Wash or chuck old pillows?

Gers

I remember being told that if your pillow folds in half over your arm then it's time to get rid as it's full of mite poo which weighs it down!

Fire_Fox

dekaspace wrote: »

I forgot to be more clear in original post, I like to put 2 pillows in a case so they are thick as I like a lot of neck support and lie on my side a lot too. this means theres a gap at side of pillowcase, I noticed last night when I went to bed lying back flat I didn't notice any irritation the second I lay on one side my throat and eyes were itchy.
.

It really does sound like you need a different type of/ much more supportive or dense/ different shape pillows. If you cannot properly cover your pillows you have no chance of keeping them clean and healthy.

You were wondering whether to "treat yourself" a little while ago. Why not invest in new bedding that could benefit your health several times over? Improve your sleep quality AND substantially reduce your exposure to allergens. The two are strongly linked via inflammation.

If you need convincing that it is worthwhile, perhaps research the advice from asthma and allergy charities/ healthcare organisations on how often to replace bedding? And perhaps research experts' advice how to best maintain them and extend their life?

BTW thank you. My sofa needs a really thorough clean out, and you have motivated me not to just lie here feeling rubbish . :A

Sayschezza

I buy new pillows every May usually 2 or 4 as they are packed in 2's. I examine all pillows on all beds and throw the worst 2/4 so every one of them gets replaced regularly. I never wash them as it's never successful. I have 1DB and 2 SB so with 2 pillows per side it works quite well. I don't think I would want to sleep on 5yo pillows and by the sound of it yours have gone very flat.

Mistral001

dekaspace wrote: »

I forgot to be more clear in original post, I like to put 2 pillows in a case so they are thick as I like a lot of neck support and lie on my side a lot too. this means theres a gap at side of pillowcase, I noticed last night when I went to bed lying back flat I didn't notice any irritation the second I lay on one side my throat and eyes were itchy.

I have liquid tabs, I normally use white vinegar as a fabric conditioner whats best to wash these with? I have soda crystals and bleach, there is some yellowing on a few pillows but not all.

Maybe the problem is the way you are rinsing the pillows. They are big items and will need a lot of rinsing. Try rinsing them twice and do not put fabric softener in the any of the rinses.

carriebradshaw

I vacuum my pillows every week when I change the pillowcase s using the upholstery attachment on my hoover . I have hay fever and if I don't wash my hair before bed every night in Spring & Summer the pollen from my hair rubs off on the pillows and I get itchy eyes, nose & throat. It's a pain but got to be done. My eyes also swell up and I look like I've been boxing , not a great look 😣

dekaspace

Thanks for all responses sorry obviously due to the allergies (currently got a temp inhaler) not had much chance to sort the pillows yet so will wash them tomorrow.

Norman_Castle

Try oxygen bleach for the stains to either soak or add to the washing machine powder drawer.
I always use pillow protectors which are much easier to wash than pillows. Try using two pillow cases with the openings at opposite ends to hold two pillows.

julie777

I'd say don't make a meal of it.
Synthetic pillows can be washed frequently without problems.
Put 2 in the machine together so the load balances.
They are dry by the evening as long as the air can get around them
or if you are really worried just finish in the tumble dryer.
I don't pay a lot for them.
I wash them every 8 weeks and rarely replace.
BUT we don't have allergies to dust or dust mites.
Most of them have not gone lumpy.
If they do they can be used on the bottom of the stack perhaps.
Stains come out with Ace or Vanish eg. and maybe a prewash.
Best wishes

suki1964

julie777 wrote: »

I'd say don't make a meal of it.
Synthetic pillows can be washed frequently without problems.
Put 2 in the machine together so the load balances.
They are dry by the evening as long as the air can get around them
or if you are really worried just finish in the tumble dryer.
I don't pay a lot for them.
I wash them every 8 weeks and rarely replace.
BUT we don't have allergies to dust or dust mites.
Most of them have not gone lumpy.
If they do they can be used on the bottom of the stack perhaps.
Stains come out with Ace or Vanish eg. and maybe a prewash.
Best wishes

Thats me, I'm not precious about pillows.

I do however use feather and down pillows after years of trying every other type on the market


I prefer feather/down because they are easy washed and dried and don't break down so easy. Plus you can mould them to how you prefer to seep

MrsCorbs

I would urge anyone buying feather/duck down pillows, quilts etc to check on the animal welfare as the birds often suffer terribly in this trade and I personally would never buy them.