What is the correct way to wash pillows? How to wash them in the washing machine or by hand, and which materials are easy to wash.

Even pillows that look clean at first glance actually have various dirt and grime attached to them. If you leave your pillow unwashed, it can cause odors, mold, and dust mites to grow, so it is recommended to wash your pillow regularly. This article introduces the correct way to wash pillows, reasons to wash them, and recommended items.

Things to Check Before Washing Your Pillow

When washing your pillow, first check the "pillow material" and "weather." Pillows vary in material depending on the product. Since some materials cannot be washed, always check the material before washing. Generally, the types of washable and non-washable materials are as follows:

You can also determine whether an item can be washed from the marks on the laundry care tag. If "Household laundry (washing tub mark)" is indicated, it can be washed.

Also, it takes time for pillows to dry, so pay attention to the weather on the day you wash them. If pillows are used while still damp, mold and dust mites are more likely to occur, so be sure to dry washed pillows thoroughly. It is recommended to wash pillows on a clear, sunny day.

The Correct Way to Wash a Pillow in a Washing Machine

1. Check the laundry care label
2. Remove the pillowcase
3. Pre-wash
4. Place in a laundry net
5. Wash in the washing machine
6. Shape the pillow

Let's explain each step.

1: Check the laundry care label

Pillows have a laundry care tag, so proceed with washing according to the marks. If the washing tub mark has a number, you can wash at or below that temperature. However, if there is one line under the mark, wash with gentle force, and if there are two lines, wash with even gentler force.

Also, if a "hand wash mark" with a hand in the washing tub is displayed, the pillow must be carefully hand-washed. Refer to the "Correct Way to Hand Wash a Pillow" section below for how to hand-wash a pillow. However, if the washing tub mark has an "X", it cannot be washed at home, so ask a cleaning professional to wash it.

2: Remove the pillowcase

Remove the pillowcase. If there is dust or hair on the pillow itself, remove it.

3: Pre-wash

If there are noticeable stains on the pillow itself, pre-wash it. Apply a neutral detergent to the stained area, tap it in with a brush or your hand, then rinse lightly with water to remove the stain.

4: Place in a laundry net

According to the laundry care mark, place the pillow in a laundry net if necessary. Choose a laundry net that fits the size of your pillow.

5: Wash in the washing machine

Place the pillow in the washing machine and select a cycle. When washing pillows, choose a gentle cycle such as hand wash, comforter wash, or delicate cycle. After the spin cycle is complete, remove the pillow.

6: Shape the pillow

If the pillow is out of shape after removing it from the washing machine, gently pat it with your hands to ensure the thickness of the pillow is even.

The Correct Way to Hand Wash a Pillow

If the hand wash mark is indicated on the laundry care tag, hand wash the pillow. The correct steps to hand wash a pillow are as follows:

1. Check the laundry care label
2. Remove the pillowcase
3. Apply neutral detergent
4. Dissolve neutral detergent in water
5. Knead wash
6. Change water and rinse
7. Spin dry

Let's explain each step.

1: Check the laundry care label

Check the laundry care tag; if the "hand wash mark" with a hand in the wash tub is indicated, hand wash the item.

2: Remove the pillowcase

As with machine washing, remove the pillowcase and remove any dust or hair from the pillow itself.

3: Apply neutral detergent

If there are noticeable stains on the pillow itself, applying a neutral detergent to the stained area beforehand will make it easier to remove the stains.

4: Dissolve neutral detergent in water

Fill a washbasin or bucket with water or lukewarm water, add neutral detergent, and dissolve it. If the pillow is large, filling the bathtub with water will make the process easier.

5: Knead wash

Submerge the pillow in the liquid. Knead wash from the edges towards the center to allow the neutral detergent to penetrate the pillow. Do this gently to avoid damaging the material.

6: Change water and rinse

Change the water in the container 3 to 4 times and rinse the pillow under running water until no more detergent suds come out.

7: Spin dry

After rinsing, drain the water from the pillow. Squeezing the pillow may damage the material, so press the pillow with both hands to push out the water. Once no more water comes out, wipe off any remaining moisture with a bath towel, reshape the pillow, and hang it to dry.

