Over time, white pillows can lose their brightness due to sweat, humidity, and residue buildup. Instead of throwing them away, you can restore them with a simple and natural method. Here’s how to get your pillows clean, fresh, and white again in just a few steps.
1. Soaking Step: The Key to Stain Removal
Start by:
- Filling a large tub or the bathtub with very hot water.
- Adding 1 cup of baking soda.
- Adding 1 cup of sodium percarbonate (or oxygen bleach).
- Adding 1 cup of powdered laundry detergent.
Submerge the pillows and let them soak for 3 to 4 hours. For heavily stained pillows, an overnight soak is recommended.
2. Machine Washing at High Temperature
Then:
- Place the pillows in the washing machine.
- Run a cycle at 60 °C (140 °F) with a bit of detergent.
- Pour half a cup of white vinegar into the fabric softener compartment to help deodorize and soften the fabric and rinse detergent residue more effectively.
3. Effective Natural or Mechanical Drying
For drying:
- Ideally, dry in the sun. Natural light acts as a free bleach and helps remove any remaining moisture, reducing mildew and odor risks.
- If sun drying isn’t an option, use a dryer with dryer balls or rolled towels to maintain the pillows’ fluffiness.
4. Regular Care for Long-Lasting Pillows
To maintain impeccable hygiene and extend the life of your pillows:
- Repeat this cleaning process twice a year.
- Use washable protective pillow covers and clean them regularly.
- Air out your pillows weekly.
- Expose them to sunlight to prevent moisture and dust mites buildup.
Consistent maintenance will help keep your pillows clean and prolong their usability, ensuring a fresher sleep environment every night!
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5 Natural Tips to Whiten Laundry Without Bleach