How to Wash Pillows & Mattresses
If you have small children and pets, you'll probably encounter stains and odors on your mattresses and pillows from time to time. Because mattresses can be very costly, you should clean them occasionally to get rid of stains, odors and dust mites. Not only can you extend the life of your mattresses and pillows by washing them, you'll also be keeping them clean, sanitized and smelling fresh. Before you think of throwing out your mattress or pillows, give these techniques a try. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum cleaner
- Cold water
- Powder (dry) detergent
- Large container
- Whisk
- Sponge
- Baking soda
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Mild liquid laundry detergent
- Bleach
- Color-safe bleach
Instructions
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Washing Your Mattress
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1
Stand your mattress up against a wall where you can easily reach both sides of the mattress.
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2
Vacuum both sides of the mattress thoroughly to remove any dust and particles. A vacuum cleaner attachment used to clean upholstery works best.
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3
Fill a container with 4 cups of cold water and 1 tbsp. of a regular powder detergent. Use a wire whisk to mix the two ingredients together.
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4
Wet a sponge in the container of cleaning solution. Wring the sponge to remove excess water. The sponge should be wet, but not dripping water.
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5
Use the sponge to thoroughly wash down the mattress on both sides. Scrub any areas of the mattress that may be stained or soiled.
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6
Allow the mattress to air-dry completely for at least 24 hours.
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7
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto both sides of the mattress for several minutes to absorb moisture and odor.
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8
Vacuum both sides of the mattress thoroughly to remove all baking soda residue.
Washing Your Pillows
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9
Set your washing machine to the delicate or gentle cycle, using warm or hot water.
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10
Place one or two pillows into the washing machine.
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11
Allow the machine to fill halfway with water before adding about a cap of mild liquid laundry detergent to the water. (Refer to detergent package for exact amount.)
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12
Pour a few drops of regular bleach inside the machine if you're cleaning white pillows. Use color-safe bleach if you're washing color pillows.
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13
Allow the pillows to go through your washer's rinse cycle about three times to remove all detergent residue.
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14
Run the pillows through your washer's spin cycle twice to remove all excess water.
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15
Remove the pillows from your washing machine and place them into your dryer.
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16
Tumble-dry your pillows on the low heat setting.
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17
Check the pillows periodically while drying to make sure they're not bunching or clumping.
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18
Remove the pillows from your dryer and place them on a drying rack or flat surface for about 24 hours to be sure they're completely dry inside.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Vinyl mattress and pillow protectors can protect your mattress and pillows from dirt, dust, stains and spills.
Using a wet/dry vacuum to absorb excess water from the mattress can cut down on the drying time.
Read the care label on your pillows to be sure they're dryer-safe. If they're not, allow them to air dry for approximately 48 hours instead of putting them in the dryer.
