Monday, January 11, 2021

FEATHER PILLOW: TIPS FOR PROPER CARE

 FEATHER PILLOW: TIPS FOR PROPER CARE

How to wash a feather pillow

Having a good pillow is a key factor for daily rest. This is why they must be properly cared for, even more so in the case of feather pillows  because they are a natural product. These pillows stand out for their durability and softness, a fact that leads them to be preferred by many people. If you are one of those who have chosen a feather pillow, it is essential to know how to wash it.

- FEATHER PILLOW: TIPS FOR PROPER CARE and Pillows Product

Washing feather or down pillows is easy, in fact you can make them as fluffy as when they were new, something that you will not get with synthetics. First of all, you need to read the label, but as a general rule you can wash the duck feather pillow in the washing machine, they will be perfect if you follow our advice!

It is one of the many benefits of the incredible natural materials that our feather pillows are filled with. They are not only special for the comfort and softness that we love, but also for their easy maintenance.

Their alternative, synthetic pillows, have the great problem of being difficult to maintain since you can often damage it when washing it. Many people fear to wash it and for that reason they end up sleeping on a dirty pillow for years until they give up and buy a new one. In the case of any other clothing this would be unthinkable, right?
Keeping your pillows clean is not only good for you, but also to extend their life.

The key to washing your pillows is to rinse and dry them according to their thickness and density.

Tips for washing feather or down pillows in the washing machine

  • Label:  Read the label and check that it can be put in the washing machine.
  • Preparation:  remove the pillow from the cover and the protector (if you have one). Check that there are no holes. If you find any, sew them so that the pillow does not spoil during washing.
  • Quantity: it  is advisable to put two pillows in the washing machine. In this way, the drum will be more balanced and the pillows will come out of the spin cycle better.
  • Soap:  Use a mild soap without additives in liquid, the washing powder may leave a lot of residue
  • Water temperature:  it is recommended to use warm or cold water so that the feathers are not damaged. If you want you can use hot water on occasion to kill the mites that may be inside the pillow.
  • Rinse:  Add an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the soap is gone.
  • Spin speed - use the fastest speed your washer has to remove as much moisture as possible


Some extra tips:

  • Whitening:  if you want to bleach the pillow, always use a non-chlorine bleach
  • Fabric Softener:  the manufacturers do NOT recommend using them because they can cover the natural softness of the down or feathers.


How to dry a feather pillow

When drying a feather pillow, you need to make sure that they don't have too much moisture. If you see that there is still some moisture, you can squeeze the pillow with a towel. To do this, place the pillow between two towels and press it between them. This will allow the excess water to disappear.

As mentioned above, make sure the pillow can be tumbled dry. If you cannot or prefer not to use the dryer, it is advisable to let the pillow air dry, in a flat place and avoid moving them until they are completely dry.

Tips for Tumble Drying Feather or Down Pillows

If, on the contrary, you prefer to use the dryer, the ideal will be a gentle cycle.

  • Temperature:  You can choose to dry at a high temperature or one at a cold temperature. Keep in mind that a high temperature will help you dry them faster, but can damage the feathers. Conversely, cold drying will make them take longer to dry, but will be safer.
  • Drying time:  be patient, drying may take several cycles depending on the machine.
  • Agglomerates or odors: The most important thing when drying a down or feather pillow is to dry it completely to avoid mold. If it becomes caked or smells funny (bad), it will be a sign that it is not yet dry.
  • Dry test:  To avoid the previous step, always do a last test to the touch by squeezing the pillow well. It is always better to err for more drying time than for less.


Some extra tips:
Use tennis balls or drying:  One tip that will help you keep feather pillows fluffy is the use of drying balls. If you don't have, you can use tennis balls. Place them on top of the pillow and let them accompany your pillows in drying. If you want to add a bonus to drying, also introduce a thick towel. In this way you will eliminate excess water on your pillows.
Refresh your pillow:  if you want to give it extra freshness, you can use dryer sheets during drying.

