You do wash your pillow, don’t you?
We spend almost 1/3 of our lives sleeping. That’s 262,974 hours eyes shut, horizontal and hopefully in a REM-like state of restfulness. That’s a lot of time spent with our heads nuzzling the same old pillow.
Pillows are one of the most overlooked and neglected of household items, often used way beyond their expiration date.
I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of critters that collect inside a pillow over time; I cringe at the very idea of dust mites in such close proximity to my head. Thankfully, there are ways to keep pillows clean and fresh, and even extend their lives.
First, always use a pillow protector – in organic cotton, of course. This adds an additional barrier against dirt and grime. Some sources recommend washing them every 6 months, while others say it’s fine to wait up to a year between washings. Hand or machine-wash – both are safe and effective. The choice is yours.
Now for pillow washing 101:
1. Remove the pillow protector (machine wash it separately).
2. Fill sink or washing machine with HOT water and a mild, low-suds detergent or gentle soap.
3. Dunk the pillow and agitate for several minutes.
4. Rinse three to five times. This step is important.
5. Remove and press out excess water with a cloth towel – do not wring or twist!
6. Place pillow in the dryer and air dry with a tennis ball (to fluff) – or hang it outside to dry and fluff manually.
7. Lay your head on one very clean, very fresh pillow and….zzzzzzzzzz.
Sources: Back Designs and Re-Nest
Image: daviddesign