Can You Wash Polyester Pillows: A Practical Guide

If there is one thing common in most households, it has got to be polyester pillows. After all, they are easy to maintain, clean, and the cherry on top is their affordability!

However, as easy as it is to clean them, any slip-up in the process can affect their quality, or worse, damage them. That’s why learning how to wash polyester pillows correctly is essential. And that’s exactly what we’ll show you in today’s guide.

Understanding Polyester Pillows

Before we get to the part on how to wash polyester pillows, let’s first understand what polyester pillows are.  

Polyester pillows use synthetic polyester fibers as stuffings instead of the usual cotton. On the plus side, these pillows are hypoallergenic and usually machine washable.

However, everything is not perfect about them. Despite their many pros, polyester pillows have some cons, which may not be great for everyone. 

Despite the material being hypoallergenic, it is prone to attract dust mites. So, if you have allergies, you must dust them regularly.

Moreover, the fibers are prone to clumping over time. So, unless you maintain them and fluff them periodically, they’ll often lack support for your head and neck.

The Big Question: Can You Wash Polyester Pillows? 

The short answer to that question is yes. You can definitely wash your polyester pillows. However, there are a bunch of myths surrounding this particular topic. We’ll address some of those myths so that you can effectively wash your pillows without destroying them. 

Polyester Pillows Do Not Require Washing: Polyester pillows are hypoallergenic, so why wash them, right? Wrong. Like all pillows, they can accumulate sweat, body oil, and dust over time.

Use Hot Water for Better Cleaning: While it may seem like hot water could be a great way to kill bacteria, it is unsuitable for the fabric. Hot water can damage polyester fiber. It is best to use cold water instead.

Regular Detergent is Fine: Using regular detergent to wash your polyester pillows may damage the fibers over time. It may cause the pillow to lose its shape and comfort. 

You Can Always Machine Wash: While it is true to an extent, not all polyester pillows are safe for machine washing. Make sure to read the care label before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Polyester Pillows

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wash your polyester pillows:

Preparing Your Pillow: 

Before you proceed with the wash, the first thing you need to do is prepare your pillows. Remove the pillow protectors or pillowcases if you have them on, and wash them separately. 

Inspect for tears and sew them up before you wash it. Doing so will prevent the fibers from escaping the pillow. 

The Washing Process: 

While washing, start by treating the stains, which may need extra attention. You can use a stain remover or a soft detergent for this method. Work on the stains with a soft brush and set it for 15 to 20 minutes before placing it in the machine. 

In the next step, set the wash temperature and cycle. We recommend using cold water when washing polyester pillows. Set your wash cycle to gentle to prevent the fibers from clumping up. 

Place your pillows in the machine and add the soft detergent. Start the machine, and once the wash cycle is complete, rinse the pillows completely. 

Drying Process:  

There are two ways to dry polyester pillows- air-drying and dryer. Before proceeding with either of these, be sure to remove all excess water by gently squeezing the pillows.

Using a Dryer: Toss the pillows on the dryer on low-moderate cycle. Dry for about an hour.  

Pro Tip: Fluff your pillows every 15 minutes during the drying cycle. Or, place a tennis ball in the dryer to ensure the pillows are fluff once the drying is complete.

Air Drying: The air-drying method is quite simple, but it can take a longer period. Hang your pillows outside in a well-ventilated area but away from direct sunlight. Fluff them periodically and ensure they are completely dry before you use them. 

FAQs About Washing Polyester Pillows

Can I wash Polyester Pillows? 

Yes, you can wash your polyester pillows as long as you follow the steps we discussed above.

What are the best tips for maintaining and extending the life of your polyester pillows?

It’s not ideal to replace your pillows every time. Regularly buying new pillows can be a huge waste. So, here are a few tips that you can follow to maintain and extend the life of your polyester pillows:

Using a Pillow Protector: Most people think using a pillowcase alone is enough. However, a pillow protector offers better protection from body oils, sweat, and stains. Moreover, they are easier to wash than the pillows themselves. 

Regular Fluffing:  Fluffing redistributes the fibers inside the pillow and prevents it from getting flat. Try to fluff your pillows as regularly as you can. 

Air Them Out: Take your pillows out and air them whenever it’s sunny outside. It will kill bacteria while also freshening up your pillows. 

Follow the Instructions While Washing: When washing your polyester pillows, always read the care instructions on the label. 

Conclusion 

Hopefully, we were able to clear up all your doubts regarding washing polyester pillows. Whether washing your plush toys or pillows, it’s extremely important to do it correctly as it ensures longevity and helps eliminate allergens and odors, which are common in these soft and plushy materials.