Getting ready for bed and climbing into a soft, plush pillow is one of life’s simple pleasures. We spend roughly a third of our lives in bed, so the right surface is key to getting a good night’s sleep. When you have the right pillows and blankets, falling asleep becomes easier, and your bedroom instantly feels more inviting and relaxing. However, there are times when you might not have access to a dryer to keep your pillows from getting musty or those first chilly days of autumn when it just makes sense to keep them somewhere else. If that’s the case for you, read on for tips on how to dry pillows without a dryer!
How To Dry Pillows Without A Dryer?
Place Pillows in a Plastic Bag
The first step is to remove your bed pillows from their original packaging and place them in a plastic bag. You can use any type of plastic bag, but we recommend using the ones that have a drawstring closure so you can secure them. The drawstrings will help keep the pillow fluff inside the bag, allowing it to maintain its shape while it dries. It’s best to leave these bags open for about 12 hours so that your pillows are completely dry before you put them back into their storage container or box. If you have an extra-large pillow case, double up on the bags by placing two pillows in each one.
Place Pillow Cases Inside Another Bag
Place your pillowcases into another plastic bag, then place all of the pillows inside another larger plastic bag to create a double layer of protection for your pillows from dust mites and other allergens. The best part about this method is that you can use the same double bag for all of your pillows.
Place Pillows in a Garbage Bag
If you have a trash can or a large linen closet, place your pillows in the bag and seal them closed. This is another great way to keep your pillows protected from dust mites and other allergens, but it’s not as effective as the other two methods since there are no drawstrings to keep the pillow fluff inside.
Freeze Pillows in an Ice Cube Tray
One of our favorite ways to dry out pillows is by freezing them. For this method, place your pillowcases into an ice cube tray and freeze them overnight or for at least six hours. Once they’re frozen, remove them from the tray and allow them to thaw on a clean surface before placing them back into their storage container or box. If you don’t have an ice cube the other methods are listed here.
Place Pillows in a Clothes Closet
If you have a clothes closet, place your pillows inside the bag and seal it closed. You can use any type of bag that is large enough to fit your pillowcases, but we recommend using a plastic bag since they are more durable and easier to clean. If you don’t have a clothes closet or don’t want to keep your pillows in there for very long, place them into another plastic bag and seal it closed.
Drying Pillows On Windowsills
- Place a large, clean sheet of newspaper on the windowsill.
- Place your pillows on top of the newspaper.
- If you have a dryer, set it to medium-high heat and run it for about 15 minutes. If you don’t have access to a dryer, lower the temperature to medium and lay another clean sheet of newspaper on top of the pillows. Close all windows and doors and let the heat circulate within your room for several hours (you can also turn off your air conditioning if you have it).
Drying Pillows In The Sun
- Place the pillows in the sun outside.
- When they’re dry, replace them back inside and fluff up your bed.
- When they’re ready to be used again, place them back outside and repeat until all the pillows are completely dry.
- If you want to use more than one pillow, place them in a pillowcase or two so that they don’t touch each other and get tangled. This will also help prevent them from getting any moldy or musty smells!
Drying Pillows With A Hair Dryer
- Place your pillows in a pillowcase and gently shake the excess water out of the pillowcase.
- Place the pillow in a sturdy plastic bag (like a trash bag). The idea is to seal it up as securely as possible so that it doesn’t leak onto other items in your closet.
- Toss it into the dryer for 10 minutes or so, and then remove it from the dryer and let it air dry. This method works best with thin pillows or those made of synthetic fibers, as they can take longer to dry than cotton ones. It’s also a good idea to use this method for shaving pillows, which tend to be less sturdy than other types of pillows.
- If you have access to an oven, you can place your pillows in there with a paper towel between each layer and set them on low heat for 20 minutes or so until they are completely dry. This method works well with pillows that are made of natural fibers because they tend to be sturdier than synthetic ones.
- If you have access to a clothes dryer, follow the same procedure as above but set the dryer on its highest setting and leave it on for an hour or so.
Drying Pillows In The Dryer
Use a pillowcase
Pillowcases are your best friend when it comes to drying pillows. A pillowcase is made from a waterproof material that keeps moisture from soaking into the pillow and eventually becoming musty. Even though it’s possible to dry a pillow without a case, using one ensures that your pillows will stay dryer longer. It also makes them look cleaner since you can toss the case into the wash with your other laundry once they’re done drying. Plus, some people just find it easier to sleep on their pillows if they’re still damp instead of being completely dry.
Cover with plastic wrap
If you don’t have access to a pillowcase, then plastic wrap is another great option for keeping your pillows dryer and smelling clean. Simply cover the top of your pillows with plastic wrap and let them sit on top of something close by like in a closet or under a bedspread. You can also wrap pillows in a dish towel and place them in a large plastic bag.
Keep your pillows in a pillowcase
If you don’t have any other options for keeping your pillows dry, then the best thing to do is to cover them with a pillowcase that you can wash and reuse. If you don’t have any pillowcases, then simply keep the pillow inside of a clean pillowcase or sleep on it without one. You can also use old t-shirts or sheets as makeshift cases, but make sure that they are clean before placing them over your pillows so they don’t hold on to any moisture.
Drying Blankets And Comforters Without A Dryer
Use the Fridge:
If your pillows have already been washed and you don’t have a dryer, the best thing to do is put them in a dryer for about 20 minutes and then let them air dry for at least 12 hours. You can also take them out of the dryer and fold them up to keep them from becoming too wrinkled. Once they are completely dry, you can store them in a bag or box in your closet.
Use Your Dishwasher:
You can also use your dishwasher to help you get rid of that musty smell. Just turn on the dishwasher with the pillows inside, run it on its hottest cycle, and let it run for about 2-3 hours. After that, remove the pillows from the machine and place them in a bag or box or hang them up to air out for at least 12 hours before putting them away. You can also set up an extra drying rack or two in your dishwasher and use it to dry your pillows.
Use a Dryer:
If you’re still looking for a way to dry your pillows, you can also use a dryer if you have one. Just place the pillows in the dryer for about 20 minutes, remove them and let them air dry for at least 12 hours. You can also go ahead and put them in a bag or box after they’re completely dry, but make sure they are completely dried before storing them as they will be more likely to mold if they are wet and will get wrinkled very easily.
Conclusion
The right pillow can make all the difference when it comes to restful sleep. While synthetic materials tend to be cheaper and machine washable, they’re not as soft or comfortable as high-quality cotton pillows. When your cotton pillows start to smell musty or get stained, there are lots of ways to dry them without a dryer. Whether you use the sun, a hair dryer, or an old-fashioned clothesline, your cotton pillows will be dry and ready to use again in no time at all.
