The dirty pillow heads on my pillows made me sick. That’s when I knew it was time to learn how to sanitize pillows in the dryer. Whether you’re looking for a way to get rid of the smell of your own dirty pillows or looking for ways to sanitize your children’s pillows, this article is going to show you how to do just that.
There are multiple ways to disinfect your pillows and make sure they aren’t a breeding ground for bacteria or mold. It’s important that people know which methods work best, so let’s talk about them now!
Table of Contents
How to Sanitize Pillows in Dryer
(This is not for polyester or other delicate fabrics)
The first thing you need to do is dry your pillow on high heat. Not only will this shorten the drying time, but it will also kill any germs that may be present.
If you have a gas dryer, use the highest setting that your machine allows. If you have a ventless dryer, turn it up to the highest setting and leave it for about 5 minutes before turning it off.
If you don’t want to risk ruining your pillow by leaving it in your dryer for too long, consider using a low-temperature cycle instead (this only works with electric dryers). This will help kill off any lingering germs without damaging the material itself.
Add Bleach
You can also add some bleach or vinegar into the dryer if you don’t want to put them through a full cycle of drying and heating. All you need to do is add one cup of bleach or vinegar into each load of clothes that you put in with your pillows, making sure not to mix them up with other items in the washer or dryer. Then run your cycle as usual until everything has dried out completely, including your pillows! You should check back on these items periodically so that they don’t absorb too much moisture from outside sources like rainwater or snow melt off of your roof.
Get Rid of Mildew and Mold
Mildew, mold, and fungus grow on the surface of fabric sewn with thread made from cotton, wool, or silk, which can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to those materials.
Mildew can grow on pillows if they are not dried properly or if there is a moldy odor coming from the pillow. To get rid of mildew and mold, you will need to use a dehumidifier or dryer that has a dehumidifying function. The best way to get rid of mildew is by placing your pillows in a dryer for 20 minutes at low heat (110°F). After this period, turn off the dryer, open the lid and allow it to air dry for another 15-20 minutes before removing them from the dryer. For best results, do not put your pillows in the dryer multiple times as this could damage them over time; instead, use this method only once per season. If you want to remove mold from your pillows, you can also use bleach or baking soda mixed together with water according to the directions on the package (1 cup of bleach per gallon of water). Make sure that when applying these solutions, you wear gloves and protective eyewear because perspiration can stain fabrics when using strong solvents.
Fluff and Fold
After drying, fluff pillows and then fold them in half to remove excess water from the pillow fibers. Place the fluffed pillow back into the dryer if it doesn’t fit in the machine and run it through once more to finish drying the pillow. Make sure that you place it near the top of your dryer, and do not place it near a vent or fan!
Air Dry
UV light and sun rays are known to kill germs, but air drying but air-drying is not the quickest way to sanitize your pillows. This method works great for cotton or down pillows, but it won’t work for memory foam or synthetic fiber pillows.
Air-drying pillows is one of the most effective ways to sanitize them without exposing your pillows to any harsh elements. Simply place your pillow in a pillowcase and toss it in with your laundry. If you’re using a dryer, simply set the dryer on high heat. Your pillow will be ready to go when you are!
Just be sure to dry your pillows in a well-ventilated area and never leave them unattended.
Use a Heat Gun
A heat gun is another great way to sanitize pillows in your dryer. Heat guns are also known as hair dryers that come with different settings, but they typically have the highest temperatures and can be used on fabrics like wool and silk.
Iron
Ironing is the best way to get rid of germs and bacteria that could linger on your pillow. The heat from the dryer will kill any bacteria or mold spores that may have been on the fabric. You may want to use a few drops of vinegar in your dryer before you iron your pillow to help prevent any future stains from occurring.
Check for Odors
Once you’ve finished drying your pillow, take a sniff of it and inspect it for odors or stains. If you notice any odors, simply remove them by washing them with a cloth or sponge and warm water. If you do find stains, use a baking soda paste to clean them off before washing them again with warm water and detergent.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a more sanitary method of cleaning your pillows, consider dry cleaning them. It’s an effective way to get rid of dust mites and other allergens that could cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them.
Here’s a great way to sanitize your pillows in the dryer.
- Remove the pillow from its cover, and place it in a pillowcase. Make sure you have enough room so that the pillowcase doesn’t overlap around the edges.
- Place your pillow in the dryer on high heat setting for about 10 minutes. The heat will kill any germs on your pillow, as well as keep it from shrinking or turning into a lumpy mess!
- Remove from dryer and let it air-dry completely before replacing inside of the pillowcase
