If you've ever looked at your pillows and wondered if it's normal for them to look like they've been spilt with tea, you're not alone. Yellow stains, a musty smell, and that tired look that makes you feel like you're sleeping on an old piece of foam from a garage sale are all the result of daily use, sweat, and not washing them thoroughly. And even if you wash them regularly with a regular detergent, you're probably not happy with the results.
But here comes a household trick that few people know about, but works like magic. In a few easy steps, using products you already have at home, you can turn your yellowed pillows into sparkling white again. No expensive dry cleaners, no new purchases, and no special tools. Just the right combination of ingredients, some hot water, and – boom! – your pillows will be like from a catalog. Read on to find out how to do it yourself.
Are your pillows no longer as white as they used to be?
Over the years, even the best quality pillows lose their shine and become slightly yellowish. Sweat, makeup residue, and everyday use leave their marks – but that doesn’t mean you have to throw them away! There’s a simple, homemade way to thoroughly clean them and restore their freshness. The recipe comes from the household treasure trove of tricks, and judging by the results – it really works.
What do you need?
To prepare an effective washing mixture, you will need the following ingredients:
- Very hot water
- 1 cup of laundry detergent
- 1 cup of dishwasher powder
- 1 cup bleach
- 1/2 cup borax (sodium tetraborate)
Instructions for use – step by step
1. Preparing the washing machine:
Pour about 1/3 of the washing machine with very hot water. If you have a water-adding program, use it - higher temperatures mean better results.
2. Adding ingredients:
Add all the above ingredients to the water – washing powder, dishwasher powder, bleach and borax. Mix everything well or run the machine for a few minutes to dissolve the ingredients.
3. Inserting the pillows:
Add two pillows to the machine at a time (important for balancing the drum). Allow the drum to fill completely with hot water and start the washing process.
4. Additional tip for the top filling:
If you have a top-loading machine, you may need to turn the pillow halfway through the cycle to ensure even washing.
5. Rinsing:
Let the pillows go through two rinse cycles – this will remove all bleach and detergent residue.
6. Drying:
Dry your pillows thoroughly after washing – drying time depends on the type of filling. Feather pillows can be air dried or tumble dried with a few tennis balls to loosen them up, while synthetic pillows should be dried on a lower temperature.
The result? Pillows like new!
A previously yellowed, unattractive pillow is bright and fresh again, almost like new. This method is not only effective, but also budget-friendly – most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen or laundry room.
Why does this method work?
- Bleach destroys bacteria and removes stains.
- Borax naturally disinfects and softens water.
- Washing powder and dishwasher detergent They contain enzymes that break down fats and proteins (the main culprits of stains).
- Hot water increases the effectiveness of all ingredients.
Final tip:
You can also use this method for heavily soiled towels, tea towels and bed linen - with a little attention you can restore the feeling of freshness to your household, like in the best hotel.
Now you know: there's no need to buy new pillows – just wash them properly!
