white bed linens and pillows

I wrote a blog at the beginning of the year titled, “7 Over Used Over Looked Items We Need To Replace in our Homes” and one response I got over and over from readers was that they are attached to their bed pillows and just hate starting over and buying a new one every year.  Especially when they feel they have worn it in just right to their sleeping position and neck needs.  So, I thought I would share that your pillow can be saved if you feel attached (Charlie Brown Syndrome – see Linus and his blanket).

Experts believe we should keep a synthetic pillow for 2 to 3 years and a down pillow for 5 to 7 years to ensure proper neck support that aids in a well-rested sleep.  But during those years, you can wash your pillow to keep it nice and fresh.  Here’s how…


Got A Yellow Stained Pillow But You Love It?

Some things really need to be worn in a few times to feel just right…Kind of like a new pair of shoes.  Pillows seem to be a household item that’s close to a Lazy Boy chair for some people.  It’s yours, you don’t share it, it’s comfortable and you feel it’s adjusted to your body exactly how you like.  But it’s stained. 

Let’s Clean Your Pillow In 5 Steps:

1.  Check The Care Instructions

Every pillow has an annoying tag attached that has very important information about what you are laying your head on.  Before moving on to the next steps read the care instructions on your pillow.  Always follow those instructions on the tag and determine if your pillow is synthetic or down.

2. Ingredients

Here is a list of what you will need: 

  • Baking soda – in the place of laundry detergent
  • Vinegar
  • A few drops of tea tree oil

NEED HELP GETTING EVERYTHING CLEAN?  CLICK HERE!

3. Wash

If you have a front loading washing machine, place both pillows vertically in the washer so you keep the washer balanced in the wash cycle.  If you have a top loading washing machine, place each pillow facing each other around the drum of the washer.  Wash the pillows on a hot cycle with the above ingredients until the yellow stains are gone.  DON’T put the pillows in the dryer until the stains are gone.

4. Dry

Place the pillows in the dryer with two dryer balls (or two new tennis balls can be used as well).  This will keep your pillows fluffy.  If your pillow is made of foam hang it to dry on a pant hanger.

5. Sleep

Now rest your head assured that you are sleeping on a clean fresh pillow that is already to your liking and you don’t have to start over new!  Goodnight!