Is it worth it and how to properly wash an orthopedic pillow by hand and in a machine?

A comfortable bed design often includes an orthopedic pillow. To maintain hygiene, it must be ventilated periodically.

But can it be washed? How to do this correctly depends on the characteristics of the filler.

Read the article about how to properly wash an orthopedic pillow at home in order to preserve all the properties of the bedding.

Popular fillers and their features

Bedding manufacturers produce various types of orthopedic pillows, which differ not only in shape and size, but also in the filling. The method of washing the product depends on its type.

Let's consider the most popular:

• polyester,
• viscoplastic foam,
• latex,
• buckwheat husk.

Polyester

Polyester filling is inexpensive. A comfortable sleeping position for the shoulders, spine, neck and head is created by specially treated polyester balls.

Proper care of the pillow will allow it to serve for 10 years, creating the feeling of down filling.

Viscoplastic foam

The cost of a pillow made of viscoplastic foam is higher than that of a latex or polyester product.

Created using modern high-tech methods, this pillow has a memory effect. This allows you to maintain the head and neck in an optimal physiological position.

It is not advisable to wash a product filled with polyurethane foam.

Latex

Orthopedic pillow with latex filling is highly popular due to its natural composition. The product has an anatomical shape and consists of a pair of rollers of different diameters.

At the same time, a recess is provided for the head, thanks to which high comfort is ensured without squeezing the vessels involved in the blood supply to the brain.

Even though latex itself does not absorb water, contact with it is not advisable. It is recommended to periodically wash only the pillowcase and cover.

Hand delicate washing is recommended only for heavily soiled items., which cannot be cleaned dry.

Buckwheat husk

The specificity of the filler requires dry cleaning only.

It is strictly forbidden to wet a product filled with husks., since in this case all the properties that ensure healthy rest and correct anatomical position of the head during sleep will be lost.

The only possible type of cleaning is vacuuming.

Is it possible to carry out processing in an automatic washing machine?

Products with polyester filling can be machine washed. To prevent the item from becoming deformed during washing, It is advisable to avoid spinning at high speeds. The best option is to completely discard it and dry it properly after processing.

In cases where the pillows are small and there are 2 of them placed in the drum, it is recommended to wash in pairs to evenly distribute the load in the drum.

In this case, processing synthetic filler in a washing machine requires compliance with certain rules:

1. You need to make sure that the material from which the pillow is made is machine washable. To do this, it is advisable to study the instructions on the product label.
2. Prepare a liquid detergent without a distinct odor.
3. Remove the pillowcase.
4. Set the machine to the “delicate” or “manual” washing mode.
5. Set the temperature to 30-40? C (or more, but only if this point is specified by the manufacturer).
6. Turn off the spin mode or set it to the minimum setting.
7. Set the machine to “extra rinse”.
8. Place the pillow in the drum. There is no need to pre-soak.
9. After washing, the item must be shaken.

Handwash

It is possible to hand wash a pillow filled with polyester or latex if it is heavily soiled. To do this you need to prepare:

• detergent in liquid form;
• a large container into which the entire product can be placed.

Procedure:

1. Remove the pillowcase.
2. Fill the container with warm water (30-40? C).
3. Dilute detergent in water.
4. Gently wash the pillow with your hands, avoiding too vigorous action and vigorous rubbing.
5. Rinse the pillow well.
6. Gently wring out using terry towels.

Hand washing must be done without pre-soaking.. The less time the product is in water, the longer it will retain its properties.

Caring for your memory foam product

“Memory effect” is a feature of products made from viscoplastic foam. Such a pillow should not be washed in a washing machine or by hand, since the foam material will lose its unique qualities if water gets on it.

If local contamination appears on the pillow, You can use warm water and a napkin to remove the stain. It is not advisable to allow the pillow to become excessively wet.

Even high humidity in the room in which the bedding is located has a detrimental effect on the structure of the filler.

Proper drying: where and how to do it?

After the washed item has been wrung out, it must be placed on the dryer. This will ensure air access to the product from all sides.

Pillow laid out on the dryer You need to turn it over periodically to ensure it dries evenly.. In the same way, you can organize periodic airing of pillows between washes.

It is best to install the dryer itself in a well-ventilated place, preferably outdoors, in a draft. In order for the filling to be better preserved, the orthopedic pillow should not be dried or ventilated in bright sunlight.

During the drying process it is prohibited:

• place the pillow on heating appliances or close to them;
• place the product near open sources of fire;
• dry in bright sun, as the sun's rays can damage the structure of both natural and artificial filler.

You can speed up the drying process by blowing it with a fan or using a low-heat hairdryer.

9 general care tips

Orthopedic pillows have properties that differ from other similar products. The feature is associated with a physiologically correct surface for the position of the head during sleep. It is this feature that you should try to preserve for as long as possible.

In this regard, washing and drying such high-maintenance products should be carried out in accordance with all the rules and taking into account the following recommendations:

1. After washing, either in a machine or by hand, the pillow must be wrung out.

   In this case, you should not put any effort or twist the thing, so as not to deprive it of its orthopedic properties.

2. Frequent washing is also not advisable, as it shortens the service life of the product. It is quite enough - no more than 4 times a year.
3. In order to refresh the item, it must be ventilated regularly.
4. If small stains appear, it is recommended to treat them immediately, not allowing the dirt to become deeply embedded.
5. For washing, if permitted by the product manufacturer, only liquid detergents can be used.
6. After washing, the pillow must be immediately removed from the drum of the washing machine or from the container for hand washing.
7. The product must not be ironed.
8. It is prohibited to store orthopedic pillows in areas with high humidity.
9. If the pillow has a removable cover, it can be washed more often than the pillow itself, and at a higher temperature (40-60? C).

Conclusion

Cleaning an orthopedic pillow can be done at home. Before you start washing, it is necessary to establish the type of filler, study the labels on the product, and strictly follow the care instructions.

You can read more about washing pillows with various fillings Here.