Fill a bucket, bathtub or sink with a mixture of lukewarm water and a tablespoon of detergent; the water should be deep enough to completely submerge the pillow. While submerged, gently massage the pillow to circulate the solution through it.
Down or feather: Most down pillows can be put in the washing machine. But use cool water and a mild detergent, then dry on low heat. (High temperatures can damage the down.) Memory foam or latex: Washer agitation can break up foam, so these pillows will probably need to be hand-washed.
Wash it in cold or warm water on the gentle cycle, and don't add too much detergent—soap residue can build up on the down, just like dirt and sweat do. It's important to thoroughly rinse and spin the pillow to make sure the soap is fully removed, but it's hard to know whether the down filling inside is free of soap.
Fill your bathtub with warm water and ⅛ cup of laundry detergent. Place the pillows in the tub, letting them soak for 5-10 minutes. Use your hands to gently scrub the pillows. Drain the water; rinse the pillows with cold, clear water from the faucet.
First, start by mixing a few tablespoons of lemon juice with a cup of water in a large bowl. Dip a clean, white cloth into the mixture and use it to gently scrub the yellowed areas of the pillow. Be sure to avoid saturating the pillow, as this can cause it to become waterlogged and lose its shape.
Use a toothbrush to gently loosen stain debris on your pillow. Dissolve a scoop of oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean or Molly's Suds Oxygen Whitener, in hot water in your bathtub, laundry tub, mop bucket, or sink. Soak your pillow in the solution overnight. Launder and dry the pillow as usual.
Peterson said the best way to hand wash is to fill up a large sink or bathtub with warm water then add a few drops of your favorite liquid detergent. You should submerge your pillow and massage it for several minutes to let the detergent seep into it.
Take a clean cotton or terry towel, dip it into a baking soda and water paste, and spot clean any deep stains by dabbing the surface of the pillow. As an alternative to the baking soda paste, you can also use a stain removal spray.
Use a gentle setting
Throw the pillow in the wash, add a mild detergent, and opt for a cool, gentle, or delicate wash and spin cycle. Toss in some same-colored towels, too, for extra padding. Or, if your machine is big enough, wash two pillows at a time.
The best disinfectant may not be the wash, but the drying process. Tumble-drying laundry, including pillows, on high heat for at least 30 minutes is sufficient for killing most influenza germs. Don't hesitate to tumble dry for longer, however.
Although some experts recommend professional dry-cleaning for down and other fluffy bedding items, it is generally safe to wash them, either in the machine on a gentle setting or by hand. Here are some other great tips on how to keep your pillows and comforters looking like new.
Disinfecting your pillows doesn't have to be expensive. You can use household ingredients like baking soda and vinegar to normalize smells and destroy bacteria.
Pillows start to turn yellow due to a variety of factors, most of which involve the accumulation of moisture. Sweat, drool, wet hair, and even skincare products can contribute to yellow stains on a pillow.
Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine
Most down and synthetic pillows can be machine-washed and dried on low heat. Note that water needs to be 140°F or higher to kill dust mites, so make sure your water heater isn't set too low. Also, consider an extra spin cycle to squeeze out as much dampness as possible.
Before washing, soak your pillowcases and other linens overnight in warm water with oxygen bleach or Borax. Wash your pillowcases using the hottest water cycle and the correct amount of liquid detergent. Line dry your pillowcases outside in the sun for pillowcases that look and smell brand new!
Is it normal for a pillow to turn yellow? It is normal for a pillow to turn yellow over time. Sweat and other moisture will eventually cause discoloration. You should wash pillows every 4 to 6 months to prevent premature yellowing.
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity. Generally, you'll be able to tell when it's time to replace your pillows.
Position your pillows on opposite sides of your washbasin and select HOT wash and extra rinse options, if you don't have an extra rinse option you can manually run a rinse cycle afterward. Add your detergent and 1 cup of bleach to your washer (following washer instructions.) Run the washer.
Most hotels use peroxide-based laundry detergents to keep their sheets and towels bright. While these compounds are extremely successful at preventing white linens from greying or yellowing, they do necessitate some amount of knowledge. When used incorrectly, they might cause damage to your linens.
Toss old pillows in the washing machine and set to soak. Washing two at a time balances the washing machine so they clean evenly. Add the hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to the drum of the washing machine. (Hydrogen peroxide is a natural whitener, and vinegar tackles deep-set stains.)
You should only bleach your pillows if they are white and have stains. You must know the type of pillows you have and whether they are washable before using bleach on them. Some pillow types respond well to bleach, while others don't. Other pillows are not washable.