How to Strip Pillows

Stripping pillows is an effective way to deep clean them and remove built-up dirt, oils, and stains that regular washing might not address.

Over time, pillows can accumulate allergens, sweat, and residue from detergents, which can affect their freshness and comfort. This guide will walk you through the process of how to strip pillows, helping to maintain a healthier sleep environment.

Benefits of Stripping Pillows

Stripping pillows comes with numerous benefits that enhance both cleanliness and comfort. Firstly, it helps remove deep-seated dirt, oils, and residues that regular washing might leave behind, ensuring a more thorough clean. This process can also eliminate allergens like dust mites and pet dander, which can improve air quality and reduce irritation for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Additionally, stripping revitalizes the appearance and feel of pillows, restoring their softness and extending their lifespan.

By maintaining cleaner pillows, you also create a healthier and more hygienic sleep environment, promoting better rest and overall well-being.

Why You Should Strip Your Pillows

Stripping your pillows is an essential step in maintaining their cleanliness and longevity. Over time, pillows can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and allergens due to the accumulation of sweat, oils, dead skin cells, and other debris. Regular washing alone may not be enough to penetrate deep into the fabric and filling, leaving residues that can compromise your sleep quality and health.

Stripping ensures a deeper clean, effectively removing these impurities and restoring your pillows to their original freshness. By taking the time to strip your pillows periodically, you not only extend their usability but also create a healthier sleep environment that supports restful and rejuvenating sleep.

10 Methods on How to Strip Pillows

1. Understand the Fabric Composition

Before you begin, identify the fabric composition of your pillows. Pillows made from cotton, down, memory foam, or synthetic materials require different cleaning approaches. Check the care label for washing instructions and any specific restrictions. Understanding the material ensures that the stripping process won’t damage the fabric or compromise the pillow’s integrity.

2. Use a Pillow-Safe Detergent

Selecting the right detergent is critical for stripping pillows. Opt for a gentle, fragrance-free, and pillow-safe detergent to avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the filling or cover. You can also use a combination of laundry detergent, baking soda, and borax to create an effective cleaning solution that breaks down oils and residue.

3. Pre-Treat Stains

If your pillows have visible stains, pre-treat them before starting the stripping process. Apply a stain remover or a paste made from baking soda and water to the affected areas. Gently scrub with a soft brush to loosen the stains. This step ensures that stubborn spots are addressed before the full cleaning begins.

4. Soak in Hot Water

Hot water is crucial for stripping pillows as it helps dissolve oils and grime embedded in the fabric and filling. Fill a large tub or washing machine with hot water and submerge the pillows completely. Ensure the water temperature matches the care label recommendations to avoid damaging heat-sensitive materials.

5. Add Cleaning Agents

Once the pillows are submerged, add your chosen cleaning agents. A mixture of half a cup of laundry detergent, a quarter cup of borax, and a quarter cup of washing soda works well for most pillows. Stir the solution thoroughly to ensure it dissolves evenly, allowing the cleaning agents to penetrate the pillow material.

6. Agitate the Pillows

Agitation helps dislodge embedded dirt and grime from the pillows. If you’re using a washing machine, run it on a gentle cycle to agitate the pillows without damaging them. For manual cleaning, use your hands to knead and squeeze the pillows in the water. Rotate and flip them to ensure all sides are cleaned thoroughly.

7. Rinse Thoroughly

Rinsing is a critical step to remove all cleaning agents and loosened debris from the pillows. After the initial soaking, drain the soapy water and refill the tub or washing machine with clean water. Repeat the rinsing process until no soap residue remains, as leftover detergent can cause skin irritation and attract more dirt.

8. Dry Using Proper Techniques

Proper drying is essential to prevent mold or mildew from forming inside the pillows. Place the pillows in a dryer with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff them as they dry. Use a low-heat or no-heat setting for delicate materials like down or memory foam. For air drying, place the pillows in a sunny, well-ventilated area and flip them frequently to ensure even drying.

