How do you wash hollow-fiber pillows so they keep their shape and stay comfortable for a long time? More and more housewives are asking that question because pillows with this filling are gaining popularity. So, let’s find out everything there is to know about cleaning these pillows and keeping them fresh at home.
Can I use the washing machine?
This synthetic material has quickly gained worldwide attention for being hypoallergenic and light. Pillows filled with hollow fiber are durable and comfortable, and they come at very affordable prices. They are sometimes called ‘eternal’ because if cared for properly, they can last for a long time. Another undeniable and important advantage of this material is that it is eco-friendly.
Do not wash your hollow fiber pillows in the washing machine!
Hollowfibre looks like cotton; it is porous and soft too. It is evenly distributed inside the pillow, which makes the pillow keep its shape. If you wash the hollow fiber pillow in the washing machine, the filling will develop lumps, and the pillow will become unusable.
It doesn’t even matter if you use a cheap pillow or a name-brand one, it will definitely lose its shape after intensive spin cycle and extensive rinsing.
There is no point in adding tennis balls to the washing machine (like with the puffer jackets). They will not keep the filling from clumping and getting deformed. Using permanent press or no spin cycles will also not do any good. So, if you do not want to damage your hollow fiber pillows, do not wash them in the washing machine.
How to wash pillows the right way
So we have established that it is better to hand wash hollow fiber pillows. Here are the steps:
- dissolve some liquid laundry detergent (you can also use shampoo) in room temperature water and soak the pillow for 30 minutes;
- gently squeeze the pillow (do not wring it out), and rinse thoroughly in warm water;
- air-dry the pillow (make sure to place it horizontally), fluffing it regularly.
If the pillow cover is very dirty, you can wash it separately in the washing machine with stain remover or bleach. Just remove the hollow fiber filling from the cover before washing: it won’t be flying around or causing any trouble. In this regard, hollow fiber pillows are easier to deal with than feather or down pillows.
If you wash hollow fiber pillows incorrectly, it will be almost impossible to fix them, but you can give them a somewhat acceptable shape, so you can continue using them.
To do so, remove the filling from the pillow cover and brush it thoroughly with a slicker brush (you can buy it in pet boutiques or specialized pet stores). The process is quite time-consuming and tedious, so if you are not ready to waste any time on it, just replace the filling: it costs much less than a whole new pillow.
If you wish to only freshen up your pillow, air it out outside. It would be practical to have several covers for the hollow fiber pillow: in this case, it will be enough to put the filling into the clean cover without having to wash it.
As you can see, it is actually really easy to wash these pillows. But if you are afraid to damage the pillow filling, or if you don’t want to hand wash, then take it to the dry cleaners’. When you place an order, make sure you specify that the pillow is filled with hollow fiber.
How often should you wash hollow fiber pillows
This filling is known for its high quality and great features, such as:
- it is water-resistant: doesn’t absorb moisture and sweat;
- it doesn’t absorb smells;
- it doesn’t shed;
- it is anti-bacterial: the filling resists pathogenic germs and microorganisms (like mites, and others).
Because of these properties, there is no need to wash a hollow fiber pillow often. Though manufacturers recommend doing it at least once a season – 4 times a year, while at the same time hygiene and health specialists believe that once a year is quite enough.
Then why do manufacturers recommend cleaning so often? Maybe it is just an urge to sell their products more often because after every washing (especially in the washing machine) the structure of hollow fiber changes and the product will eventually lose its shape.
If you care for hollow fiber filling properly, these pillows can look nice and neat even for 10 years, which is why they are considered to be a very good value buy.
Read also: how to wash hollow fiber, can you wash bamboo pillows