The Correct Way to Dry a Pillow

Pillow materials vary in whether they are suitable for sun drying or shade drying, so dry your pillow using the method appropriate for its material.

We will explain the types of materials suitable for sun drying and shade drying, and how to dry them.

Sun drying

Polyethylene resin (pipes), polyester batting, and buckwheat hulls are suitable for sun drying. When sun drying, reshape the pillow evenly and hang it in a sunny spot, drying one side at a time. Overexposure to UV rays can cause discoloration, but this can be prevented by covering it with a thin cloth. When taking it in, reshape the pillow again.

Shade drying

Urethane foam and down are suitable for shade drying. When shade drying, reshape the pillow evenly and hang it in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Once it is thoroughly dry, reshape the pillow again before bringing it in.

Reasons to Wash Your Pillow

Pillows become very dirty with sweat and sebum, so regular washing is important.

Healthy adults sweat about a cup overnight, and this sweat can cause bacteria to grow in pillows, leading to unpleasant odors and acne. Additionally, sebum and dandruff from hair and the head can accumulate and become food for dust mites, causing them to proliferate.

Washing your pillow to remove these sweat and sebum stains can prevent the growth of bacteria and the proliferation of dust mites. It can also wash away dust mite carcasses and droppings, which helps reduce allergy risks.

Pillow Materials and Their Characteristics

Pillows are made from a variety of materials, and their characteristics differ greatly depending on the material. We will explain the characteristics of the following six common pillow materials.

Polyethylene Resin (Pipes)

Materials filled with elongated polyethylene resin pipes are lightweight and highly breathable, making them easy to wash. They also have the advantage of drying quickly, making them easy to keep clean.

Polyester Fiber

Polyester fiber is a material made from polyester fibers. It is lightweight and highly breathable. It dries quickly and is easy to wash, offering the advantage of easy maintenance.

Urethane Foam

Pillows made of urethane foam quickly lose their shape and have a short lifespan of 2-3 years. Washing them with water may accelerate their deterioration, so it is best to avoid washing them with water.

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) does not use fibrous materials like cotton, so it produces less dust and can be washed with water, making it hygienic. It is also highly durable due to its high density and excellent breathability.

Feather

Feather pillows are generally not recommended for washing. However, partial washing is possible, and some products can be fully washed. Feather pillows are classified as either feather or down pillows based on the ratio of feathers to down. Pillows with a feather ratio of 51% or more are considered "feather pillows," while those with less than 50% feathers are treated as down pillows.

Buckwheat Hulls

Buckwheat hulls are a natural material made from dried buckwheat seeds. While they have excellent moisture absorption, absorbing too much water can lead to deterioration. Therefore, washing is not possible, and neither full washing nor spot cleaning is recommended.

Features of the Brain Sleep Pillow, an Easy-to-Wash Pillow

The "Brain Sleep Pillow" offered by Brain Sleep is a polyethylene resin pillow uniquely developed based on sleep medicine. It combines ease of care with sleeping comfort and is a more functional pillow compared to general polyethylene resin pillows.

*Comfort may vary depending on the material and bedding environment such as mattresses.

Clean and easy to wash with a shower

The material of the Brain Sleep Pillow is designed to resist dirt penetration and prevent mold and dust mites. Therefore, it can be kept clean by simply rinsing it with a shower about once every three months.

Cool your brain for faster, deeper sleep

During sleep, people actively radiate heat and lower their body temperature to improve sleep quality. The Brain Sleep Pillow is made of over 90% air pockets, giving it excellent breathability, which prevents heat and moisture from accumulating in the pillow. This maintains heat dissipation and a comfortable sleep environment.

Achieve a personal fit with patented technology

The unique 3-layer, 9-gradient structure allows the pillow to gradually conform to the size of your head and your sleeping posture. As you continue to sleep on it, it adjusts to you, providing the ultimate fit.

Embrace Washable Pillows for a Comfortable Sleep Environment

Pillows accumulate various impurities such as sweat, sebum, and saliva. If these accumulate, they can cause bacteria, mold, and dust mites to grow, leading to unpleasant odors and allergies, so regular pillow washing is desirable. Switch to a washable pillow to create a comfortable sleep environment.