Drying a pillow without a tumble dryer
Drying a pillow without a tumble dryer – here's how!
Many of us know how good a clean, fresh pillow feels under our heads. But what about when the pillow needs washing? How can you dry it without a tumble dryer so that it does not remain damp and musty? In this post, I share tips and advice on drying a pillow without a tumble dryer – and making sure it becomes fluffy and comfortable again.
Why is drying a pillow important?
When you wash your pillow, a lot of water often remains in the filling after washing, making the pillow heavy and difficult to dry. If the pillow does not dry properly, moisture can lead to unpleasant odours, mould and a build-up of bacteria, which is of course not good for your health. This is why it is important to dry the pillow thoroughly.
Step 1: Squeeze out excess water
Start by squeezing out as much water as possible by hand. Avoid wringing and twisting the pillow so that the filling is not damaged or clumped together. Gently press the pillow inside a towel. You can also place the pillow between towels and step on it, allowing your weight to help remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Dry flat in an airy place
Good ventilation is key when drying a pillow. Lay the pillow on a flat surface, such as a drying rack or a clean towel. If you have the opportunity to dry the pillow outdoors, fresh air will speed up the drying process considerably. However, avoid direct sunlight, as it can weaken the pillow fabric and filling.
Turn the pillow regularly and fluff it slightly so that air can circulate through the filling as well. This way, the pillow dries evenly and retains its fluffiness.
Step 3: Ventilation and additional ways to remove moisture
If the pillow seems to be drying slowly, you can also use a room fan to improve air circulation. Position the fan so that air can circulate evenly around the pillow. This helps remove moisture effectively.
You can also use rolled-up towels: place a rolled towel underneath the pillow and turn the pillow regularly. The rolled towel ensures that air can circulate beneath the pillow as well and speeds up drying.
Step 4: Ensuring it is dry
Drying a pillow takes time, so allow the pillow sufficient time to dry. When it feels almost dry, leave it for a few more hours in an airy place. You can test whether it is dry by pressing the pillow – if you can still feel coolness or moisture, it is not completely dry. Make sure the pillow is fully dry before using it to avoid moisture-related odours and bacteria.
What should be considered with different pillow materials?
• Down pillow: Down pillows require special care, as down can easily clump together.
