Tips for Cleaning and Taking Care of Pillows

Most pillows are filled with down, feathers - or a mixture of the two - or with a synthetic filling such as foam. The pillow you buy is very much a matter of personal preference - although it is worth remembering that some people recommends sleeping on only one pillow at a height that keeps your head aligned with your spine.

Goose down is the softest and lightest filling, while synthetic fillings are the firmest and do not change shape under your head. Feather pillows are firmer than down, but have more give than those with synthetic fillings.

A pillow protector is vital for keeping pillows clean and prolonging their life. Except accidents, a good feather or down pillow should last five to ten years; a synthetic one has a life of only two years.

To test whether a down or feather pillow needs replacing, lay it across your arm. If it flops sadly, its days are numbered. To test a synthetic pillow, press it in the middle to see if it springs back. If it does not, replace it.

Check the care label on pillows for washing instructions. Most pillows with natural fillings can be washed in the washing machine, but check first that the machine can take the weight. If the care label has become detached, wash on a lukewarm cycle, using a mild detergent. If the washing machine has a super rinse facility, use it.

You can dry pillows in the tumble-dryer on a low setting. Be aware that this can take a very long time. To economize on electricity, take the pillow out of the dryer when it is half-dry and finish off the drying outside. Therefore, it is best to wash pillows on a warm, sunny day. When drying outside, shake the pillow from time to time, to prevent the filling from clumping. When you think they are dry, give them another quick blast in the tumble dryer and then allow them to air before putting them back on the bed.

Make sure the pillows are completely dry before using them again. If you leave them damp, they will smell and develop mildew. Freshen up pillows by tumbling them in a hot tumble-dryer for 15 minutes or so once a month. The heat will also kill dust mites.