How to quickly clean and refresh decorative pillows: tips

It's a no-brainer when it comes to washing your sleeping pillows - they should be cleaned regularly, as they accumulate bacteria, sebum, sweat, and even dust mites. With so many things to do around the house, it's easy to overlook the need to wash decorative pillows.

They accumulate a variety of bacteria and unpleasant odors, especially if you have children and pets at home. Experts recommend cleaning decorative pillows every three to six months, but it depends on how often they are used.

Preliminary steps

Before you start cleaning, there are some preliminary steps to take. They include checking the material and choosing the best washing mode.

Some decorative fabrics should not be washed in hot water. Also, overly aggressive chemicals can lead to discoloration and damage to the fibers.

How to refresh decorative pillows

When it comes to removing unpleasant odors from fabric, you won't find a better combination than baking soda and vinegar. The alkalinity of baking soda and the acidity of vinegar effectively neutralize odors.

1. The first step is to vacuum the pillows beforehand to remove excess dirt and dust.
2. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of baking soda on the pillows and wait a few hours for it to work.
3. Rub the baking soda thoroughly into the fibers of the pillow. After the baking soda has been in for the scheduled amount of time, use the vacuum again to get rid of the abrasive particles.

To instantly deodorize your pillows, fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Soak both sides of the pillow and let it dry. The vinegar will evaporate, completely removing the odor. You can also use this solution to disinfect your carpets.

You can add freshness and pleasant aromas with essential oils. The combination of lemon and mint will create a freshness effect. A mix of eucalyptus and tea tree oils will be pleasant. And lavender and chamomile create a calming home atmosphere. Mix the desired oils with water in a spray bottle and spray the sofa and pillows.

Other easy ways to freshen up your pillows

You can simply put the pillows in the sun. Sunlight is needed to remove musty odors. UV rays have antimicrobial properties that help reduce odors caused by bacteria. So, if you don't have baking soda or vinegar on hand, a little natural sunlight can help.

For serious dirt, you'll need professional upholstery cleaners. First, try cleaning the cushion with a white cloth to make sure the dye doesn't transfer and fade during the cleaning process. Apply a little product to a sponge pre-soaked in water, treat the stains, and blot the remaining water with a towel.

It is worth noting that there are several types of fabrics that cannot be cleaned with water. These include velvet, suede, velor, silk, leather, and wool. Cushion covers made of these materials have special care instructions that you need to familiarize yourself with before trying to clean them yourself.

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