9. Steam for Extra Freshness

Steaming the pillows after stripping can provide additional freshness and help sanitize them. Use a handheld garment steamer or the steam setting on your iron to treat the surface of the pillows. Steam penetrates the fabric to kill bacteria and allergens, leaving the pillows smelling and feeling rejuvenated.

10. Maintain Regular Cleaning

To extend the time between stripping sessions, practice regular cleaning and maintenance. Use pillow protectors to shield against dirt and oils, and wash them monthly. Fluff the pillows daily to maintain their shape and prevent clumping. By incorporating these habits, you’ll keep your pillows fresh and reduce the need for frequent deep cleaning.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful execution, you may encounter some challenges during the pillow-stripping process. Here are solutions to common issues and ways to ensure successful results:

1. Pillow Remains Lumpy After Washing

If your pillow feels lumpy or uneven after stripping, it may be due to improper drying. To resolve this, place the pillow in a dryer with clean tennis balls or dryer balls. These help break up clumps and redistribute the filling evenly. For air drying, frequently flip and fluff the pillow throughout the drying process to maintain its shape.

2. Persistent Stains

Some stains may be particularly stubborn and not fully removed during the initial process. Apply a targeted stain remover to the specific areas and repeat the pre-treating step. For natural stains, such as sweat or oils, an overnight soak in a mixture of baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water can help break them down.

3. Pillow Has an Unpleasant Odor

If your pillow still has a lingering odor after stripping, it may require additional deodorizing. Sprinkle baking soda over the pillow, allow it to sit for several hours, and then vacuum it off. Alternatively, try another round of stripping with an added half cup of white vinegar, which helps neutralize odors effectively.

4. Filling Shifts or Becomes Flattened

Flattened or shifted filling can occur, especially in down or fiberfill pillows. Manually fluff the pillow by shaking it vigorously and kneading the filling back into place. For long-term maintenance, avoid compressing your pillow too tightly when storing or using it.

5. Foam Pillows Absorb Too Much Water

Memory foam and similar materials can become waterlogged if not handled carefully. To prevent this, avoid soaking these pillows entirely. Instead, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and ensure thorough drying to avoid mold.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure the success of your pillow-stripping process, it’s important to steer clear of these common mistakes that could lead to poor results or even damage your pillows:

1. Using Excessive Cleaning Agents

Adding too much detergent, borax, or other cleaning solutions can leave a soapy residue that is difficult to rinse out fully. This can cause irritation or make your pillows stiff. Always measure your cleaning agents carefully and follow the recommended amounts.

2. Ignoring Care Labels

Every pillow is made of specific materials that require different care methods. Ignoring the care labels can damage delicate pillows, such as those made with memory foam or down. Always read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer before starting the stripping process.

3. Skipping Pre-Treatment

Failing to pre-treat visible stains means they are less likely to come out during the washing process. This can leave your pillows looking less clean than expected. Always address stains first for the best results.

4. Overloading the Washing Machine

Washing too many pillows at once can prevent proper cleaning and rinsing. It can also strain your washing machine. Limit the number of pillows per cycle to allow enough room for agitation and thorough rinsing.

5. Using High Heat on Delicate Materials

Exposing heat-sensitive materials, such as memory foam or down, to high temperatures can cause irreparable damage. Always opt for low-heat drying and avoid soaking materials that are not water-friendly.

6. Not Rinsing Properly

Incomplete rinsing can leave behind detergent and grime, which defeats the purpose of stripping. Be patient during this step and ensure all cleaning agents are thoroughly removed.

Conclusion

Stripping pillows is a vital process for maintaining cleanliness and comfort. By following these 10 methods, you can effectively remove built-up grime, allergens, and odors, restoring your pillows to their original state. Regularly stripping and maintaining your pillows ensures a healthier sleeping environment and extends their lifespan, making it a worthwhile investment in your comfort and well-being. Be sure to follow all instructions on how to strip pillows carefully, and always consult an expert when in doubt.