Many make the common mistake of forgetting to wash their pillows when doing laundry but it's a must to keep them clean since they're breeding grounds for bacteria. As we sleep, our pillows accumulate sweat, body oils, dribble and shed skin – all culminating in those unattractive yellow blemishes if left unwashed throughout the year. With spring cleaning on the horizon, it's time to freshen up your bedding with ease, ditching harsh chemicals and fancy products. Cleaning guru Lona Praytor, creator of Making Lemonade, explains her surprisingly simple two-ingredient solution: "Believe it or not, you just need two 'ingredients'. The two ingredients I use are ALL Free and Clear and white vinegar. Yes, that's it!".
The incredible cleaning power of white vinegar lies in its acetic acid content, which effortlessly cuts through commonplace stains such as sweat and body oil. Besides being a stain buster, white vinegar boasts antibacterial qualities that disinfect fabric and annihilate dust mites hiding in your pillows. Plus, it acts as a detox for your laundry, flushing out detergent residue and leaving fabric softer – and your pillows cushier and smelling fresher. While ALL Free and Clear is a fragrance-free, dye-free laundry soap choice, feel free to use your preferred brand for the task, reports the Express.
For those with sensitive skin, it might be best to use a laundry detergent specifically designed for sensitive skin when washing pillows, as this will leave less soapy residue on the fabric. To clean your pillows and remove stains, only load two at a time into the washing machine and always check the care label to ensure they are safe to wash. Use just a small amount of laundry detergent to prevent soap residue build-up.
Then, set the machine to a gentle, warm water cycle and let them wash. After washing, put the pillows through a second rinse cycle, adding white vinegar to the machine where you'd usually put fabric softener. Ensure you also put the pillows on a spin cycle to remove most of the water. Next, either hang your pillows up to dry or place them in the tumble dryer on a low heat setting - again, checking the care label to make sure this is safe, and never putting foam pillows in the dryer.
