Discover a simple trick for washing pillows: Use baking soda instead of detergent

Most people enjoy the delightfully soothing sensation of laying down in freshly laundered and fragrant bedding after a long, tiring day. While changing bed sheets frequently is common, not everyone cleans their pillows as often as necessary. This oversight is a significant mistake.

Our beds, being a fundamental part of daily life, harbor remnants of sweat and dead skin from our sleep, especially in the pillows and duvets on which we lay our faces. Consequently, they become a breeding ground for various bacteria and fungi. Therefore, it's critical to refresh them regularly. Discover how to effectively wash pillows in your washing machine.

Diligence while washing pillows is critical, as mishandling, wrong use of chemicals, or incorrect washing machine settings can ruin them rapidly. It's especially true for feather pillows, which are best washed at 86-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Sadly, fear of damaging the pillows or improper drying discourages many from washing their pillows often enough. Nonetheless, remember that maintaining healthy sleep hygiene requires frequent washing of pillows.

How can this be done correctly, then? A clever solution is to use an unexpected item: tennis balls. By adding tennis balls to your laundry, you prevent the filling of the pillows from clumping together during the wash, thereby maintaining their original structure. It's a handy trick that can also be applied when washing down clothing.

Surprisingly, you don't need laundry detergent for efficient pillow washing. A common kitchen ingredient, baking soda, can effortlessly remove dirt, stains, and unpleasant odours from your pillows.

If your pillows have synthetic fillings, baking soda makes an excellent substitute for laundry detergent. To use it, simply replace your normal detergent with 5-6 large tablespoons of baking soda. Doing so not only provides a thorough clean but also saves money that you'd otherwise spend on expensive powders or detergents.

Additionally, if you want your pillows to feel soft after washing, replace fabric softener with vinegar. Not only will it disinfect your pillows during the wash, but it will also enhance their fluffiness. Another critical point is the correct washing program: selecting a 'delicate' mode on your washing machine is best. After washing, hang your pillows to allow the filling to dry thoroughly.