Stretch out comfortably, bury your head contentedly between the pillows and inhale the scent of fresh bed linen – what could be nicer? Because pillows, duvets and all other bedding become more and more dirty over time, the longed-for feeling of freshness is quickly gone.
We have summarized for you what you can do to make your bed clean and inviting again.
What makes the bedding so unsavory?
- Sweat: The body loses almost two liters of moisture every night. The vapors are reflected in the laundry – unpleasant smells spread over time.
- Hair: Tangled on the surface of pillows and fitted sheets. The hair in bed is not exactly tempting.
- House dust mites: The little pests feed on our dander. Many people develop an allergy to their feces in pillows and duvet covers.
- Bacteria and mold: The microorganisms spread inside pillows and duvets. In the long term, they can weaken our immune system.
Can duvets and pillows be put in the dryer?
That is entirely up to the material. Many fibers (including down and feathers) are suitable for tumble drying or can at least be dried slightly in advance in the tumble dryer.
Why do I need a tennis ball?
A tennis ball can be put in the dryer for optimal results. It pounds the bedding properly and increases the bulk of the fibers. Up to three clean tennis balls are useful, for example, to effectively dry a large down comforter. However, the balls make a lot of noise when drying.
Clean special pillows
In addition to conventional 40 × 80 cm or 80 × 80 cm pillows for bedding, there are other types of pillows that need cleaning from time to time. Whether cozy decorative and sofa cushions or the ergonomic neck support pillow – these can usually be freshened up again.
Can you wash decorative and sofa cushions?
The correct care of decorative pillows also includes regular cleaning. Because they are mostly filled with synthetic fibers, a gentle wash cycle in the machine is okay, provided the washing label allows it. We recommend washing the filling and cover separately. In the case of large sofa cushions, it is usually not possible to machine wash them. Practical care sets for textiles and leather help here.
Can I wash a neck support pillow?
The stable inner workings made of latex, visco foam (softgel) or gelax core are usually not washable. The cotton or polyester cover, on the other hand, does. The cover can be easily removed and can usually be put in the washing machine at 60 degrees. Then place the cover in the tumble dryer to dry or hang it up.
Can you wash a cherry stone pillow or a grape seed pillow?
Such a pillow also has to be washed thoroughly every now and then. Remove the cores and wash the cover (usually made of cotton) in the machine. Gentle hand washing is also conceivable.
A little material knowledge about the different fillings
One look at the label is enough to find out what material your pillow or duvet is filled with. The individual care of your laundry is based on this.
How to wash pillows and blankets …
… Down and feathers
Whether down comforters, duvets or down pillows – the natural inner workings can withstand surprisingly high temperatures. Usually 60 degrees are possible without any problems, but you can’t go wrong with 40 degrees. Use a special down detergent for the best results. If that is not at hand, a mild shampoo can just as easily be used for the delicate down. Choose a wash cycle without high speed – otherwise the keels could break due to the pressure and moisture.
Pillows and duvets made of down or feathers can be dried in the dryer; But don’t forget the tennis balls. They ensure that the high-quality down does not stick together.
Tip: Check the surface of the down comforter and down pillow for small cracks in advance and mend them if necessary. Otherwise the fine down could escape during washing.
… Microfibre or polyester (softfill, polyacrylic or polyamide)
Synthetic fibers are undemanding. They can usually be washed at 60 degrees on a gentle cycle. The pillows or duvets can then be put in the dryer (gentle drying). Dry cleaning is also possible.
… Lyocell or Tencel
The synthetic fibers are easy to wash at a low temperature (40 degrees). But: duvets and pillows with this filling are often not allowed in the dryer! Note the label.
… animal hair (camel down hair or cashmere)
Such materials have an advantage: Due to their natural properties, they hardly accept any dirt. Conversely, however, you have to know that they cannot be washed in the washing machine at home.
Tip: To freshen up the fine fibers, pillows with animal hair can be tumble-dried at a low temperature. Then add a washcloth moistened with water. Then “breathe” everything in the air and let it evaporate.
… Silk
This filling material is also not washable. You have to know, however, that tussah silk hardly collects dirt and that dust mites or fungi do not feel comfortable in silk either. A duvet with a silk filling can be sent to the dry cleaner if necessary.
