Low dryer settings and a careful wash cycle are essential to this method. This method uses two pillows to balance your machine, and it should take 2-2.5 hours. You will need 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup of vinegar, ¼ cup of lemon juice, laundry detergent, and dryer sheets.
Start by placing two pillows into your washing machine to balance the drum. Set your washer temperature to its highest, and calibrate the washer to its fullest load. If you have a soak setting, place the setting to this. If you don’t have a soak setting, let the machine fill and stop it, adding the ingredients to the soak.
Add the hydrogen peroxide as a bleach alternative, the vinegar, and the lemon juice. Do not mix the hydrogen peroxide and vinegar in the same container; if they are diluted in the laundry tub with water, they are safe. Let the pillows soak in the full tub of water and additives without motion for 30 minutes, and then rotate the pillows to the other side for another 30 minutes.
From here, you can start and run your regular wash cycle with a detergent of your choice.
During my initial attempt, I incorporated 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, which serves as a bleach alternative.
Drying pillows after they are washed:
Pull out your pillows and check to see if they still have a yellow color; if you are happy with the results, proceed to the dryer setting. You could also repeat the soak and wash process again if you would like to see more dramatic whitening.
Additionally, I included 1/2 cup of vinegar, which acts as a natural cleaner, effectively breaks down stains, and also doubles as a fabric softener.
Moreover, I added 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Like vinegar, lemon juice is acidic, possessing similar stain-fighting properties, while also imparting a delightful lemony aroma to the mixture.
Allow the pillows to soak for 30 minutes, then flip them over to ensure both sides are thoroughly soaked. Continue soaking for an additional 30 minutes for complete effectiveness.
Next, add your preferred laundry detergent and proceed to run your regular wash cycle to effectively clean the pillows.
Place your pillows into your dryer on a low setting with your favorite dryer sheets and check on them roughly every 30 minutes. Most light pillows will dry in a 30 min low setting. After you are satisfied that your pillows are dry, place your clean pillows into a pillow case or double up with an inner pillow protector and pillowcase to preserve the new and clean look of your bed pillows.
