DIY Network

Cleaning Pillows and Bedspreads The Queen reveals the proper way to clean pillows and bedspreads. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-120

Linda Cobb, the Queen of Clean®, joins host Stephanie Lydecker to demonstrate how to clean pillows and bedspreads. She shares royal tips on making sure your bedding stays fresh.

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	The Queen shows how to get your bedding fresh and clean.
	Figure A

Materials:

detergent
white vinegar
1/4 cup measure
beach towel
tennis balls
athletic shoes
vacuum
duster brush
king size pillow case with hole
hanger

Cleaning Pillows and Bedspreads

Note: Always check the content and care labels for pillows and bedspreads. If your bedspread says "dry clean only", then that is what you need to do.

• Cleaning Pillows--You have to know what type pillows you have--foam or polyester. If pillows are made of foam, they can be washed by hand. Use a large sink or bathtub. Mix mild detergent and warm water into the tub. Put the pillow in and hand wash it. Be sure to rinse them through several rinses of cold water. Squeeze out the water and then roll them in a large towel (figure A) to remove all the water that you can. Once you have removed the water, hang the pillow by the corner to let the pillows air dry, turning them frequently. Make sure the pillows are good and dry before you put pillowcases back on them. Don't try to put foam pillows in the dryer, heat will cause the foam to crumble.

• Cleaning Polyester and Down Pillows--Polyester pillows can be tossed in the washing machine. Wash two at a time to balance the load, set the machine on a gentle cycle, and then agitate only one to two minutes. Put them through a double rinse to make sure detergent is totally rinsed out and do not use fabric softener as it can cause an allergic reaction. To freshen the pillows, you can add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the final rinse. Tumble dry on low, fluffing them often. Adding a couple of new tennis balls or a clean athletic shoe will fluff them up well and also help them dry faster. The same method works for down pillows, however they will dry slower, so be sure to fluff often and make sure they are completely dry before using. When washing pillows, a good idea is to use a protective pillow cover that can be removed easily.

• Cleaning Bedspreads and Comforters--Most bedspreads and comforters should be laundered in a commercial size washer at the local laundromat. Use only mild soap and cool water and stay away from fabric softeners with scents, which can cause allergies. Wash on a gentle cycle and remove from the washer and place in the dryer immediately. Once in the dryer, dry on the recommended heat and fluff frequently or use tennis balls or an athletic shoe as you would for pillows. Remember that washable down comforters will require a long drying cycle and need to be completely dry to prevent mildew.

• To stretch the time between cleanings, vacuum the bedspread with the duster brush frequently. This removes dust and dry skin and also helps prevent dust mites, which can cause allergic reactions. Also, do not store seasonal bedding in the plastic dry cleaning bag as it can cause yellowing and hold in the odor of the cleaning solvent. An old king size pillow case makes a great cover for things. You can hang your bedding over a hanger and cut a hole in the top of the pillowcase, or fold the bedding and place inside the pillowcase.

GUESTS :

Linda Cobb
The Queen of Clean®
Website: www.queenofclean.com