The choice of the pillow is not insignificant. It is important to choose the one that will be the most comfortable and pleasant to spend soothing nights. But once you've finally found it, now it's all about preserving all of its qualities. For it to give you a restful sleep, you must absolutely take care of it: the maintenance of your pillow is essential for hygiene. If it is not cleaned and disinfected properly, it will expose you to all kinds of allergies!
At night, humidity and heat promote the proliferation of bacteria and dust mites. And your pillow can easily become a nest for all these parasites responsible for many conditions such as respiratory allergy, asthma or constantly itchy nose. By washing it frequently, you limit the development of microbes and clean up the environment where you sleep. Without forgetting that you noticeably improve the quality of your sleep: clean, fresh and fragrant linen promotes sleep and provides undeniable comfort.
Some think, wrongly, that washing your pillow often risks damaging it. Obviously, there are different types of pillows, some more delicate to maintain than others. But, to increase its longevity, regular cleaning will allow it to stay in good condition for longer. Ideally, it should be washed once a week and replaced every two years.
How to properly clean and disinfect your pillows? Here are some effective natural remedies that will help you spend your nights in peace.
N.B: before cleaning your pillows, read the label carefully to apply the correct washing method.
Synthetic pillows
Synthetic pillows are the most common type of pillow purchased and used for sleeping. Let's see how to wash them in the washing machine or by hand.
Washing Machine
For machine washing, synthetic pillows should ideally be washed in cold water with a mild detergent, such as Marseille soap. This popular ingredient is highly prized for its non-aggressive cleansing properties and great gentleness. It can therefore be suitable for a wide range of pillows.
You can also wash your pillows by adding a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to the detergent drawer of your washing machine. Both are natural and ecological products with disinfecting, stain-removing and whitening properties. As a bonus, thanks to their deodorizing effect, they chase away all bad smells.
N.B: be careful when spinning, to avoid damaging your pillows. It's best not to wring them out or spin them in a gentle, light mode.
Hand washing
For hand washing, place your pillows in a basin filled with water in which you have dissolved your mild, biological detergent. Let them soak for a few hours, then rinse them to remove any excess suds before wringing them out. Let them air dry completely.
Wool pillows
Wool is a material, fragile and precious, which has always been used for the production of pillows.
In this case, you can opt for machine washing, as long as the pillows are placed in a delicate laundry bag. Wash them with liquid Marseille soap, so that the wash is softer. Set the spin cycle so that it does not exceed 600 revolutions per minute. Once washed, in the same way as the other processes, let your pillows dry.
Goose down pillows
Goose down pillows are very soft and provide quality sleep!
As they are more delicate, it is best to wash them by hand. First, remove the dust by tapping lightly on the pillow. Fill a bowl with cold water and immerse the pillows in it. Add the juice of a lemon and the coarse salt to the water. The combination of these two elements will ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the pillows.
Lemon has antibacterial and whitening properties, while salt will cleanse well and absorb moisture stains.
N.B: it is best to massage the pillow from time to time so that it returns to its usual shape.
Remove stains
Do you often notice unsightly stains on your pillows? Nothing abnormal, it can come from sweat, humidity or even blood. Let's see how to eliminate them effectively!
Pillowcases
Pillowcases are meant to protect the pillow so that it doesn't come into direct contact with all that inconvenience. They filter dust and can therefore be more susceptible to dirt and stains.
This is why you can remove the pillows and wash their cover quietly in the washing machine or by soaking it in a glass of white vinegar or sodium percarbonate, a stain-removing, disinfecting and bleaching agent. This mixture will eliminate all stubborn stains and perfectly whiten your pillowcases.
Cushion cleaning
You can also use hydrogen peroxide, which can be used in multiple ways to clean your home, including for halos and bloodstains. Take a cotton ball and dip it in hydrogen peroxide. Dab the stain and let it sit. Then continue washing.
N.B: Please note that this method is more suitable for white pillows, as it risks discoloring colored pillows.
Cleaning lounge cushions
If, for example, you want to clean your living room cushions in a natural way, you can opt for dry cleaning after removing the covers.
Instructions: take a large bag in which you have placed 250 g of baking soda to which you can add 3 to 4 drops of eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil, to bring a fragrant freshness. Place the pillow in it and let it sit overnight.
This method will be especially useful for those who have pets and need to dry clean the pillows.
Warning
We would like to remind you that before cleaning, it is very important to read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions.