Pillows are among the most used items in a home. In fact, one or more pillows are used every night to support the head, so hair, dead cells and other residues, including make-up, sweat and dirt, remain on the pillowcases. As you can imagine, over time, dirt begins to accumulate, causing even the most immaculate pillows to yellow. While it is possible to throw away old and yellowed pillows to replace them, there are various ways to whiten them and make them look like new. They will need to be washed, treated with the right products and kept in good condition.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Wash the Pillows in the Washing Machine
Step 1. Read the washing labels
In general, always check the labels before washing anything. While most cushions can be machine washed, some can only be dry cleaned or by treating stains locally. In fact, there are cushions with fabrics or fillings that would be damaged in the washing machine.
Although it is possible to ignore the manufacturer's instructions and still wash them in the washing machine, this will void any product warranty. Additionally, you risk contaminating the water with toxic substances, which can happen with some foam pillows
Step 2. Treat any stains locally
Pillows are prone to staining mainly from sweat, dirt and make-up. Furthermore, the risk of dirtying them with oil and food is always around the corner. Before putting the yellowed cushions in the washing machine, treat small stains in a localized way using a normal stain remover spray or a paste based on baking soda and water.
Step 3. Wash the pillows using a mixture of vinegar, soda ash and detergent
Instead of just washing them with your usual detergent, add vinegar, soda ash, and dishwasher detergent.
Measure 250ml of dishwasher detergent, 170g of soda ash and 120ml of vinegar for 45ml of laundry detergent. This blend was formulated to wash two pillows
Step 4. Do a second wash cycle using only hot water
The solution used previously tends to be thick and grainy. As a result, if a deep rinse is not done, it may stick to the cushions. After doing a wash cycle with the solution, make another one using just hot water or mixing hot water and 120ml vinegar. This will remove all detergent residues and quickly disinfect the pillows.
Step 5. Examine the color
Remove the cushions from the washing machine and examine the color to see if you've gotten an improvement. In case of a negative result, you can put the pillows back in the washing machine. This time, load up with about 60ml of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties, but is safer than bleach.
- If after this procedure the cushions continue to appear yellowed, it is possible that there is no remedy to recover the original color. If the pillows don't smell like mold or sweat and the only problem is color, you can simply cover them with a pillowcase to hide the less pleasing parts.
- If the bad smell persists, then it's time to buy new pillows.
Step 6. Put the pillows in the dryer with tennis balls
Wash the cushions, you should put them in a clean dryer by setting the air dry cycle. Also place tennis balls in the basket. The function of the balls is to hit the cushions during drying, so that the process takes place homogeneously and the cushions are fluffed.
Using tennis balls without covering them can leave a rubbery smell on cushions. If this has happened to you before or you have a certain sensitivity to this smell, you can wrap them with a pair of socks or an old shirt to hide it
Method 2 of 3: Hand Wash the Pillows
Step 1. Follow the instructions on the label
If you have a feather pillow or memory foam pillow, do not ignore the warnings on the label, as these materials cannot be placed in water. Instead, just do a localized treatment. If so, you can treat the stains using a paste made from baking soda and water. You could also sprinkle vinegar on the affected areas to get rid of bad smells.
Step 2. Put the pillows in the sun
Since it is not possible to wash them in the washing machine, you need a little creativity to whiten the cushions. Place yellowed feather or microfiber pillows on the balcony or windowsill to expose them to the sun and make them whiten. Apply bleach or vinegar using a small toothbrush, or sprinkle a handful of baking soda on the pillow to absorb moisture and odors.
Step 3. Place the microfiber pillows in a basin filled with warm water and a mild detergent
Squeeze each cushion three to seven times to allow the detergent to soak into the material. Rinse with cold water. Finally, squeeze the pillows to remove excess water and let them dry first.
Do not squeeze the cushions excessively, otherwise you risk damaging the polyurethane and tearing the mesh that holds the foam in place
Method 3 of 3: Adopt Good Habits to Keep Pillows Clean
Step 1. Change pillow cases and sheets once a week
To keep your pillows in pristine condition, change your pillowcases and sheets at least once a week. If the person using this bedding is predisposed to sweating, suffers from bedwetting or goes to sleep wearing makeup, change the sheets and pillow cases twice a week.
Have at least two sets of sheets available: while using one, wash the other. Regularly alternating between the two sets will allow you to keep the mattress and pillows clean, while also making the sheets last longer
Step 2. Use a sheet spray
Apply a spray between washes to keep pillows fresh and clean. Several sprays are made with natural ingredients that are safe to use, such as witch hazel water and essential oils. Many of these ingredients can be customized to your liking. Good quality sheet sprays also keep mold under control.
Sheet sprays can also help you sleep. For example, a lavender or cedarwood oil spray can help you relax and fall asleep more easily
Step 3. Wash your pillows in the washing machine at least twice a year
Some experts recommend washing them every three months, but everyone agrees that you should never wait more than five or six months between washes. Washing them regularly helps prevent yellowing and impurities.
- Remember that the frequency of washing depends on your body and your nocturnal habits. If you are prone to sweating at night, the pillows will need to be washed more often.
- If you often go to sleep without washing your face or hair, it may be necessary to wash more frequently, for example every two months.
Step 4. Go to bed with clean face and hair
While you don't need to shower every night, quick washing of your face and brushing your hair are two habits that help extend the useful life of pillows and pillow cases. Many ingredients found in cosmetics are aggressive. In addition to fading the fabric, they can also tear it apart.
