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Lemon is an invaluable and very effective ally if you want to give your pillows a new lease of life to sleep well and with optimal comfort. With the following tip, you can take advantage of the whitening and disinfectant properties of citrus fruits.
Start by boiling 2.5 liters of water and add 6 glasses of lemon juice. Then, soak the pillow in this lemon water for about 2 hours. All you have to do is wash the pillow with soapy water to remove stains before rinsing and drying it. Do not hesitate to add even more water so that the pillow is completely immersed in the solution.
2. White vinegar and baking soda
To naturally lighten and soften the textile fibers of your pillow, a combination of baking soda and white vinegar is an excellent solution. You can actually count on the antibacterial and whitening effects of these two elements to remove dirt, sweat and stains from the pillow. In addition, it also helps to combat bad odors that may be stuck to it.
It is very easy to use it well. Place your pillow in a bowl filled with hot water and add half a cup of white vinegar and the same amount of baking soda. Let it soak for 1 hour. Then choose a normal wash cycle, put it in the washing machine, and then air dry it. Please note that baking soda can also be used to clean your mattress.
3. Lemon and hydrogen peroxide
Ideal as a substitute for bleach, this anti-stain and anti-mite treatment consists of the combination of lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide (peroxide) to lighten the laundry. Ingredients containing active ingredients that can easily remove sweat or saliva stains.
To benefit from their virtues, prepare a bucket of hot water, in which you will put half a cup of lemon juice and twice as much quantity of hydrogen peroxide. Place the pillow in the bucket and let it sit for an hour. Once this time has elapsed, run a normal wash cycle in your washing machine to rinse the pillow and then let it dry in the sun.
Practical tips for washing your pillows
To ensure optimal washing of your pillows, it is important to take into account a few recommendations
Always read the label: whether it is polyester, cotton or feathers, each type of pillow must be washed according to the washing instructions on the label to maintain its quality. Therefore, always make sure that your garment is machine washable.
For top-loading machines: add two pillows at a time to keep the machine balanced.
Air drying or sun drying: When you are done washing, simply hang your pillows in the sun so that they can benefit from the UV rays. These help lighten textiles, making this light source the best way to dry your bedding while facilitating the destruction of dust mites. Result: you will find a bright white pillow for a peaceful night’s sleep.
If you opt for machine drying, you opt for a fresh air program. If it is a feather pillow, add tennis balls to make it look full. Be careful not to use more than two, however, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the drum of the appliance.
Ear care
1. Use a pillow protector
You can give your pillow a second line of defense against dead skin cells, sebum or sweat secreted by the skin. All you have to do is get a pillow protector that you place under your pillowcase to prevent allergens from penetrating. Also, make sure to wash these covers every month.
2. Wash your pillows 3 to 4 times a year
This is especially the case if you notice that they are yellowing. As for pillowcases, which are of course the first to come into contact with our bodily fluids, once or twice a week is a good frequency.
3. Replace pillows after 2 or 3 years
Although many people keep their pillows for a particularly long time, it is best to replace them after two or three years. This is because pillows lose their firmness after a while and can no longer support your head properly. However, their yellowing does not necessarily have to be a reason to replace them.
How to wash pillows depending on the type?
Depending on the filling of your pillows, the washing instructions vary. Here is how to proceed for each type:
Memory foam pillows: Given the risk of the washing machine damaging the foam filling and the viscoelastic behavior of your memory foam pillow, it may be better to opt for hand washing. First, you should completely immerse it in water and squeeze the pillow for 10 minutes. Then rinse it until the water runs clear. Wring it out thoroughly before air drying. If there are stains, clean them with a damp cloth soaked in a small amount of mild detergent or stain remover. The result: a firm pillow, ideal for supporting the spine.
Polyester pillow: Wash this type of synthetic fiber pillow in warm water and on a delicate cycle. The amount of detergent should be sparing. One to two teaspoons is enough for machine washing.
Goose feather or down pillows: Put these pillows in the washing machine with cold water and a mild detergent. Then dry on low heat so as not to damage the down. The latter can actually deteriorate in quality due to high temperatures.
What about bed linen and how often should it be washed?
The bedroom is a place where humidity and heat reign and offer perfect conditions for the accumulation of bacteria, microbes and other dirt. To avoid these inconveniences, it is necessary to wash the sheets and duvet cover every two weeks or even every week. There are also natural solutions to effectively clean your mattress.
How to wash your bedding properly?
Bed linen and sheets must be washed regularly so that you always enjoy fresh linen. Therefore, it is advisable to wash them at the right temperature, preferring heat. In fact, it is a high temperature that kills all the pathogens that may have even settled in the microfibers of the sheets. However, always make sure to check the recommended temperature on the label. This will prevent you from compromising the quality of your laundry.
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