Cushions tend to acquire yellowish stains over time, mainly due to sweat, dust and cosmetic residues that accumulate. And, when this happens, it is common to wonder whether it is still possible to wash them without damaging the filling or deforming the material.
The website of the Spanish newspaper elEconomista describes that the yellowish tone arises, in many cases, from the sum of several everyday factors, such as perspiration, dust particles and products applied to the skin and hair. Over time, these traces become trapped in the fabric and, on light materials, they end up becoming more visible, even after regular washing.
What is sodium percarbonate and what effect is it described
According to the same source, sodium percarbonate is a compound that, when dissolved in water, releases active oxygen. This release is associated with an oxidizing action, which can help attack organic stains, such as sweat, saliva or cosmetic residue, helping to restore a whiter appearance to textiles.
What the OCU says about bleaching white covers and fabrics
The Consumers and Users Organization (OCU), a Spanish consumer protection entity, is cited by the source as recommending the use of percarbonate to whiten white cushion covers. The indication appears, in particular, when the covers are very yellowed or have resistant stains that do not disappear in a normal washing cycle.
How is the soaking and washing process described?
According to the source, the procedure begins with soaking in hot water. The reference is a range between 40 ºC and 60 ºC, when possible, in a large container or a bathtub, adding a tablespoon of sodium percarbonate for each cushion or cover to be treated and stirring until it dissolves.
Afterwards, the pieces must be submerged for several hours. For more pronounced stains, the same article points to a longer period, between four and six hours. Once soaking is complete, washing in the machine follows, adding a tablespoon of percarbonate again, along with the usual detergent, and choosing a program compatible with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Which materials can be machined and which ones tend to be more sensitive
Not all pillows can be washed the same way. According to the OCU, memory foam and latex pillows are particularly delicate materials and, in general, should not be wet. The justification given is that the interior foam tends to absorb water and takes a long time to dry, which can compromise the shape and condition of the material.
Feather and hollow fiber pillows, including silicone hollow fiber, are referred to as options that can be machined. The text compares the necessary care to those usually recommended for washing a Nordic duvet made from the same material, pointing to gentler cycles, suitable detergent and attention to drying.
The importance of complete drying to avoid humidity inside
At this stage, he emphasizes that drying is essential: after washing, the cushions can be dried in the open air or in the machine, if the label allows it, but they must be completely dry before being used again. The idea is to prevent moisture from being trapped inside, something that could affect the comfort and conservation of the filling.
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