To get them fluffy like the first day, once you take the pillows out of the dryer, grab them by the corners and shake them. Then put some clean covers on them. It is very important that you never use the pillows if there is any moisture left as the feathers could rot or create mold.

How often do you have to wash feather pillows?

The recommended frequency is six months but this will depend a lot on the person. Why? Our pillows fill with skin cells, dirt and dander just like our beds. It is the reality of our bodies every day, in addition they also collect sweat and even saliva that can spoil our pillow. Of course, using pillowcases helps as they will capture most of these "downsides." The pillow protector can easily wash your sheets together but do not forget to extend the life of your pillow have to wash it .

Maintenance and cleaning of memory foam pillows

 Maintenance and cleaning of memory foam pillows

At Colchones.es we usually place great emphasis on the importance of a good mattress that meets our needs. But, to complete and have a good rest, the mattress must go hand in hand with its inseparable companion, the pillow. In today's post we will talk about them, and in particular those made with memory foam , we will see how to take care of them and clean them so that they remain in perfect condition for longer. We will talk about the maintenance and cleaning of memory foam pillows.

- Maintenance and cleaning of memory foam pillows and Pillows Product

In a previous article, a cleaning expert Pablo Cartagena, responsible for La Colada laundries, gave us cleaning tips to take care of and keep pillows as new. As there are many of you who have asked us more about memory foam pillows and seeing that they are one of our star products , we have decided to write about their care and cleaning.


Memory foam is a highly adaptable material, which eliminates the pressure of the resting surface on the body, thus allowing it to remain in an optimal and healthy position for longer. The memory foam pillows generate a great sensation of relaxation , and allow the head, neck and shoulder muscles to rest comfortably during sleep hours.

But to feel all these properties it is necessary to keep the pillow in good condition. Just like we wash the sheets, the mattress cover, the duvet…, it is necessary to wash the alomahadas. But beware, memory foam pillows, specifically their core does not accept machine washing , if it gets too wet, memory foam can lose its properties, including its memory effect, which makes it regain its original shape once the weight disappears. that is exerted on it.

This fact does not mean that none of its parts can be washed, since the cover that covers the pillow must be cleaned , in this way we will avoid the accumulation of humidity inside, favoring the appearance of mites. Remember that we spend between 6 and 8 hours breathing on them every day. Dirt accumulates!

When washing the cover, it is very important to see the cleaning instructions that appear on the label . On our Colchones.es website, this information is available on each product family -previous image- and we expand it in the pillow file as you can see in the following screenshot belonging to the Belnou Viscoplus pillow .

There are certain occasions that will require a more thorough wash . For example, if we have small children who can vomit, spill liquids, ... we have no choice but to wash. Our recommendation is to do it by hand, prepare a container with warm water and mild soap or a little mild detergent. Use a clean cloth, moisten it, drain it well, and rub and clean the pillow, making circular movements. Afterwards it is important to dry it with a clean towel. Leave it on a flat surface, without humidity so that it dries well. We can also use the vacuum cleaner with care.

In any case, it is very important to use a good protective cover , which can be made of tencel fabric that is 100% waterproof and breathable. We hope this information is useful to you. Do not hesitate to ask us any questions in case of doubt. Our toll-free customer service telephone number 900.701.086 has its lines open from Monday to Friday from 8 am. at 20 pm ..

Sunday, January 10, 2021

How to care for down pillows and duvets

 How to care for down pillows and duvets

How to care for cushions and duvets? Feather pillows and duvets are a luxury on cold winter nights, but they also require special care. The rule of thumb is: While this can be a nightmare for OCD sufferers or hypochondriacs, the rule of thumb is: the less you clean the duvet or pillow, the longer it will last. All you need to do is follow these steps to ensure continued comfortable nights with a reliable down pillow.

- How to care for down pillows and duvets and Pillows Product

Caring for a feather pillow.

Cover your pillow with a cover at all times. This will keep it free of dust, dirt, and body oils.

Buy a zippered pillow cover for an extra layer of protection under your pillowcase. This will also help those who have allergies.

