Can latex pillows be washed in a washing machine?

Can latex pillows be washed in a washing machine? Latex pillows are incredibly popular. They are valued for their originality, gloss, softness, hypoallergenicity and the ability to not absorb unpleasant odors due to their porous structure. But even in this situation, these products periodically get dirty and need to be washed, but almost no one knows how to wash them. We suggest you find out whether it is possible to wash a latex pillow in a washing machine or is it better to choose another method. Let's consider the features of the material and other nuances.

Is such a pillow “afraid” of an automatic machine?

The easiest way to wash the pillow is in the washing machine. But whether latex can withstand rotation in a drum is a moot point. Manufacturers strongly recommend avoiding machine washing, citing the delicacy of the material. Sellers, on the contrary, assure that latex products are not harmed by periodic cleaning in the washing machine.

Before choosing whom to believe, it is worth understanding the features of the material. Thus, one hundred percent latex must be protected from three phenomena that destroy it.

Ultraviolet. If you leave a latex roller in direct sunlight, the product will almost immediately become covered with oily dark spots. Moreover, prolonged exposure to the sun will lead to severe deformation and changes in structure. It is almost impossible to correct the situation - traces will remain, and the original form will not be completely restored.
Frost. Latex reacts extremely negatively to temperatures below -40 degrees. The material becomes brittle, cracks and breaks.It is enough to press the product with your finger to damage it irrevocably.
High temperatures. Latex cannot withstand high temperatures either. Especially if water and chemicals are added to elevated degrees.

Latex does not tolerate direct sunlight, as well as temperatures above 40 and below -40 degrees.

In theory, latex pillows can be washed in cold water and on the power cycle, but manufacturers insist on hand washing. It is worth understanding that mechanical rotation is a risky procedure for fragile latex. If the product is expensive, then it is better not to experiment and refuse the option with a washing machine. latex pillow is afraid of frost

Washing a pillow by hand

There is a high chance that the washing machine will damage the latex, so it is better to choose hand washing. This option is more difficult and longer, but there is practically no threat to things. The main thing is to adhere to the following instructions:

fill a basin the size of the pillow with water heated to 20-40 degrees;
add a little detergent (preferably gel concentrates for delicate washing);
wet a rag or sponge in the solution;
gradually process the product;
After finishing cleaning, wait until most of the water has drained from the product.

You cannot wring out a latex pillow - the material is easily deformed at the slightest twist. It is better to let the water drain freely, and then wrap the product in two terry towels.

Drying the item

Latex is dried according to a certain scheme. As with washing, a delicate approach and strict adherence to the rules are important here. The instructions are:

Latex should not be wrung out or dried near heating appliances.

after the procedure with towels, take out the pillow and hang it vertically in the open air, on the street or on the balcony;
if there is no option for fresh air, place the product in a well-ventilated room;
Avoid open fire, direct sunlight and heating appliances.

Latex does not accept artificial drying - only natural drying in a suspended state. You should not lay the product horizontally, as it will quickly and irrevocably deform.

About the pillow material

Only natural latex requires special care. If the roller is made of artificial materials, mixtures or synthetics, then automatic washing is not contraindicated. Therefore, before throwing something into a drum or basin, it is worth checking it for naturalness. One hundred percent quality can be determined by certain criteria.

Tag. Products made from natural latex must have a special label indicating the manufacturer and the inscription “100% Latex”.
Dullness. A high-quality pillow should have a porous and matte surface. Counterfeits, on the contrary, are distinguished by the smoothness of the material and glossy shimmer.
Smell. New natural latex pillows always have the aroma of powdered milk; if not, it is a synthetic analogue.
Moisture resistance. One hundred percent latex should not allow water to pass through. Artificial materials do not have such properties and absorb liquid like a dish sponge. To dispel doubts, just run a wet cloth over the roller and evaluate the result. If the drops go inside, this is a fake.

One hundred percent latex has increased moisture resistance - it does not allow water to pass through!

Before cleaning, it is important to make sure that you are looking at natural latex and not artificial. Then wash the pillow according to the instructions described above.If everything is done correctly and carefully, the item will not be damaged and will delight you for many years.