29 January 2024 , 17:13
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You can clean your pillows without a washing machine - for just £1.
We all know the importance of washing our bedsheets, but how often do you wash the pillows themselves? They should be washed regularly but they can be cumbersome to try and fit into a washing machine, and drying them can also be a nightmare, especially if you want them back on your bed the same day.
But according to one cleaning expert, there's an easier method you can use to clean your pillows in no time at all, and it costs just £1. All you need are two common household ingredients - baking soda and vinegar.
Allen Civlak, cleaning expert and proprietor of Mary's Kitchen Flour Sack Towels, said that synthetic pillows should be washed every three to six months, while down and feather pillows should be cleaned every six to 12 months, and should only be dry cleaned as they require special care. If you have a memory foam pillow, you should aim to have it professionally cleaned every one to two years, as Allen explained: "Adhering to these cleaning guidelines helps maintain the hygiene and performance of different pillow materials."
Most pillows can be cleaned using the baking soda and vinegar method, however, this takes just minutes to apply, and requires 30 minutes of waiting time before your pillows can be dried and put back on your bed. Baking soda can be purchased from Tesco for 65p, while white vinegar costs 35p at the same supermarket, making the hack just £1 in total.
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First, you should remove pillowcases and protectors from your pillows, and then "generously sprinkle" baking soda over the entire surface of the pillow, ensuring both sides are covered. Next, mix equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle and spray the mixture over the pillow.
After waiting for 30 minutes to give the ingredients "time to work on removing odours", you can then use a brush or a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove the baking soda and any loosened debris. If the weather permits, you can then place the pillows out to air dry, as sunlight has "natural disinfectant properties" that can help eliminate lingering odours, according to Allen.
The expert added: "Always check the care instructions on your pillows to ensure they are suitable for this cleaning method. This method may not be suitable for all types of pillows; for example, memory foam pillows should avoid excessive moisture. By using baking soda and vinegar, you can naturally clean and freshen your pillows, leaving them smelling clean and revitalised."