How to Clean Your Yellowed Pillows and Leave Them White as Snow – Page 2

Check Care Labels: Before starting, check the care labels on your pillows to ensure they can be machine washed and tolerate bleach.
Pre-Soak: Fill your washing machine (or a large basin if washing by hand) with hot water. Add the laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, bleach (or Borax), and borax. Allow the pillows to soak in this mixture for at least 30 minutes. This pre-soak helps to break down and lift the yellow stains.
Wash: After soaking, run your washing machine on the hottest and longest cycle available. If washing by hand, scrub the pillows gently, then rinse thoroughly with hot water.
Rinse and Spin: Once the wash cycle is complete, run an additional rinse cycle to ensure all cleaning agents are removed. If your machine has a spin cycle, use it to remove as much water as possible from the pillows.
Dry: Dry the pillows thoroughly. Use the highest heat setting on your dryer, adding a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the pillows as they dry. If drying outdoors, ensure they are completely dry before bringing them inside to prevent mildew.

Regular Maintenance: To keep pillows white longer, wash them every three to six months.
Pillow Covers: Use pillow protectors under pillowcases to reduce staining from sweat and oils.
Gentle Handling: For down or feather pillows, be gentle during washing and drying to avoid clumping.

Store laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, bleach, and borax in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed to maintain their effectiveness.