How to Wash Pillows, Curtains, Towels, and Jeans: A Guide to Cleaner, Longer-Lasting Laundry

A washing machine makes life easier, but some items need special care. Pillows, curtains, towels, and jeans are often washed incorrectly, which leads to faster wear and loss of quality. If you want your clothes and household textiles to last longer and stay hygienically clean, it’s important to know the right way to wash them.

1. Washing Pillows

Pillowcases should be washed every week, but the pillows themselves need a wash at least every four months. Studies show that up to a third of a pillow’s weight can be made up of dead skin cells and invisible mold, so keeping them clean is essential for healthy sleep. When machine washing, choose a gentle spin cycle to avoid damage. Decorative pillows can be washed less often, especially if they’re not used for sleeping.

2. Washing Curtains

Before putting curtains in the machine, always remove the hooks. Cotton and synthetic curtains wash best at 30°C, while white ones can go up to 40°C. Linen and silk should ideally be hand-washed, but if using a machine, choose a delicate cycle. Never overload the drum, as this puts stress on the fabric and can lead to wrinkles or tearing.

3. Washing Towels

To keep towels soft and absorbent, never wash them together with clothes. It’s best to wash them every three to four days. At 40°C they stay soft, but if you want a deeper clean, or if the towels were used at the gym, feel free to wash at a higher temperature. Also, don’t overload the washer with towels, as they won’t rinse properly and will lose their softness.

4. Washing Jeans

Jeans are a wardrobe staple we wear often but wash rarely, and for good reason. High-quality denim can fade or weaken if washed too often. The best approach is to wash them infrequently, and when you do, always turn them inside out. In hot weather, however, wash them more regularly to prevent odors caused by sweat and bacteria. Always zip them up before putting them in the machine to protect both the jeans and other items in the load.