This post is part of the complete latex pillow buyers guide
Latex pillows are among the most durable pillows you can have. The natural fabric is made to last a long time. If properly taken care of, your latex pillow can last five to ten years.
The maintenance of a pillow is one of the driving factors around its longevity. That’s why it’s so important to know how to properly take care of your latex pillow. In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step on how to wash and dry a latex pillow.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash and Dry a Latex Pillow:
- Fill a large sink with lukewarm water and a small amount of detergent. Soak a clean cloth in the soap and water and wring it dry.
- Blot the pillow with the towel; give more attention to pressure to stained areas.
- Place fresh towels on both sides of the pillow and gently press excess moisture.
- Air dry flat, away from direct sun.
- A pillow can take up to 24 hours to dry completely.
Tips for Maintaining a Latex Pillow
Your pillow’s longevity is only as good as the care you give it. Here are some simple tips to apply to your pillow to keep it as long as possible before having to replace it.
Read the Care Instructions
Always read the instructions on the label before washing your pillow. Care is not the same for all pillows. The materials in pillows differ, and the manufacturer will have expert advice on how to best take care of them. So before all else, look to this and apply it as best possible. Further, not all pillows are made to go in the washing machine. Latex would be one of those pillows, so following care instructions is of the utmost importance.
Avoid Moisture
Avoid exposing your latex pillow to too much moisture. Again, it should not go in the washing machine. Latex pillows take a long time to dry out, and if a pillow retains moisture longer than it should, it can easily mildew or mold. Even if you feel the moisture is nearly gone, you should never sleep on it. A pillow needs to be 100% dry before it’s slept on.
Use a Protective Cover
It’s always a good idea to use a protective cover with your pillow. That helps to protect it from substances and residue from your head and neck. If you tend to sleep hot, a special moisture-resistant cover is a good choice.
Don’t Eat or Drink In Bed
It’s easy for drinks to spill and food to leave stains. That makes your pillow dirty, and if stains set in, they may be hard to get out. The other thing is eating can leave crumbs which produce unwanted insects and other creepy crawlies. While there are multiple reasons this is not good, one of them is these insects can infest your bed pillow and gather inside your covering unknowingly to you. That makes for unsanitary and unhealthy sleep conditions.
Vacuum Your Bedding
If you tend to eat in bed, vacuuming regularly is a good practice. That will help clean up any unseen crumbs and food particles that may be lingering. Vacuuming also removes nasty dust particles that can build up over time. That helps to protect your pillow so that it lasts longer.
Cleaning Your Latex Pillow
There are two ways you can clean your latex pillow. You can spot clean (wash) it or freshen it.
What you will need:
- High-efficiency gentle detergent
- Baking soda
- Dishwashing liquid
- Large sink
- Small bowl
- White towels
- Vacuum
Things to note:
- Water temperature should be cold to lukewarm
- No washing machine; hand wash only
- No dryer; air-dry only
- Do not iron
- Always wash on a breezy, warm day (not a lot of sun) to wash your pillow so it can air dry as it should. Too much sun, however, can damage the pillow.
How to Wash and Dry a Latex Pillow
Step 1
Remove pillow case or protective cover (The case or covering can be either hand-washed or machine-washed)
Step 2
Fill a large sink with lukewarm water and a small amount of detergent (1 teaspoon per gallon of water).
Step 3
Soak a clean cloth in the soap and water and wring it dry.
Step 4
Blot the pillow with the towel; give more attention to pressure to stained areas.
Step 5
After blotting, place fresh towels on both sides of the pillow and gently press excess moisture.
Step 6
Air dry flat, away from direct sun. Do not use a clothes dryer or hair dryer to help it along. The high heat can damage the pillow.
If it’s not a good day to air dry and you need to dry it indoors, lay the pillow flat and open the window or use a portable fan to circulate air.
A pillow can take up to 24 hours to dry completely.
Step 7
Add a pillowcase or covering to your pillow only after it has thoroughly dried. Remember, there should be no moisture left in the pillow.
Refreshing Your Latex Pillow
Sometimes your pillow just needs to be refreshed and not completely cleaned. If your pillow just needs to be refreshed:
Step 1
Remove the protective cover or case and wash it in the washing machine and dry in the dryer.
Step 2
Sprinkle the pillow with baking soda, enough to cover the entire pillow.
Step 3
Let the baking soda sit for about an hour.
Step 4
Vacuum the baking soda off the pillow using the upholstery brush attachment on your vacuum. This will help absorb odors and remove dust mites or pet hair that might be on the pillow.
Step 5
Flip the pillow over and do the same thing on the opposite side.
How Often to Wash Pillows
It’s a good practice to change or wash your pillowcase once a week. However, to keep from damaging your pillow, it’s a good practice to wash it at least once a month. Refresh as often as you feel you need to. Keeping your pillow as clean as possible will help improve your sleep.
Final Thoughts
It’s always best to refer to the care instructions on a latex pillow before doing any type of cleaning. Depending on the filling, not all pillows are cleaned the same.
If the instructions suggest washing on the gentle cycle, then it is okay to do so. Otherwise, the instructions above will help to not only keep your pillow clean but will keep it from easily damaging during cleaning.
Latex Pillows: A complete buyers guide – Parts:
1. Why Should You Use A Latex Pillow? The Pros and Cons
2. Latex vs Memory Foam Pillows: What’s the difference and which is better?
3. Are Latex Pillows Safe? What about the smell?
4. How Long Do Latex Pillows Last? This is the replacement time
5. How to Wash And Dry a Latex Pillow: Step by step guide
6. Best Latex Pillows of 2021 – Full Guide and Review
