How Does Goodwill Sanitize Pillows? Unveiling the Secrets of Goodwill’s Thorough Pillow Sanitization Process:Are you a thrift store enthusiast who loves finding hidden gems? Well, if you’ve ever wondered how Goodwill ensures the cleanliness of their pillows, you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, we’ll dive into the thorough sanitization process that Goodwill follows to make sure their pillows are as good as new. From smart practices for bringing home these treasures to understanding the risks of buying used pillows, we’ve got you covered. So, get ready to explore the world of Goodwill pillows and discover the secrets behind their impeccable cleanliness. Let’s jump right in!
The Thorough Sanitization Process of Goodwill Pillows
Goodwill takes serious measures to ensure that every pillow sold meets stringent hygiene standards. Here, we’ll explore the multi-step process that Goodwill employs to sanitize pillows, from the moment they are donated to when they are ready for purchase.
Pre-Treatment and Gentle Washing
For starters, Goodwill addresses any visible stains by pre-treating them. Using allergen-approved detergents that are gentle on fabrics, the pillows are washed on a delicate setting with warm water. This initial step is critical for maintaining the quality of the pillows while ensuring that any surface dirt or impurities are removed.
Drying Techniques for Different Pillow Types
Cotton pillows that lack removable covers are either dried on a low-heat setting in drying machines or are air-dried outdoors. This method helps in preserving the integrity of the cotton fibers and ensures the pillows retain their shape and comfort.
Sanitizing Non-Washable Pillows
For pillows that cannot be washed, alternate methods of sanitation are utilized. Spraying with a fabric-safe sanitizer or sprinkling with borax followed by thorough vacuuming after an hour are effective ways to disinfect these types of pillows.
Neutralizing Odors with Outdoor Airing
To tackle odors, a bi-weekly routine of airing pillows outside for a few hours can do wonders. This natural method is not only effective in odor elimination but also helps in keeping the pillows feeling fresh.
The Sanitize Mode Advantage
When it’s time to wash, pillows are subjected to the sanitize mode or the hottest wash cycle available. This is followed by a high-speed spin cycle to extract as much water as possible, making the drying process more efficient.
Pillow Forms and Bleach
Pillow forms, including those of feather and silk pillows, are bleached as part of the cleaning regimen. Bleach serves as a powerful disinfectant, ensuring any lingering bacteria or pathogens are eradicated.
Hot Water Washing
The utilization of hot water in washing pillows is an additional measure Goodwill takes to guarantee sanitation. Hot water is known for its ability to kill most germs and dust mites, which may have accumulated in used pillows.
Ensuring Complete Sanitization Before Sale
Before a pillow is placed for sale, it undergoes the entire cleaning process outlined above. This thorough approach reassures customers that the pillows they are bringing into their homes are as clean as possible.
Smart Practices for Bringing Home Goodwill Pillows
When purchasing pillows from Goodwill, it’s advisable to take them straight to the laundry room. If the pillow has a removable cover, it should be separated and washed accordingly. The pillow itself should then be sanitized following the steps Goodwill uses, ensuring an extra layer of cleanliness.
Understanding the Risks of Buying Used Pillows
It’s essential to recognize why some items, like used pillows, may not be the best purchase. The history of a used pillow is unknown, and it may harbor dust mites, bedbugs, or other allergens. Much like with used mattresses, the invisible history of these items can pose potential health risks.
Why Second-Hand Intimates and Mattresses Are a No-Go
Similar to intimate apparel and swimwear, used mattresses and pillows are items that should generally be avoided due to the intimate nature of their use and the difficulty in fully sanitizing them. The invisible past of these items can include a range of hygiene concerns that are not worth the risk.
Items to Steer Clear of at Thrift Stores
While it’s tempting to find bargains at thrift stores and garage sales, it’s wise to be discerning about which items are safe to purchase second-hand. Hats, swimsuits, and underwear are commonly known items to avoid, and it’s prudent to add used pillows to that list, given their direct contact with people’s skin and potential to absorb bodily fluids.
Conclusion
Goodwill’s stringent cleaning processes for pillows aim to provide customers with peace of mind, ensuring that the pillows they bring into their homes are sanitized and safe. However, it’s crucial for consumers to weigh the benefits against the potential risks when considering the purchase of used pillows. Personal health and safety should always be the top priority when it comes to such intimate household items.
FAQ & Common Questions about How Does Goodwill Sanitize Pillows?
Q: Is it safe to buy used pillows?
A: No, it is not recommended to buy used pillows due to concerns about hygiene and potential presence of dust mites or bedbugs.
Q: Why is it important to know the history of a used pillow?
A: Knowing the history of a used pillow is important because you don’t know who or what slept on it, and it may have accumulated dust mites or bedbugs.
Q: Can Goodwill sanitize pillows?
A: Yes, Goodwill has a process in place to sanitize pillows before selling them.
Q: How does Goodwill sanitize pillows?
A: The specific sanitization process used by Goodwill to sanitize pillows is not mentioned in the article.
Q: Are there any items that should never be bought secondhand?
A: Yes, certain items like hats, swimsuits, and underwear are generally advised against being bought secondhand due to hygiene concerns.
