How to Sanitize Pillows After COVID?

How to Sanitize Pillows After COVID?

If you’re recovering from COVID-19 or want to maintain a healthy sleeping environment, knowing how to sanitize your pillows is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your pillows are clean, fresh, and safe to use.

Quick Answer: To sanitize pillows after COVID, machine wash them on the hottest setting with detergent and bleach (if safe for the fabric), then dry thoroughly on high heat. For non-washable pillows, use a disinfectant spray and air dry in sunlight.

Why Sanitizing Pillows Matters

Pillows are more than just comfort items – they’re potential breeding grounds for viruses, bacteria, and allergens. After a bout with COVID-19, thoroughly cleaning your pillows isn’t just about freshness; it’s a vital step in preventing reinfection and maintaining overall health.

I learned this the hard way. After recovering from COVID, I diligently cleaned every surface in my home but overlooked my pillows. A week later, I started experiencing allergy-like symptoms. It dawned on me that my pillows might be the culprit. After a thorough sanitizing session, my sleep quality improved dramatically, and those pesky symptoms vanished.

Gathering Your Cleaning Arsenal

Before diving into the sanitizing process, make sure you have these items on hand:

• Laundry detergent (preferably unscented for sensitive skin)
• Bleach (if your pillow’s care label allows)
• Disinfectant spray (for non-washable pillows)
• Baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
• Protective gloves
• Tennis balls or dryer balls

The Step-by-Step Sanitizing Process

1. Check the Care Label

First things first – always check the care label on your pillows. This small tag contains valuable information about washing instructions and fabric care. Some pillows are machine washable, while others require dry cleaning or spot cleaning only. Ignoring these instructions could lead to damaged pillows or ineffective cleaning.

2. Pre-treat Stains

If your pillows have visible stains, it’s best to tackle them before the main wash. Mix a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. For tougher stains, you might need a commercial stain remover. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

3. Machine Washing

For machine-washable pillows, follow these steps:

1. Load two pillows into the washing machine to balance the load. If you only have one pillow to wash, add a few towels to balance it out.
2. Add a normal amount of detergent. If your pillows are white and the care label allows, add 1/2 cup of bleach for extra disinfecting power.
3. Set the machine to the hottest water temperature the care label permits. Hot water is more effective at killing viruses and bacteria.
4. Use the gentle or delicate cycle to prevent excessive agitation, which can damage the pillows.
5. Once the cycle is complete, run the pillows through an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent and bleach are thoroughly removed.

4. Drying Your Pillows

Proper drying is crucial to prevent mold and mildew growth:

1. Place the pillows in the dryer along with a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls. These will help fluff the pillows and prevent clumping.
2. Set the dryer to the highest heat setting allowed by the care label.
3. Dry the pillows completely. This may take more than one cycle, so be patient.
4. Between cycles, remove the pillows and fluff them by hand to redistribute the filling.
5. If your pillows can’t be machine dried, air dry them in a sunny, well-ventilated area. Flip them occasionally to ensure even drying.

5. Handling Non-Washable Pillows

For pillows that can’t go in the washing machine, try this method:

1. Start by vacuuming the pillow thoroughly using the upholstery attachment. Pay extra attention to seams and crevices where dust and allergens can hide.
2. Spray all surfaces of the pillow with a disinfectant spray. Make sure to cover the entire pillow evenly.
3. Let the disinfectant sit for the time recommended on the product label, usually about 10 minutes.
4. Place the pillow in direct sunlight for several hours. UV rays have natural disinfecting properties.
5. Once completely dry, vacuum the pillow again to remove any remaining particles.

Maintaining Clean Pillows

Now that your pillows are sanitized, let’s talk about keeping them clean:

• Use pillow protectors. These zippered covers act as a barrier against sweat, oils, and allergens. Wash them weekly with your sheets.
• Vacuum your pillows weekly. This quick step can significantly reduce dust and allergen buildup.
• Air out your pillows regularly. On a sunny day, place your pillows outside for a few hours. The fresh air and sunlight can help eliminate odors and moisture.
• Replace your pillows every 1-2 years. Over time, pillows accumulate dead skin cells, dust mites, and other allergens that can’t be completely removed by washing.

The Science Behind Pillow Sanitization

Understanding why these methods work can help you appreciate the importance of thorough sanitization:

• Heat: High temperatures from hot water and dryers can effectively kill most viruses and bacteria, including the coronavirus.
• Detergents: The surfactants in detergents break down the lipid (fat) layer of viruses, essentially destroying them.
• Bleach: A powerful disinfectant that can kill a wide range of pathogens.
• UV light: Sunlight’s ultraviolet rays have natural disinfecting properties, damaging the genetic material of microorganisms.

When to Seek Professional Help

While most pillows can be safely cleaned at home, there are instances when professional cleaning might be necessary:

• If your pillows are made of delicate materials like silk or wool
• If you’re dealing with severe contamination or stubborn stains
• If you have allergies or respiratory issues and want to ensure thorough sanitization

Professional cleaning services often use high-temperature steam cleaning or other specialized methods that can provide a deeper clean.

The Environmental Impact of Pillow Sanitization

While sanitizing your pillows is crucial for health reasons, it’s also important to consider the environmental impact of your cleaning methods:

• Use eco-friendly, biodegradable detergents when possible
• Opt for natural disinfectants like white vinegar or tea tree oil for regular maintenance
• Consider using a high-efficiency washing machine to reduce water usage
• When it’s time to replace your pillows, look for recycling options in your area

Wrapping Up: Sweet Dreams on Clean Pillows

Sanitizing your pillows after COVID-19 is an important step in creating a healthy sleep environment. By following these steps, you’re not just cleaning your pillows – you’re investing in your health and well-being.

Remember, a clean pillow isn’t just about fighting viruses. It can improve your sleep quality, reduce allergies, and contribute to overall better health. So, make pillow sanitization a regular part of your cleaning routine, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with resting your head on a truly clean pillow.

Have you sanitized your pillows recently? If not, why not start today? Your future self will thank you for the cleaner, healthier sleep you’re about to enjoy. Sweet dreams!