Pillows can turn yellow for several reasons, with the most common being sweat. This can make them a hotspot for bacteria to thrive, including bed bugs. There’s a common debate around how often pillows should be washed, but it’s recommended to wash them at least twice a year. If you suffer from allergies or have pets, it’s recommended to wash them more frequently.
Throwing your pillow into the washing machine may seem simple, but doing so may distort its shape and ruin it completely. Instead, experts at Mary’s Kitchen Flour Sack Towels recommended a 70p homemade method. This includes using two household staples: baking soda and white vinegar.
To clean pillows with baking soda and white vinegar, start by removing any pillowcases and covers. Then, sprinkle baking soda evenly over the entire surface of the pillow, including both the front and back.
Make sure both sides are covered. It may be worth stripping your bedding at the same time and cleaning the mattress.
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, then spray the pillow liberally.
Leave it to work for 30 minutes before taking a vacuum and removing the baking soda and any debris.
The pros said: “If the weather permits, you can place the pillows in the sun to air dry. Sunlight has natural disinfectant properties and can help eliminate lingering odours.
“Give the pillows a good fluffing and rotate them to ensure even cleaning and drying.
“While the presence of bacteria on pillows may sound alarming, it’s important to remember that most of these bacteria are harmless.
“Some bacteria actually help to protect us from harmful pathogens. The recommended cleaning frequency for pillows varies based on their type.
“Synthetic pillows can generally be washed every three to six months, maintaining a regular cleaning routine.”
Down and feather pillows are best suited to dry cleaning every six to 12 months, while memory foam pillows should be spot-cleaned.
Some pillows are even suitable for cleaning in the washing machine, while others can be submerged in a bath. However, always check the care label to ensure proper cleaning.
