How to Whiten Pillows: A Comprehensive Guide
How to Whiten Pillows?
To whiten pillows, combine 1 cup each of powdered laundry detergent, powdered dishwasher detergent, and bleach (or bleach alternative), as well as 1/2 cup of borax in a large pot of boiling water.
Stir until the powders dissolve and pour the mixture into a washer or container for soaking.
Add the pillows and let them soak for 30 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
After soaking, run the pillows through a full wash cycle, preferably with a 2nd rinse option.
Dry down pillows on the “fluff” or “air” setting in a dryer, and synthetic ones on low heat, adding tennis balls for fluffiness.
Alternatively, using vinegar, detergent, washing soda, and laundry detergent in the washing machine can be effective.
For persistent stains, try running another load with a small amount of peroxide.
Hand washing with vinegar or bleach on yellow areas is another option.
Exposing the pillow to sunlight for a few hours can naturally lighten the color.
Key Points:
- Combine powdered laundry detergent, powdered dishwasher detergent, bleach (or bleach alternative), and borax in boiling water
- Stir until powders dissolve and pour mixture into washer or container for soaking
- Add pillows and let soak for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Run pillows through a full wash cycle, preferably with a 2nd rinse option
- Dry down pillows in dryer on “fluff” or “air” setting, adding tennis balls for fluffiness
- Alternatively, use vinegar, detergent, washing soda, and laundry detergent in washing machine
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that pillows can actually turn yellow over time due to the accumulation of body oils, sweat, and dead skin cells? This is why knowing how to whiten pillows can be handy!
2. One effective method to whiten pillows is by using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. This powerful combination helps to break down stains and odors, leaving your pillows fresh and clean.
3. If your pillows have yellow stains specifically from drool, you can try using white vinegar to remove them. The acetic acid in vinegar helps to dissolve the stains, leaving your pillows looking as good as new.
4. Sunlight is a natural and effective bleaching agent. By placing your pillows outside on a sunny day, the UV rays will naturally whiten them. This method is especially beneficial for pillows with yellowing caused by sweat or body oils.
5. To maintain the whiteness of your pillows for longer periods, it is recommended to wash and refresh them every six months. This helps to prevent the build-up of stains and dirt, keeping your pillows looking pristine and cozy.
Recipe For Whitening Pillows
When it comes to whitening pillows, having the right recipe is crucial. To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of powdered laundry detergent
- 1 cup of powdered dishwasher detergent
- 1 cup of bleach (or bleach alternative)
- 1/2 cup of borax
These ingredients work together to tackle stains and brighten your pillows.
Dissolving The Ingredients In Boiling Water
To start, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the powdered laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, and borax. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the powdered ingredients dissolve completely. This step ensures that the cleaning agents are evenly mixed and ready to work their magic.
- Fill a large pot with water.
- Bring the pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully add powdered laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, and borax.
- Stir the mixture until all the powdered ingredients dissolve completely.
Soaking The Pillows In The Mixture
To successfully clean your pillows, follow these steps:
- Transfer the dissolved mixture into a washer or a container large enough to accommodate your pillows.
- Add bleach to the mixture and thoroughly mix it.
- Carefully place your pillows into the mixture, ensuring they are completely submerged.
- Let the pillows soak for approximately 30 minutes, flipping them over halfway through to ensure even saturation.
Remember to handle the pillows with care during the process to avoid damaging them.
- Transfer the dissolved mixture to a washer or container.
- Mix the bleach thoroughly into the mixture.
- Fully submerge the pillows in the mixture.
- Allow the pillows to soak for 30 minutes, flipping them over midway through.
Washing The Pillows In A Washing Machine
After soaking the pillows, it is important to wash them. Transfer the pillows to a washing machine and run a full wash cycle. To ensure that all cleaning agents are thoroughly rinsed out, it is recommended to select the 2nd rinse option, if available. This step will leave your pillows fresh and free of any residue.
Drying Down Pillows In A Dryer
If you have down pillows, it is important to dry them properly to maintain their fluffiness.
- Put the pillows in a dryer on the “fluff” or “air” setting.
- Consider adding a couple of tennis balls or homemade dryer balls to the dryer.
This gentle drying process will retain the loftiness of the down and help prevent clumping, resulting in a well-distributed fluff.
Drying Synthetic Pillows With Tennis Or Dryer Balls
For synthetic pillows, drying them on low heat in the dryer is recommended. Adding tennis balls or dryer balls during drying can help fluff the pillows and restore their original shape and loft.
Remember, a good night’s sleep starts with clean pillows!
- Use low heat setting in the dryer for synthetic pillows
- Add tennis balls or dryer balls to fluff the pillows
- Clean pillows ensure a whiter and fresher appearance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make pillows white again?
To restore white color to yellow pillows, one can consider using a washing machine. Although conventional wisdom suggests it as the simplest method, it might be worth noting that front-loading machines can accommodate either one or two pillows comfortably. Opting to launder one pillow at a time ensures better coverage of the cleaning solution, enhancing the chances of achieving the desired whiteness.
How do you brighten white pillows?
To brighten white pillows, begin by positioning them on opposing sides of your washbasin. Opt for a HOT wash setting and add an extra rinse, or alternatively, you can manually run a rinse cycle after washing. Follow the washing machine’s instructions and add the recommended amount of detergent along with 1 cup of bleach. Let the washer do its magic, ensuring that you have bright and fresh white pillows in no time.
How do you turn yellow pillows white again?
To restore yellow pillows to their original white color, you can try a powerful combination of cleaning agents. Start by adding 1 cup (240 mL) of dishwasher soap, together with ¾ cup (6 oz) of washing soda, 0.5 cups (120 mL) of white vinegar, and 3 tbsps (44 mL) of regular laundry detergent to the washing machine. This potent mixture can help break down stains and brighten the pillows, giving them a fresh and revitalized appearance. Remember to follow the care instructions on your pillows and always spot test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Why are old pillows yellow?
Old pillows turn yellow due to the moisture that comes in contact with them from your body or from your bedroom. The accumulation of moisture over time causes the pillow material to oxidize and develop a yellowish tint. To prevent this, using a pillow protector along with a pillowcase can effectively block moisture and help maintain the pillows’ original color. By minimizing moisture exposure, the pillows can remain fresher and free from yellowing for a longer period of time.