Gusseted pillows work like a supportive hug to support your neck and head alignment. No wonder it is a highly recommended bedding item nowadays. After all, who does not want to wake up in a rejuvenated state after a good night’s sleep?
For that, your sleeping environment should be healthy and relaxing. And prepping the bed is always a relaxing session. Now, what if there’s a stain on your pillow?
Is that enough to kill your vibe? No more worries, because here I am going to explain how to clean gusseted pillow stains.
And that is not all. Healthy bedding and a good mood don’t’ only come from proper support and scented candles.
What if I tell you that your gusseted pillows can also smell fresh and call you with a hug of warmth?
Keep reading to learn all the easy steps to do that.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Keeping your gusseted pillows clean is non-negotiable for a healthy and hygienic sleeping environment.
✅ Dust mites and moisture from oil and sweat can cause allergens and bacteria to build up, leading to infections and allergies.
✅ Gusseted pillows can be washed in the washing machine in easy steps. Place one at a time properly, run the gentle cycle with warm water, and dry them in the dryer.
Why Is It Important to Clean Your Gusseted Pillow?
Sleeping on clean pillows falls under the category of hygiene maintenance. Just like the CNN article advises, “Sleeping on an unclean pillow is not only unpleasant, but it can also exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms in those who suffer.”
If this is brand new information for you, let me explain:
- Grows allergens: Going long-term without washing your pillows and pillowcases lets dust, germs, and moisture build up. Reduced oil and sweat from your skin combine with dust mites and cause germ and bacteria buildup.
- Allergies and infection: Besides the external impacts, sleeping on a dirty pillow may cause lung infections or even trigger asthma. You are breathing every night around that for 6-8 hours. This literally means you are sleeping in an unhealthy environment.
- Extended pillow lifespan: This is also a personal concern. I mean, who wants to let go of the pillow you have already become so comfortable with? So, if you want this bond to last for a long time, you must keep it clean.
Extra Caution:
Gusseted pillows’ internal spaces need to stay clean to keep them in shape.
How Often Should You Clean Gusseted Pillows?
As your health and hygiene depend quite actively on your sleeping environment, it is better to maintain a routine.
“Depending on your bedroom environment, your pillows should be washed every 4-6 months, or at least twice a year.”
However, if you sweat more or if your pets sleep with you, then you have to clean your pillows more frequently. It is preferable to wash the pillows every 2-3 months.
Besides, washing your pillow cover is as important as keeping your pillow clean. And this is something you should do more frequently.
As this Wirecutter blog says, “Over time, sweat and oils from your skin make their way through the fibers of your pillowcase and through the outer shell of your pillow to the filling inside.”
So, if you don’t want your pillows to turn yellow over time, wash the pillow protector once every two weeks.
How to Clean Gusseted Pillow Stains in the Washing Machine?
Before you start, thoroughly read the instructions on the tag. Don’t even think of putting them in the washing machine without being sure about the washability, temperature, etc. Otherwise, this may damage your pillow beyond the warranty limit.
You can also clean and disinfect pillows without washing them. If your gusseted pillows are machine washable, then only they will work for you. Some memory foam and latex pillows are not machine washable.
Here’s how:
Loading the Machine
It is a simple step, but you need to know the right way.
- Pre-treat stains: Before you start the cycle, pre-treat any yellow stains or small spills on your pillow. Do it quickly and easily with a mild detergent.
- Load the Machine: Now place the entire pillow properly in the washing machine, just like you comfortably rest your head on it. Make sure to keep it in shape and check that the edges don’t get folded because of extra pressure.
Expert Advice:
It is recommended to wash one pillow at a time. There is no need to fit and damage your pillows.
Running the Machine
When I said “follow the steps” properly, I meant it.
To wash the pillows in the washing machine, you need to be careful about setting the mode and temperature. Here are the steps to run the cycle, get a clean wash, and receive a pillow looking brand new:
- Select the right settings: This is the most important step. First, set your washing machine on a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Temperature: You need warm or hot water. For fiberfill and down feather pillows, set the water temperature to 90-105°F or 32-40°C. Solid foam pillows need to be washed in normal water with no heat cycle. If the care tag says, hand wash them separately.
- Add Detergent: Use gentle laundry detergent and use it according to the size and material of your pillow. Don’t use fabric softeners or bleach. This may damage them for good.
- Run the Cycle: Add clean tennis balls or dryer balls with down and fiberfill pillows to run the cycle. This helps maintain the shape and firmness.
Drying the Pillow
Once the cycle is done, it’s time to take out the freshly washed pillows and put them in the dryer.
- Dry on Low Heat: Set your dryer in low heat mode. Add tennis balls or dryer balls to maintain your pillows’ firmness.
- Monitor Carefully: While the dryer does its work, observe carefully. Because, in most cases, the pillows take longer to dry than other laundry items because of the internal materials.
