Throw pillows are an excellent alternative for creating a warm and inviting ambiance in your house. However, they can gather dirt and odors from our bodies and the surrounding environment over time.
That is why it is critical to understand how to clean and care for your pillows. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think! In this article, we’ll walk you through two simple pillow cleaning methods: machine washing and hand washing.
Check the care labels on your pillows before you start cleaning them. Most synthetic, fiberfill, and down pillows can be machine washed, whereas foam pillows are typically spot-clean only. Knowing this knowledge ahead of time will help you prevent errors. If your pillows are machine washable, follow these four simple actions to restore their freshness and cleanliness:
Step 1: Clean Deep Stains Spot
Take the pillow out of the pillowcase and protector. Dab any deep stains on the pillow’s surface using a clean cotton or terry cloth dipped in a baking soda and water mixture. Alternatively, a stain removing spray can be used.
Step 2: Launder with a Special Mixture
Place up to two pillows in the washer. Make a detergent, vinegar, washing soda, and dishwasher detergent mixture. These additional components aid in the bleaching of the pillows. Bleach should be avoided because it can sometimes make stains worse. Here is the recipe for two pillows:
12 cup vinegar
1 cup dishwashing detergent
34 cup washing soda
3 teaspoons washing detergent
Step 3: Rinse and re-rinse
After washing the pillows with the combination, run a second wash cycle with hot water alone to eliminate any leftover detergent or washing soda.
4th Step: Dry and Fluff
Place the pillows in the dryer on the low heat or air drier setting. Add a pair of tennis balls to the dryer to help keep their fluffiness. If you are allergic to the rubbery odor of tennis balls, place them in a pair of socks before putting them in the dryer.
Pillows should be washed by hand
Memory foam pillows and certain outdoor or toss pillows, for example, cannot be machine washed. Hand washing is usually required for these pillows. If your pillow is in this category, follow these four simple procedures to thoroughly hand wash it:
Step 1: Remove Stains and Odors
Remove the pillow from its protective cover and remove any stains using a baking soda and water paste. Spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water across the pillow to remove unpleasant scents. Allow it to sit for five minutes before blotting the cushion with a towel to dry.
Step 2: Expose to the Sun and Treat Discoloration
To help lighten any discolored spots, place the cushion in the sun. Apply bleach or vinegar with a toothbrush to deep yellow stains. Baking soda can also be used to absorb moisture and reduce odors. Wait a day after adding baking soda before shaking or gently vacuuming it up.
Step 3: Wash your hands Gently
Fill a bowl halfway with warm water and add a mild detergent. Immerse and squeeze the cushion to help the detergent work its way through the material. Rubbing and wringing are severe cleaning procedures that can damage the foam or rip the netting around the pillow. Finally, rinse the pillow with cool water and wring out any excess moisture.
Step 4: Allow to air dry Thoroughly
Allow the cushion to air dry flat on a ventilated surface. Depending on the material of the pillow, it may take up to 24 hours to thoroughly dry.
Keeping Pillows Clean and Fresh
Now that you’ve cleaned your pillows, it’s time to develop appropriate cleaning routines to keep them in good condition. Here are six tips to help you keep your pillows clean and fresh:
Wash your face before going to bed: Removing makeup and extra oil from your face might help prevent stains on your pillows.
Pillowcases should be changed on a regular basis: Change your pillowcases at least once a week to prevent sweat and natural body oils from accumulating.
Use natural linen sprays to keep mold and mildew at bay. These sprays also have a calming impact on your sleep.
Cover your pillows with pillow protectors to limit the amount of filth, hair, dead skin, makeup, and sweat that comes into direct touch with them.
Vacuum pillows: For pillows that cannot be machine washed, vacuuming them on a regular basis can help eliminate dust mites and skin flakes.
Machine wash your pillows on a regular basis (if possible): If your pillows are machine washable, make it a practice to wash them at least twice a year. Washing them every three months is recommended by experts, although the frequency depends on your specific physique and sleeping habits.
By following these basic guidelines, you can keep your pillows clean, fresh, and pleasant for a long time. If you’re looking for new bedding to go with your fresh pillows, be sure to check out our customizable bedding options!
