Over time, even the best quality pillows can turn yellow. This is caused by the accumulation of sweat, skin oils, dust and moisture. But don't rush to get rid of them!
There is a simple and affordable way to restore the whiteness of your pillows, and all you need is regular white vinegar.
Why do pillows turn yellow?
Yellowness on pillows is a result of natural processes. Our body produces sweat even during sleep, and oils are released from the skin.
All of this penetrates into the fabric of the pillow and leaves marks over time. These stains may seem stubborn, but vinegar can easily remove them.
Vinegar is a magical whitening agent.
White vinegar is a natural and powerful cleaning agent. Not only does it help fight stains, but it also has antimicrobial properties, killing bacteria and eliminating odors.
Additionally, vinegar is effective in removing mineral deposits and detergent residue that can build up in pillow fabric after washing.
How to Whiten Pillows with Vinegar
1. Prepare your pillows for washing. Make sure your pillows are machine washable. Generally, pillows with synthetic or feather fillings are safe to wash. Check the care label on your pillow to make sure.
2. Place the pillows in the washing machine. Place two pillows at a time to ensure even washing and to balance the drum. This will also help prevent the machine from tilting during the spin cycle.
3. Add vinegar. Pour one cup (about 240 ml) of white vinegar into the detergent compartment. The vinegar will act as a natural bleach, breaking down dirt molecules and refreshing your pillows.
4. Choose the right washing cycle. Use hot water and select a cycle with extra rinse to ensure that all dirt and vinegar residue is completely washed away.
5. Drying. After washing, dry your pillows thoroughly in the sun or in a tumble dryer on low heat. The sun's rays will help naturally whiten the fabric and leave it smelling fresh.
Additional tips:
- To enhance the effect, you can add half a glass of baking soda together with vinegar to the washing machine. Soda will help eliminate unpleasant odors and enhance the bleaching effect.
- If the yellowing is particularly stubborn, soak the pillows in a solution of vinegar and hot water for a couple of hours before washing.
- Cleaning your pillows regularly (at least twice a year) will help prevent stains from building up and extend the life of your pillows.
Whitening yellowed pillows is not a difficult task if you know the right products.
Regular white vinegar, which everyone has in their kitchen, can work wonders to make your pillows look fresh and clean.
Try this method today and see for yourself how easy it is to refresh your pillows without using expensive chemicals!
