How to properly dry a cotton pillow after washing to avoid deformation or mold?

Cotton pillows need the correct drying method after washing to avoid deformation, mold or bacteria. Here are some detailed steps and precautions to help you properly dry cotton pillows:

Preliminary treatment after washing
Gently squeeze out the water: After washing, do not wring the cotton pillow hard, as this will cause damage or deformation of the cotton fibers. You can gently press the pillow with your hands to squeeze out excess water.
Absorbent towel assistance: Wrap the cotton pillow with a clean dry towel, and then press gently to allow the towel to absorb more water. This method can speed up the drying process of the cotton pillow.
Choose a suitable drying environment
Well-ventilated place: Dry the cotton pillow in a well-ventilated and air-circulating place to avoid mold caused by a humid environment.
Avoid direct sunlight: Although sunlight has a bactericidal effect, long-term exposure to the sun can cause cotton fibers to harden, lose elasticity, and even fade. Therefore, it is recommended to dry the cotton pillow in a cool and ventilated place, or only dry it for a short time (1-2 hours) in the morning or evening when the sunlight is weak.
Use a net bag to fix the shape: If you are worried that the cotton pillow will deform during the drying process, you can put it in a special drying net bag to keep the original shape of the pillow.
Drying posture and turning frequency
Flat drying: Try to lay the cotton pillow flat on the clothes rack instead of hanging it to avoid deformation of the pillow due to gravity.
Turn it over regularly: Turn the cotton pillow over every 1-2 hours to ensure that both sides can be dried evenly. If conditions permit, you can gently pat the pillow with your hands every once in a while to restore its fluffiness.
Avoid stacking: Do not stack multiple cotton pillows together to dry, so as not to affect air circulation and prolong the drying time.

Check after drying
Confirm complete drying: Before putting away the cotton pillow, make sure that the inside is completely dry. You can touch the center of the pillow with your hand to feel whether it is damp. If there is still moisture, you can continue to dry it or use an electric fan to assist in drying.
Pat to restore fluffiness: After drying, gently pat the cotton pillow with your hands to help restore its softness and fluffiness.
Tips to prevent mold
Drying regularly: Even if you don't wash it, it is recommended to place the cotton pillow in a ventilated place to dry for 1-2 hours every week to prevent moisture accumulation.
Use moisture-proof agent: Place some natural moisture-proof agent (such as bamboo charcoal bag or silica gel desiccant) where the cotton pillow is stored to absorb excess moisture.
Match with waterproof and breathable pillowcase: You can choose a waterproof and breathable pillowcase for daily use to reduce the chance of direct contact between the cotton pillow and sweat or moisture.
Precautions
Avoid high-temperature drying: Cotton pillows are not suitable for high-temperature dryers, because high temperatures may cause cotton fibers to shrink or damage. If you must use a dryer, choose the low-temperature mode and add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help restore the fluffy feel of the pillow.
Deal with stains in time: If there are stubborn stains on the cotton pillow, they should be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid the stains penetrating deep into the fiber and affecting the cleaning effect and service life.

Through the above methods, you can effectively avoid the problem of deformation or mold of cotton pillows after washing, while extending its service life and maintaining the comfort and hygiene of the pillow.