How to Freeze Pillows
Found in even the cleanest of homes, dust mites themselves pose no threat and generally go unnoticed as you live your daily life. But while dust mites are not a biting insect, like fleas or lice, feces and body parts from dead mites definitely make their presence known if you have a dust-mite allergy. Reducing the number of dust mites in your home is essential for allergy sufferers, according to Mayo Clinic.com, as dust-mite allergies can cause asthma attacks and sinus infections. Freezing pillows is one method used to kill dust mites in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Remove any washable pillowcases, shams or other pillow covers from the pillows. If a pillow cover is not washable, leave it on the pillow.
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Place the pillows into the freezer. If you live in an extremely cold climate, you can also put the pillows outside during the winter to freeze. Protect them from the elements to prevent fabric damage.
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Leave the pillows in the freezer or outside for 24 to 48 hours.
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Remove the pillows from the freezer or bring them inside. As the pillows begin to "thaw," they may become damp or wet. Rub the pillows dry with a towel, dry them with a hairdryer, or use a clothes dryer to remove moisture and prevent fabric damage.
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Tips & Warnings
After freezing pillows, place each in an allergen-impermeable pillow cover to prevent future dust-mite infestation and to trap remaining dust-mite allergens within.
Vacuum the pillows using a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter to help remove some of the dust-mite allergens.
Freezing your pillows kills dust mites that are in the pillow, but does not remove the dust-mite allergens.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
