Pillows often need an occasional clean as sweat, moisture, and even hair products can seep into the fabric to make your bedding smelly and greasy. While many pillows are machine washable, cleaning several at once may be challenging due to their size and bulk.
Instead, the laundry experts at Lifestyle Clotheslines have shared a simple way to refresh pillows without putting them in the wash – and this is by using baking powder. They said: “Even with meticulous maintenance, pillows may occasionally need a touch of refreshment between washes. Like a gentle breeze through an open window, baking soda can whisk away odours with ease.”
Baking soda is highly absorbent which means it can suck up any moisture or odours in your pillows to help freshen up the fabric.
It is also mildly alkaline, which can break down acidic grease stains like sweat or skin oils without having to use any harsher products.
If your pillows have started to yellow and have really big stains, then it may be better to wash them in a machine.
However, if they’re simply musty and have a few light stains, this is an easy and low-effort method to freshen them up.
How to clean pillows without a washing machine
One simple way to deep clean pillows is to fill a basin (or bathtub) with warm water, then add baking soda and laundry detergent.
Baking soda will boost the cleaning effectiveness of laundry detergent as it balances the pH levels of the water your pillows are being washed in to help clean them.
Simply add your pillows to the solution and then leave them to soak overnight or for a few hours.
Once they have been cleaned, fill your basin with clean water. Gently press on your pillows to help remove excess moisture and dunk them in the fresh water to remove any soapy residue.
It could take a few minutes, but your pillows will be completely revived and will be much easier to dry.
If you simply have a small stain on your pillows or they need freshening up, then you can skip soaking them and just sprinkle the baking soda on the stain.
Let it sit for 30 minutes, and then vacuum your pillows, which will be a lot fresher and stain-free.
No matter what method you use, once you have cleaned them with baking soda, hang them out on a warm day, as the sun is one of the best natural cleaners.
The expert said: “Sunlight and fresh air are the elixirs of life—even for pillows. Grant them a few hours of sunbathing, and watch as the natural elements restore their freshness and help eliminate dust mites.”
The ultraviolet rays in sunlight have natural antifungal properties which will kill bacteria, mould spores, dust mites and anything else in your pillow to make it much more hygienic.
The heat will also evaporate any moisture to help it dry quickly after soaking it, or to remove any trapped sweat if you did not deep clean it.
Fresh air also helps eliminate musty, stale odours from the fabric, leaving your pillows cleaner, fresher, and naturally sanitised without even needing a washing machine