Pillows are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites, as well as collecting dead skin, drool, and sweat. Regular cleaning helps eliminate these irritating agents and leaves your pillow smelling fresher.
Thankfully, many pillows can be machine washed. Some even come with a cover or mesh bag to make cleaning them easier.
Machine Washing
Pillow pets require gentle washing with a good washing machine to get clean, but be careful. Too much detergent or vigorously throwing it around the washer can damage the pillow pet; instead, load up with laundry that has similar colors and uses minimal amounts of detergent.
When it’s time to wash your pillow, read the label carefully for instructions on the best method of cleansing it. Typically, cold water and mild detergent on a delicate cycle is sufficient; some machines even offer “quick wash” options for lightly-soiled items or steam/sanitizing cycles for improved stain removal.
Before washing the pillow, be sure to take its cover off in order to protect it from water damage. Alternatively, if there’s no removable cover available, pre-treat any stains or odors with a spot-cleaning solution before machine washing the pillow.
Once your pillow has been thoroughly cleansed, rinse it in cool water to eliminate any remaining soap. Doing this will guarantee that your pet pillow stays fresh and scented to perfection!
The next step is to dry your pillow pet. Do this outdoors, in a well-ventilated area without direct sunlight. Avoid placing it inside the dryer as this could expose it to excessive heat which could harm its fur.
Once your pillow is completely dry, it’s time to fold it back into its cover and replace the pillowcase. Doing this helps prevent stains from returning, while also maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
Spot-cleaning your pillow’s fabric should be easy with a mild detergent and cloth. However, if the dirt is very deep-down, professional cleaners may be needed for effective removal.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is one of the most efficient methods for eliminating germs that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone wash their hands at least once daily, regardless of whether they have an infection. Furthermore, handwashing provides a convenient way to prevent illnesses or infections that could spread between individuals.
Germs can get onto our hands from various activities, such as using the bathroom, changing a diaper, handling raw meat or cleaning up after others. It is especially important to wash our hands after we cough, sneeze or touch an infected object.
When washing your hands, opt for either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If unsure which soap to use, check the label or consult a healthcare professional for recommendations.
Pillow pets can be washed in the washer if they’re small enough to fit, but be sure to read their manufacturer’s care tag first. Many pillows can be machine-washed; however, others may need to be steamed or dried by hand.
When machine-washing your pillow pet, the ideal approach is to select the gentlest cycle on your washer. Doing this helps avoid oversaturating the fabric which could damage it. Furthermore, opt for a detergent with low suds levels so as not to overpower your pillow pet with too much soap.
Once the wash cycle is complete, squeeze out excess water to prevent dripping and mildewing. Additionally, gently patting down the fabric afterward helps ensure no excess liquid remains on it.
Surface Washing
One of the best ways to clean your pillow pet is by surface washing it. This simple yet effective method eliminates dirt and stains that may be difficult to remove from stuffed animals.
To wash a stuffed animal, fill a sink or bucket with cool water and add a mild detergent. Gently swish the toy around in this soapy water, rinsing off any dirt as you go. Finally, let air dry your toy.
The process is remarkably straightforward and can be completed in no time at all. All that’s necessary is a cloth or towel and some cleaning solution.
You can use a standard household cleaner to surface wash your pillow pet, but for even better results you might want to consider using an EQ Solutions product designed specifically for stuffed toys. These cleaning solutions contain surfactants that penetrate hard-to-reach places and break down dirt and grime on the toy.
Rinsing with this detergent makes it easier to rinse away dirt and grime, helping prevent the build-up of mold and mildew. After you have finished cleansing your stuffed animal with this detergent, be sure to wipe it down with a clean cloth to get rid of any remaining residue.
Though not as fast as machine washing, this method provides thorough cleaning for your stuffed animal. Use this method to keep your beloved toy looking like new for years to come!
When surface washing stuffed animals, it’s essential to avoid applying too much force. Doing so can damage fabric or color as well as cause them to lose their shape or crumble.
Dry Cleaning
Pillow pets make great sleep companions, but they need regular grooming to stay looking their best. Regularly washing your pillow pet helps remove minor stains and keeps it squeaky clean and ready for playtime.
Pillow Pets are usually washable in the washer, but some require handwashing. If your pillow pet requires this step, use a sink or basin to gently cleanse it and then let air dry naturally.
Begin by filling your sink or basin with cold water and adding a small amount of detergent. Doing this will prevent the fabric and stuffing from getting too hot while you are surface washing your pillow pet.
Once you’ve mixed the detergent into the water, gently surface wash your pillow pet by submerging it in the solution. Be gentle as you agitate and squeeze as you clean to loosen any dirt or fur on its fur.
Once you have cleaned your pillow pet, be sure to thoroughly rinse away any washing solution. This is essential to prevent mildew buildup. Additionally, be sure to wring it dry so there is no excess water left behind.