Are your pillows starting to show signs of wear and tear? Do they have an unsightly yellowish tint that just won’t go away? If so, don’t worry! I’ve got some great tips and tricks to help you wash and whiten your pillows, bringing back their original white luster.
The Problem of Yellowed Pillows
Over time, our pillows, pillow covers, and mattress protectors can accumulate sweat and body oils, causing them to develop a yellow hue. But fear not, with a little effort, you can restore your pillows to their former glory.
A Simple Solution: Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar, and Lemon Juice
In my quest to find the best method for whitening yellowed pillows, I experimented with various cleaning techniques and discovered an effective solution. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide
- 1/2 cup of vinegar
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
First, mix these ingredients together in a container. It’s important to note that hydrogen peroxide and vinegar should not be mixed directly in the same container, as this can create a harmful acid. Instead, add them to the washing machine separately.
Next, fully immerse your pillows in the mixture and let them soak for 30 minutes. Be sure to flip them over to ensure both sides are thoroughly soaked. After the initial soak, you may find that the yellow stains have lightened, but if not, don’t worry.
If needed, add another cup of hydrogen peroxide and continue the soaking process. The amount of solution you’ll need may vary depending on the size of your washing machine.
Laundry Detergent and Washing Cycle
Once the soaking process is complete, add your preferred laundry detergent and run a standard washing cycle. This will help to further break down stains and eliminate any lingering odors.
After the wash, inspect your pillows to see if they have reached your desired level of cleanliness. If they look great, congratulations! You can now proceed to dry them.
Drying Your Pillows
Set your dryer to a low setting and tumble dry your pillows until they are completely dry. This gentle drying method will help maintain the fluffiness of your pillows while ensuring they are thoroughly dried.
An Alternate Method
If the hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and lemon juice method didn’t completely remove the yellow stains, don’t worry. I also tried another method that is color-safe.
For this method, soak your pillows in a mixture of 1 cup of laundry detergent, 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup of Borax, and 1 cup of Castile soap. Follow the same soaking and flipping process as before, and then run a standard wash cycle.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these bleach-free methods are fantastic alternatives for anyone looking to avoid harsh chemicals while still effectively cleaning and whitening their pillows, pillow covers, and mattress pads.
So go ahead and give these techniques a try. You’ll be amazed at the difference they can make, bringing new life and sparkle to your pillows! Happy cleaning!
