Tips&TricksRediscover pillow maintenance: the secret common item for efficient and eco-friendly cleaning

Rediscover pillow maintenance: the secret common item for efficient and eco‑friendly cleaning

Washing cushions in the washing machine.
Washing cushions in the washing machine.
Images source: © Adobe Stock | Bowonpat

17 February 2024 16:24

Most people are familiar with that beautiful sensation of climbing into freshly laundered and fragrant bedding after a long day. Most individuals change their bed sheets frequently, but not everyone can launder their pillows. This is a significant oversight.

Being an integral part of our daily routine, the bed gets a lot of use. It's vital to remember that during sleep, pillows and duvets accumulate traces of dead skin and sweat, especially pillows, since our faces rest on them. Consequently, they provide an ideal breeding ground for various bacteria and fungi. Therefore, it's imperative to refresh them frequently. Here's how you can effectively wash pillows in the washing machine.

A handy trick for washing pillows effectively

One must exercise caution while washing pillows. Improper use of chemicals or incorrect machine settings can quickly cause damage, especially with feather pillows. It's advised to wash them at 30-40 degrees Celsius. Regrettably, many avoid washing pillows for fear of damage or improper drying. But remember, maintaining proper sleep hygiene necessitates regular pillow washing in the machine.

So, how should this be done correctly? An unusual but effective method involves a surprising item — tennis balls. Adding these to your laundry ensures the pillow filling doesn't clump together and maintains its original structure. This trick can also be applied while washing down clothing.

Here's another surprise! You don't need to use laundry detergent. Baking soda, a common kitchen ingredient, can also be used. It will efficiently eliminate dirt, stains, and unpleasant odours from your pillows.

Baking soda can eliminate stains from your pillows

For those with synthetic-filled pillows, baking soda is an excellent substitute for laundry detergent. Instead of detergent, all you need to do is pour 5-6 large tablespoons of baking soda into your washing machine. This tip will save money you ordinarily spend on costly powders or other cleaning agents.

Additionally, if you want your pillows to be soft after washing, try using...vinegar instead of fabric softener. It'll serve a dual purpose by disinfecting during washing and adding fluffiness to the pillows. Just remember to choose the right washing program. It's best to set your washing machine in a delicate mode. After removing the pillows from the machine, hang them to let the filling dry completely.

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