Pillows are often neglected when it comes to washing bedding, but they can become very unhygienic if not cleaned regularly. An expert has revealed a natural cleaning hack
Pillows might not be the first thing you think to chuck in the wash, but neglecting them could turn your bed into a breeding ground for all sorts of nasties. As we rest our heads night after night, pillows soak up sweat, body oils, and dead skin cells, and come spring, they’re prime real estate for pollen.
Failing to give your pillows a good clean can lead to a host of unpleasantness: skin irritation, a musty-smelling bed, an invasion of dust mites, and even exacerbated allergies. But don’t fret about forking out on expensive chemical cleaners or running up your water bill – David Smith from Down and Feather Company has some savvy cleaning hacks up his sleeve.
David said: “There are a few tried and true methods that can help reduce or eliminate yellow stains from your pillows and pillowcases, and plenty of them can be accomplished with everyday household staples.”
One nifty trick involves whipping up a homemade concoction using lemon juice and baking soda to tackle those unsightly yellow blotches. David said: “Create a paste using lemon juice and baking soda, then gently rub it onto the yellow stains.”
The citric acid in lemon juice isn’t just for adding zing to your food; it’s a natural bleacher and germ-killer, perfect for disinfecting your pillows. And as for baking soda, it’s not just for cakes. This versatile powder cuts through grease and grime, absorbs moisture, and leaves your pillows fresh and clean, reports the Express.
Here’s a simple DIY solution to get your pillows looking and smelling fresh again. Start by liberally sprinkling baking soda over the grubby pillow.
Next, squeeze the juice of a few lemons onto the baking soda – opt for fresh lemons rather than bottled juice for maximum potency and effectiveness.
When the lemon juice meets the baking soda, you might notice a bit of fizzing as the mixture gets to work on the fabric, but don’t worry, this won’t harm your pillow.
Let the pillow sit undisturbed for at least half an hour. This gives the homemade cleaner time to lift stains and eliminate bacteria.
After the waiting period, use a soft cloth to gently rub the pillow, helping to dislodge any lingering dirt from the fabric.
Now it’s time to wash the pillow. You can either pop it in the washing machine as usual or give it a quick soak in a basin filled with hot water to rinse it off.
Hang the pillow up to dry. Once it’s completely dry, you’ll be left with a pillow that’s not only visibly cleaner and whiter but also smells fresher and is free from germs.