Clean the pillowcase and cover regularly to keep the pillow fresh.

Wash or dry clean the pillow annually.

Locate and treat any stains before washing your pillow if you are going to machine wash it.

Wash the pillow in cold water with a detergent that has a degreaser to remove oils. Follow the pillow manufacturer's directions for using specific detergents.

Very gently squeeze excess water from the pillow after washing.

Tumble dry the pillow on the lowest setting, put a tennis ball with the pillow so the filling moves as it dries.

Store your pillow in a dry, well-ventilated room or closet when you're not using it to prevent mold.

Caring for a down comforter

Put a cover over the duvet to protect it from dust, dirt, and body oils.

Shake your comforter weekly to prevent the feathers from clumping together.

Ventilate the comforter from time to time to keep it cool. Hang it on a clothesline or wave it out a window.

Take your duvet to a dry cleaner every three to five years if you decide not to wash it at home.

Use a laundry room with oversized washing machines if you have a large duvet, if you decide to wash it that way.

Locate and treat any stains before washing.

Wash your duvet in cold water with a detergent that has a degreaser to remove the oils.

Very gently squeeze the excess water out of the comforter.

Tumble dry the comforter on low with a tennis ball to allow the filling to dry on the move.

Store the duvet in a dry, well-ventilated closet or room when you're not using it to prevent mold.

How to take care of the Down Pillow

 How to take care of the Down Pillow

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE AND STORAGE OF PILLOWS AND DOWN TOPPER


- How to take care of the Down Pillow and Pillows Product

  • - Always use a 100% natural fabric pillowcase or mattress.
  • - When you make the bed, move the pillow very well to revitalize the filling and distribute it correctly.
  • - Washing is not favorable for the performance of the pillow and topper or for preserving the properties of the filling or fabric. If it is necessary to wash, you can do it by hand or by machine with a mild soap and a mild program. Put two or three tennis balls in the washing machine so that it does not cake and is better distributed.
  • - Drying is very important, for this reason it is advisable to use a dryer on a low temperature cycle.


HOW TO WASH AND CARE FOR YOUR MEMORY FOAM PILLOW?

 HOW TO WASH AND CARE FOR YOUR MEMORY FOAM PILLOW?

WHAT IS A MEMORY FOAM PILLOW?

Memory foam is a material that NASA created decades ago. It is composed of a foam base and is a material used today in countless everyday objects, including the pillow.

- HOW TO WASH AND CARE FOR YOUR MEMORY FOAM PILLOW and Pillows Product

ADVANTAGES OF USING A MEMORY FOAM PILLOW

The use of this type of pillows has become very popular in recent years due to the wide variety of benefits it brings to people's physical and psychological rest. And it is one of the best options if what you are looking for is to sleep in a pleasant way.

  • They have greater firmness : the firmness of a pillow is related to the density of the material, which may vary depending on the manufacturer. That is why it is easier to find a good density in a memory foam pillow than in one made of another material.
  • Its adaptability is better : these pillows adapt better to the shape of the body (neck and head) thanks to the material with which they are made.
  • They are hypoallergenic : this material usually has a treatment against the microorganisms that accumulate on the pillows due to the skin and hair, making them safer for health.
  • Breathability : The memory foam repertoire has different varied models to improve its performance on hot nights. Products such as Perforated Viscoelastic , Carbon Active Pillow or Viscoelastic with Ice-Feel fabric favor its breathability.


HOW TO WASH YOUR MEMORY FOAM PILLOW?

If you are wondering how to wash your memory foam pillow, you should know that it cannot be washed. Washing your memory foam pillow in a washing machine would end up breaking down the memory foam material , but you have alternatives. One of the most recurrent is to accompany the pillow with a cover and wash it every week.

The pillowcase is an important addition to your pillow. One of the most recommended is the Tencel Breathable Cover , which protects your pillow from liquids and other residues. Tencel stands out for its impermeability and for isolating the pillow from residues that threaten its durability and useful life.

