathtub with water

Fill the tub half-level only with cold water, so that the water will not overflow when you submerge down your pillows. Pour a cup of mild detergent into the tub or sink, and then stir the water with your hand to make it bubbly.

Step 2: Soak your pillows

Once the water is ready, place your pillows on the tub, and then slowly submerge it down. Massage and squeeze them gently until all the dirt gets out from your pillows.

Step 3: Rinse your pillows several times

Once you removed all the dirt on your pillow, now is the time to rinse off your pillows to remove all the suds and soap. Therefore, you drain the sink or the tub and wash it with clear water. Fill the tub with clear water, and then soak your pillows until you wash out all the residues of the soap. Repeat this process until the pillows no longer feel soapy.

Step 4: Ready for drying

Squeeze the pillows gently to remove excess water. Once you are done, your pillows are now ready for sun drying.

Tip #4: Never twist or wring your pillows as this could damage the fillings inside.

Step 5: Dry your pillows

Choose the perfect day to wash your pillows so that you can dry them outside. It must be a hot and sunny day to dry your pillows quickly. Hang your pillows on a clothesline, and don't forget to flip and turn your pillows as this can spruce your pillows up and can freshen the surface of your pillows.

Regular kneading of your pillows will fluff up your pillows and will create small air pockets for speedy drying.

Once your pillows are completely dried, you can now put back their freshly washed pillowcases, and at last, you are done! Tonight will be a good night's sleep knowing that you are laying your head in properly washed pillows.

Moreover, there are other tips I would like to share with you on how to handle these types of pillows. Here are the tips below:

Tip #1: Proper storage

When you are not using your pillows, store them in a plastic storage tub or a cotton bag. The good thing about polyester pillows is their resistance against mildew and insects. However, be sure that your pillows are clean and completely dry before you store them, as these can allow the growth of bacteria and can attract insects.

Tip #2: Repair damages

No matter how careful you are in handling your pillows, there will come a time that your pillows will rip. However, don't be sad, as we can mend this by machine sewing or by hand. Just be careful when looking for the thread that you will be using; it must match the color of your pillows.

Knowing these important tips will save your time from the agony of washing your pillows all over again. In addition, you can also freshen and spot clean your polyester-filled pillows without actually washing them. Do you want to know how? All right, I will share with you this very helpful information below:

How to freshen and spot clean polyester pillows

This life hack is only applicable when your polyester pillows are not so dirty, or you just need to freshen them up by giving them a little makeover. You can begin with removing first their protective covers, and then sprinkle them with a pinch of baking soda.

Cover the whole surface of your pillows with baking soda and allow it to sit on the surface for at least 30 minutes to an hour. After that, you can use the hose attachment of your vacuum to clean off the baking soda on the entire surface of your pillow.

Use low suction if your vacuum is adjustable. This process helps in absorbing odors and removes any dust mites, and even pet hair from your pillows while keeping them fresh and clean. Flip the pillow over and repeat the same process on the other side.

Check for any stains on your pillows that need an immediate spot cleaning. To treat minor stains, all you need to do is to mix liquid dishwashing soap with two cups of cold or warm water. Dip a clean towel or a small cloth into the mix. Gently dab the stains in a circular motion to remove the stains easily.

Alternative: you can use your old toothbrush in brushing the stains. Remember to brush the pillow gently.

Once you remove the stains, repeat the process, but this time using clean water to wash off the remaining soap. Wash off the soap completely, as this might cause another stain if not washed properly.

To dry your pillows, you can actually use three methods:

  • Method 1: Use your hairdryer to dry those small damp spots
  • Method 2: Use your household dryer if your pillows got really wet
  • Method 3: You can dry them naturally, under the sun

We are done with the tips on how to freshen and spot clean your polyester pillows. On the next topic, you will learn more about some of the basic facts about these pillows, its pros and cons, and their market price.

All about polyester pillows

The polyester pillow is well known for being a synthetic material, and its similarity to a cotton pillow based on its texture and appearance.

Nowadays, synthetic fibers are more economical compared with organic fiber that is why polyester is now widely used to make pillows.

All pillows have their own good and bad sides. For polyester pillows, here is a table below that shows the pros and cons of these pillows.

PROS

  • Very affordable
  • Soft just like a cotton
  • Does not smell bad
  • Low maintenance
  • Does not get hot
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Short lifespan
  • Becomes lumpy over time
  • These pillows are noisy
  • Prone to bedbugs
  • Lose their shape quickly

Here are some basic facts about polyester pillows:
• The loft of a polyester pillow is made from shredded clumps of fiberfill

• Average price of around $16, but you can find for as low as $2

• Very lightweight, weighing below four pounds

• These pillows can be machine-washed

• Made from low-density materials

• One of the main complaints is that they produce noise when pressure is applied

• They come in different shapes and sizes

  1. BODY: This is a long and narrow preferably for hugging and cuddling while you sleep
  2. EURO: This is common in Europe. They are available in square and come in varying sizes depending on your preference. They are commonly used for throw pillows
  3. KING: This is the biggest size and most preferred by people who love to toss and turn a lot at night. This pillow is 5-inch longer than the Queen Size and 10-inch longer than the Standard size.
  4. QUEEN: This is bigger than the Standard size. This is suitable for people who move a lot during the night.
  5. SUPER STANDARD: This is suitable for people who find the Standard size too dense.
  6. STANDARD: This is the most common and cheapest pillow on the market. This pillow is the most compact than the others.

Conclusion

For those people who love to snuggle in their pillows, you should try getting a polyester type of pillow. This type of pillow is best for people who sleep sideward, back, or lie in their stomachs.

Furthermore, its lack of odor is one of the main reasons why people prefer this type of pillow compared to down or latex pillows that are prone to stinky odors.

Nevertheless, people who are prone to allergies or have respiratory problems are advised to avoid these types of pillows, as this can further trigger their allergies.

If you have pressure point problems or you are prone to back pain, neck pains, and shoulder pain, please bear this in mind that using a polyester pillow to cushion your head may worsen your conditions.

Aside from these, the major complaint heard from this pillow is the rustling noise it makes when you move at night. As a result, people are easy to wake up at night, causing sleep deprivation, and later on will lead to insomnia.

Therefore, it's up to you whether you outweigh benefits over the risk of using these types of pillow. Yes, they are much cheaper than other pillows; however, it may cause you some health-related problems that may require further hospitalization and will cost you more money.

Keep reading: Can You Wash A Feather Pillow? (COMPLETE GUIDE)