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The Secret to Sun-kissed Pillows: Unveiling the Neighbor’s Trick for a Freshly-sunned Fluff

"It's astonishing that such a simple method could be so incredibly effective."

24 September, 2024

Pillows can get dirty quite easily as our faces and scalps produce a small amount of oil, dead skin cells, and even saliva when we sleep. Over time, bacteria and dust mites can build up inside the pillow, which can affect our health and lead to skin problems such as itching and acne.

Dust mites are tiny organisms that thrive in humid environments, such as our bed sheets, pillows, and blankets. These items can easily accumulate dust mites, so it’s important to wash and sun-dry them regularly as mites are eliminated when exposed to sunlight.

Therefore, experts recommend washing pillowcases once a week or bi-weekly. As for the pillow itself, it should be washed at least twice a year and replaced every two years. However, frequent washing can affect the softness of the pillow and even cause it to lose its shape.

If you’re concerned about this, you can place the pillow core in a black plastic bag, seal it tightly, and then sun-dry it for two hours. If the bag is too small, use two bags to ensure the pillow core is completely covered.

Black plastic bags have heat-absorbing properties, so when sealed and placed in the sun, the temperature inside can rise, sometimes even exceeding 55°C. This will kill and completely eliminate bacteria and dust mites from the pillow core.

You can also sun-dry the pillow core directly, but placing it in a black plastic bag first will significantly increase the effectiveness of dust mite removal. If you still prefer to wash the pillow core, you can try the following methods.

**Hand-Washing Guide:**

When hand-washing, start by dissolving detergent in hot water and soaking the pillow core for 15-20 minutes to loosen dirt and bacteria. Then, gently knead the pillow until it is clean.

Rinse the pillow multiple times to ensure all soap is removed. Use a towel to absorb excess water; do not wring or twist the pillow core as this can damage its structure. Finally, sun-dry the pillow core.

**Machine-Washing Guide:**

Place the pillow core in the washing machine drum, ensuring it follows the machine’s spin direction. Don’t overcrowd the machine.

Add detergent to the appropriate compartment and select a gentle cycle with a long wash time and light spin to prevent excessive agitation, which could damage the pillow.

In the final rinse, add fabric softener to the designated compartment to soften the fabric, eliminate odors, and leave a pleasant scent. After washing, sun-dry the pillow core in a well-ventilated area with sunlight and breeze.

Although machine-washing is convenient, keep the following in mind:

– For items that explicitly state “do not machine wash,” opt for steam cleaning or dry cleaning instead.

– Pillows made of down, foam, or latex, as well as older pillows, should not be machine-washed to avoid tearing and filling leakage.

– For yellowed or heavily soiled pillow cores, add a small amount of bleach or use baking soda and white vinegar to remove stains and restore the pillow to its original whiteness.