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To bring your pillows back to their bright white state, gather these common household items:
Baking soda
White vinegar
Laundry detergent
Borax (optional)
Hot water
A washing machine (front or top-loading)
Step-by-Step Process to Whiten Pillows
Check Pillow Care Instructions Before cleaning, ensure your pillows are machine washable. Most pillows made of polyester or cotton blends are safe to wash, but some memory foam pillows require spot cleaning only.
Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Mix ½ cup of baking soda with 1 cup of white vinegar.
Add your regular laundry detergent (about 1 cup) and, if available, a tablespoon of Borax for an extra boost.
Soak the Pillows Fill your washing machine with hot water and dissolve the cleaning mixture. Submerge the yellowed pillows in the water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This loosens the stains and prepares them for a deeper clean.
Wash the Pillows Run your washing machine on a gentle cycle with hot water. Make sure to balance the load by washing two pillows at a time. This ensures they don’t clump together during the spin cycle.
Rinse Thoroughly After the wash, run an additional rinse cycle to remove any remaining detergent or vinegar.
Dry Properly Dry the pillows in the dryer on low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls. These help fluff the pillows and maintain their shape. If you prefer air-drying, make sure the pillows dry completely to prevent mold or mildew.
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