After washing your pillow, it's crucial to ensure it is properly dried before using it again. Proper drying not only helps maintain the pillow's shape and comfort but also prevents the growth of mould, mildew, and unwanted odours.
In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to effectively dry your pillow after cleaning, whether it's a regular pillow, a memory foam pillow, or a decorative pillow.
The Complete Guide: How to Dry a Pillow After Cleaning
To dry your pillow you can use a few different methods. The first is to machine wash on a low setting and in many cases the 'no heat' setting'. If this isn't available then air drying is necessary. Place your pillow on a flat surface, out of direct sunlight and allow it to dry. You can use fans to speed up the process and apply baking soda to soak up the moisture.
Step 1: Different Pillow Material Considerations
Different types of pillows and what they're made of is the best way to determine what kind of method you should use.
Here are most of the different material types and what method you should use:
Memory Foam (Air drying)
Tempur-pedic (Air drying)
Feather pillows (Air drying or machine no heat)
Body (pregnancy) pillows (Machine drying or air drying)
Decorative throw pillows (Air drrying)
Fluffy Pillows (Machine or Air Drying)
Couch Pillows (Air drying)
Coloured pillows such as yellow (Air drying)
Step 2: Remove excess moisture
After washing your pillow, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting it.
Press the pillow with your hands or place it between clean towels and apply gentle pressure to absorb as much moisture as possible.
This step helps speed up the drying process.
Step 3: Determine the drying method
The appropriate drying method for your pillow will depend on its type and the care instructions. Let's explore two common drying methods:
Air drying
Air drying is a safe and effective method for many types of pillows, including regular pillows, down pillows, and some memory foam pillows.
Here's how to air dry your pillow:
Find a well-ventilated area: Choose a location where there is good airflow and ample sunlight. This could be an outdoor clothesline, a drying rack near an open window, or a well-ventilated room.
Fluff and reshape: Before placing your pillow to dry, fluff it up and reshape it to restore its original form.
Place the pillow: Lay the pillow flat on a clean, dry surface, ensuring it is evenly spread out. If possible, flip the pillow periodically to facilitate even drying.
Allow ample time to dry: Depending on the pillow's thickness and the surrounding conditions, air drying may take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Be patient and ensure the pillow is completely dry before use.
Machine drying
Machine drying is suitable for certain types of pillows, such as synthetic-filled pillows and some memory foam pillows. Here's how to machine dry your pillow:
Check the care label: Confirm that machine drying is recommended for your pillow. If it is not suitable, opt for air drying instead.
Select a gentle cycle: Set your dryer to a low heat or delicate cycle to avoid damaging the pillow. If available, use the "air" or "no heat" setting.
Add dryer balls or towels: To promote even drying and prevent clumping, add a couple of clean dryer balls or towels to the dryer along with your pillow.
Monitor the drying process: Periodically check the pillow's progress. If necessary, pause the dryer and fluff the pillow to redistribute the filling and prevent clumps.
Ensure complete drying: Once the drying cycle is complete, check the pillow thoroughly to ensure it is completely dry. If any dampness remains, continue drying for additional time.
Step 4: Fluff and reshape
After your pillow is fully dry, it may have flattened or lost some of its shape during the washing and drying process. Take a few moments to fluff and reshape the pillow, gently patting and kneading it to restore its original loft and contour.
Step 5: Pillowcase and cover
Before using the pillow, make sure the pillowcase and cover are completely dry as well. If necessary, air dry or tumble dry them separately according to their specific care instructions.
Conclusion
Properly drying your pillow after cleaning is essential to maintain its quality, comfort, and hygiene.
Whether you opt for air drying or machine drying, following the manufacturer's instructions and taking the necessary precautions will help ensure your pillow remains fresh, fluffy, and ready to provide you with restful nights of sleep.
With a clean and thoroughly dried pillow, you can enjoy the comfort and support it provides with peace of mind.