What are the best ways to clean and disinfect pillows after a soiling incident
Keeping your pillows clean and fresh is essential for a good night’s sleep and overall health. If your pillow gets soiled—whether from spills, sweat, or accidents—it’s important to clean and disinfect it properly. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you do just that.
## Why Clean Your Pillows?
Dirty pillows can cause allergies, make asthma worse, or even irritate your skin. If you wake up sneezing or with breakouts, your pillow might be the culprit[3]. Regular cleaning keeps them fresh and safe.
## Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
### 1. Check the Care Label
Always start by checking the care label on your pillow. Some pillows (like memory foam) need special care and shouldn’t be soaked in water[2].
### 2. Remove Outer Covers
Take off any removable covers or protectors and wash them separately in the washing machine according to their instructions[2].
### 3a. For Machine-Washable Pillows (Cotton/Polyester)
– **Pre-treat Stains:** Spot-clean any stains with a gentle detergent before washing.
– **Wash:** Use warm water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
– **Dry Thoroughly:** Tumble dry on low heat until completely dry to prevent mold.
### 3b. For Memory Foam Pillows
– **Spot Clean Only:** Do not soak memory foam pillows in water.
– **Sprinkle Baking Soda:** Cover the pillow with baking soda, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it off to remove odors and dust[2].
– **Stain Removal:** Mix a small amount of gentle detergent (like one for silk or wool) in lukewarm water. Dip a clean cloth into this solution and gently dab at stains from the outside toward the center[2].
– **Rinse & Dry:** Blot away soap residue with plain water on another cloth; air dry completely away from direct sunlight[2].
### 4a. Whitening Yellowed Pillows
If your pillow has yellowed over time:
– Wipe down with a mixture of dish soap and water using a soft cloth.
– Rinse well after cleaning[4].
### 4b. Deep Cleaning in Bathtub (for non-memory foam)
For extra dirty cotton/polyester pillows:
– Fill your bathtub with hot water.
– Add 1/4 cup baking soda + 1/4 cup borax + two cups liquid laundry detergent.
– Soak pillows for about an hour; agitate gently by hand if needed.
– Rinse thoroughly until all soap is gone; squeeze out excess water without twisting too hard.
+ Air dry completely outdoors if possible—sunlight helps kill germs naturally![5]
## Disinfecting Tips
To disinfect after soiling incidents:
+ Use white vinegar as part of rinse cycle when machine washing—it kills bacteria naturally without harsh chemicals!
+ Sunlight exposure during drying also helps sanitize fabric fibers effectively!
## Final Thoughts
Regularly cleaning & disinfecting keeps allergens at bay while extending life span! Always ensure full dryness before use again so no mold grows inside stuffing material!
By following these simple steps tailored specifically towards different types of materials used within most common household bedding items today anyone can maintain healthier sleeping environments easily every day!
