Is It Safe To Put Pillows In The Dryer Or Are You Making A Big Mistake?

While washing your pillows often, or at least two times per year, is crucial to staying hygienic, thoroughly drying them is just as important. If they're not dried properly, pillows can harbor moisture, which can lead to mold or mildew growth. This mold could cause an allergic reaction and make you sick, so always look out for dead giveaways that your pillow is filled with mold. To avoid this problem, you should also ensure your pillows are completely dry after they've been washed, and you may wonder if they can be placed in the dryer. Fortunately, most types of pillows are safe to dry in this appliance. However, foam types can never be put in the dryer and instead must be air-dried to avoid creating a safety hazard.

Furthermore, before you throw your pillows into the dryer without a second thought, it's crucial to read the care instructions on your pillow's label. You also need to know how to safely and effectively dry your pillows in the dryer, as you can't use just any setting. Discover what types of pillows can go in the dryer, the right way to dry them in this appliance, and what to do if your pillow is made out of foam.

As stated, most pillows can be placed in the dryer. This includes feather-filled options, down types, and synthetic-slash-polyester pillows. It's best to throw them in the dryer as soon as possible after they're done in the wash to avoid mildew growth. Also keep in mind that two normal-sized pillows should be dried together to keep the appliance balanced. Once you remove your pillows from the washing machine, give them a little fluff to equally distribute their contents. Then, place them in the dryer with either wool dryer balls or tennis balls, which can speed up the drying process and keep the feathers, down, or polyester from clumping.

Next, you'll need to choose the right setting. The best options include no, low, or medium heat and either a tumble dry or gentle setting. Then, you can start the dryer. Every 20-30 minutes, check to see how dry they are and fluff them as needed. Keep in mind that they may need to go through multiple cycles to remove every trace of moisture. Down pillows are also likely to take longer to dry than polyester ones. If you're still concerned about interior moisture even after the outside of the pillows feel dry, you can set them out in the sun on a non-humid day.

While you can follow this procedure with feather, down, and polyester-filled pillows, foam types should never be placed in the dryer. This includes memory foam and latex options, which are often made out of a solid piece of foam instead of a filling. These types can't be placed in the dryer because they're flammable, so they pose a safety risk. Furthermore, keep in mind that memory foam pillows need to be cleaned by hand instead of in the washer, as they could get damaged in the appliance.

Therefore, once you've washed your foam pillows by hand, you'll need to let them air dry instead of putting them in the dryer. To do this, begin by gently squeezing out as much water as you can with clean towels, then place the pillows on a drying rack so they have air circulation on every side. You can also flip them over regularly. Placing them outside on a dry, sunny day is also a great idea, as this will speed up the process. Alternatively, if you don't want to go through the hassle of cleaning and drying your pillows, you can bring them to the dry cleaners instead.