- Remove Immediately: Remove your pillow from the dryer immediately after it is done. And even by mistake, don’t leave it for the day. This may cause mildew or allergen build-up from the internal damp atmosphere.
- Air Dry: If your pillow still doesn’t feel properly dried and fresh after getting it out of the machine, air-dry it. However, make sure to do it in a well-ventilated, clean space in your home, or, at best, dry it under the sun if you have that access. Fluff it up to get back to regular shape.
Besides machine washing, there are some more common ways of washing gusseted pillows. Now, I am going to explain them step by step.
How to Clean the Pillows in the Bathtub?
You can easily wash your gusseted pillow in a bathtub.
How? Give it a thorough wash with the following steps:
- Prepare the bath: First, fill your bathtub with warm water. Now mix a mild detergent in the water.
- Merge the Pillow: Put the pillow in that mixture to soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Now, rinse the pillow, drain the mixture, and fill the tub again with clean, lukewarm water. Repeat this until your pillow is fully clean.
- Dry Properly: Time to dry your pillow. First, gently squeeze out excess water. You need to be extra careful to avoid any extra pressure.
Now, let your pillows dry. You can either put them in the dryer or air-dry them using the previously explained method.
How to Spot Clean Gusseted Pillow Stains?
An easy method to clean small stains off gusseted pillows is to spot-clean them. You can easily clean the stain or do it between washes.
And for the best part: it doesn’t take much time either.
Here are the simple steps to spot-cleaning pillows:
- Blot the Stain: To start, first, take a clean cloth and dab the stain gently. Avoid rubbing, as it spreads the stain, making it harder to remove.
- Apply Mild Soap Solution: Now, make a mixture with a small amount of mild soap and water. This time, dab the stain with this solution.
- Blot the Soap: Again, take a damp cloth and blot the soapy mix off the stain.
- Air Dry: Air-dry the area before using.
How to Clean Yellow Gusseted Pillows?
Reduced extra oil and sweat usually turn the pillow a bit yellowish over time. This is how you can clean them:
- Pre-treat Stains: First, make a mixture of baking soda and water or use a laundry pre-treatment solution. Apply it to the yellow areas.
- Wash in Warm Water: Machine wash your pillow with warm water. Set the cycle in delicate mode.
- Let It Dry: The best option is to air-dry it in the sunlight. Sun rays can help kill all germs and allergens. If that is not possible, then air dry it in a clean space or put your pillows in the dryer.
How to Deodorize Gusseted Pillows?
You should deodorize the gusseted pillows to keep them smelling fresh.
Here’s how:
- Sprinkle Baking Soda: First, lightly sprinkle the baking soda over the entire pillow surface. Wait for a few hours.
- Vacuum Out: Now, vacuum out the baking soda completely.
- Essential Oils: To keep your pillow always smelling nice and fresh, pour a small amount of essential oil on a cotton ball. Afterward, keep it inside the pillowcase.
When to Replace a Gusseted Pillow?
No matter how comfy you get with your gusseted pillow, there always comes a time to let go. This is the best practice for your health, hygiene, and posture.
How to understand? Well, look out for the below signs:
- Lost Support: Pillows get lumpy over time. At some point, it can no longer provide the proper support. If this is the case, then it’s time for a replacement.
- Persistent Odor: It is natural to grow a damp environment on your pillow’s internal surface. Also, the materials inside the pillow grow old over time, smelling weird. If this happens, cleaning will not help. Another valid reason to say goodbye to your gusseted pillows.
- Every 1-2 Years: Lastly, it is recommended to replace and change your gusseted pillows every 1-2 years, depending on their condition. Even if it still seems to be in the right condition, the ideal call is to let go of it.
Concluding Words
Gusseted pillows ensure proper head-to-neck alignment and work like a health support. And, as we all know, health and hygiene go hand in hand. So, keeping your pillows clean is non-negotiable.
I have elaborately explained various ways to wash gusseted pillows. I have also got you instructions for special cases, like how to clean gusseted pillow stains. One last suggestion, follow these strictly, like non-negotiables.
Wishing you a good night’s sleep, mate!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you wash a gusset pillow?
To wash a gusseted pillow in the washer, first read the care tag. Run a gentle cycle with hot water. Air-dry the pillow or dry it in the dryer.
Is it safe to wash gusseted pillows in the washing machine?
It is usually safe; however, if the care tag says otherwise, then you should act accordingly.
Can gusseted pillows be washed in the washing machine?
Usually, gusseted pillows can be washed in the washing machine, following the care tag. Hence, the best practice is always to check the tag before first washing the pillows.
Can you put gusseted pillows in the dryer?
Yes, there should be no harm in drying the gusseted pillows in the dryer. You must set the dryer in low heat mode. And use dryer balls or tennis balls to maintain firmness.
