The pillow comes into contact with skin, hair and sweat every day. Even if If you change the pillowcase regularly, some dirt still gets inside. Most often, pillows accumulate:
- sweat and sebum from the skin,
- dust and mites,
- small remnants of hair and facial cosmetics,
- bacteria growing in a humid environment.
Filling over time it begins to absorb moisture and odors, hence ugly yellow spots appear on it. Therefore, home hygiene experts recommend washing pillows every few months, but not necessarily using store-bought washing powder or detergent. There are better ways, more natural and highly effective.
Baking soda and vinegar are two ingredients that have been used in home cleaning methods for years and they will also be used here. No wonder they have it the power to neutralize odors, dissolve dirt and gently refresh. The addition of antibacterial vinegar also helps remove detergent deposits. Fabrics become softer and more pleasant to the skin. This mixture will even work on older stains.
This method is very simple and does not require special detergents. The most important thing is to maintain the right proportions, i.e.:
- 6 tablespoons of baking soda
- ½ cup of vinegar
- warm water
Do you have it ready yet? Now place them in the washing machine drum (preferably two at a time to evenly load it) and pour 6 tablespoons of baking soda directly into it. Pour half a cup of vinegar into the rinse aid compartment and set the washing program with warm water (approximately 40-60°Cif the pillow manufacturer allows it). Also run an extra rinse to thoroughly rinse all ingredients.
After washing, the pillows must be dried thoroughly, preferably in the open air or in a tumble dryer with laundry balls that help break up the filling.
Not all pillows require the same care, although many are safe to machine wash. They are best suited for this those with synthetic, silicone fiber and anti-allergic filling.
They require a bit more caution down pillows. In their case, you can also wash them in a washing machine, but it is best to choose a delicate program and dry the filling thoroughly.
Before it’s always worth it check the manufacturer’s label. There you will find information about the maximum temperature and cleaning method.
The washing itself is only half the battle. Proper drying is also very important. If the pillow remains damp inside, it will quickly come out and all your work will be for nothing.
The best drying methods are using a tumble dryer (preferably with balls in the drum), drying it in the open air or spreading the pillow in a warm, well-ventilated place
While drying, it is a good idea to shake the pillow from time to time, this will ensure that the filling is evenly distributed and there are no lumps or empty areas.
Regular washing is essential, but you can also try to take care of it in such a way that the breaks between individual cycles are as long as possible. Above all remember to change pillowcases frequently and weekly outdoor inserts preferably every few days. Don’t go to bed with wet hair because moisture will penetrate the inserts and accumulate there. Keeping your pillows dry should be your priority in this case.