How to take care of your pillow and padding

 How to take care of your pillow and padding

How to care for a feather pillow

  • Cover your pillow with a cover at all times. This will keep it free of dust, dirt, and body oils.
  • Buying a zippered pillowcase will protect your pillow a bit more.
  • By cleaning your pillowcase and cover regularly, you will keep it fresh.


- How to take care of your pillow and padding and Pillows Product

Wash or dry clean your pillow annually.

  • Locate and treat any stains before washing your pillow if you are going to machine wash it.
  • Wash the pillow in cold water with a detergent that has a degreaser to remove oils.
  • Very gently squeeze excess water from the pillow after washing.
  • Tumble dry the pillow on the lowest setting, put a tennis ball with the pillow to let the filling move as it dries
  • Store your pillow in a dry, well-ventilated room or closet when you're not using it to prevent mold.


How to care for a down comforter

  • It is a good idea to put a funon over the comforter to protect it from dust, dirt and body oils.
  • Shake your duvet weekly to remove dust.
  • Ventilate the comforter from time to time to keep it cool. Hang it on a clothesline or wave it out a window.
  • Take your quilt to a dry cleaner every three to five years.
  • Select the dry cleaner to clean it very well that is reliable and knows how to treat this type of garment.
  • Locate and treat any stains before washing.
  • Store the duvet in a dry, well-ventilated closet or room when you're not using it to prevent mold.


HOW TO TAKE CARE OF PILLOWS ... AND KEEP THEM FLUFFY

 HOW TO TAKE CARE OF PILLOWS ... AND KEEP THEM FLUFFY

There are people who say that a good night's sleep depends entirely on the pillow. What do you think?

And as the cliché saying goes: to taste the colors. Some like them low and hard, others long and fluffy, and others latex and orthopedic. There are those who buy them at the supermarket and there are others who cannot even think about that idea and order them from specialized sites.

- HOW TO TAKE CARE OF PILLOWS ... AND KEEP THEM FLUFFY and Pillows Product

No matter how you prefer your pillow, learn all the tips to keep it exactly how you like it.

 

To wash…

Are your pillows yellow or do they smell bad? This is due to the sweat and saliva they endure each night. Don't throw them out before trying this trick to wash them.

Pillows filled with cotton, polymer fiber or feathers:

To wash, put them in the washing machine with warm water and to the liquid soap add the juice of half a lemon and half a cup of baking soda. Your pillows will come out clean and smelling good.

Inside the drum of the washing machine, also add a tablespoon of baking soda to make them fluffy.

Latex or latex blend pillows (usually orthopedic)

In a container, prepare a mixture of water with one or two drops of liquid detergent (yes, only drops!). Soak a rag or jargon in this mixture and start cleaning your pillow in circular motions. Finally, to dry, press a towel against the pillow and then let it dry in the open air but not in direct sunlight.

Young woman falling asleep in bed with drink in hand

 

To dry…

To dry, use the delicate cycle in your dryer or put them to dry in direct sun. Use drying balls or tennis balls between socks so that the pillows don't lose their shape. In the end, if possible, leave them in the sun for a couple of hours.

Either way, it is good that you check the label to take into account the washing and drying temperature they can withstand.

 

How to put them in the washing machine ...

If you have noticed that every time you wash your pillows the internal fiber is poorly distributed and you end up getting rid of them, you can solve it precisely with the drying balls, which do not let the internal fiber or the feathers stay in one place. But you can also roll them lengthwise and fasten them in the middle and ends with fabric strings. This will keep the filling in place.

 

How often?

The internet does not agree. Some say it should be every six months and others say every year. If you use your pillow every day, perhaps the best idea is to wash it every three months.

Row of five pillows on hotel bed

 

Important tips


✔️To maintain the balance of the washing machine drum, always put two pillows to wash, not just one.

✔️ Shake your pillows and "knead" them a little each night, to keep their shape and shake off the dust.

✔️Always use a cotton cover, to protect your pillow from sweat or saliva.

✔️The pillow is also vacuumed! Vacuum it every week if you can.