Washer-Free Tricks To Clean And Freshen Pillows

Here's a fact that might turn your stomach. Did you know that more germs can lurk on your pillow than on your toilet seat? According to a study by Amerisleep, just one week of skipping washing your pillowcase leads to the accumulation of 3 million bacteria, or 17,442 times the bacteria found on a household toilet seat. While pillowcases can and do protect your pillow from dust and dander, it's also possible for saliva and other body fluids to seep into the pillow itself. Pretty gross, right? As a result of this disgusting germ exchange, it's no wonder pillows require regular cleaning, just like your bedding. Not washing your pillow while doing laundry can be a big mistake, but what if you don't have a washing machine or you need to freshen up your memory foam pillow? You can easily clean and freshen your pillows with baking soda, vinegar, sunlight, and fresh air.

Ideally, you should replace your pillowcase at least once a week. Yet when you remove it, there's no telling how many dust particles or germs may transfer to the pillow during the switch to a new pillowcase. In addition, you should wash your pillow a minimum of twice a year, adjusting the frequency higher if you are a heavy sweater or frequently eat in bed. If you don't wash your pillow regularly, you create one sweet buffet for dust mites. Luckily, you can keep them fresh by following these tricks.

Not a fan of putting pillows in the washing machine, freshen up and eliminate unpleasant odors from your pillows with baking soda. As a proven deodorizer, Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an all-natural way to get your pillows smelling cleaner. Remove the pillowcase, then sprinkle the pillow's surface liberally with baking soda. Let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes to neutralize any odors and freshen the fabric. Use a hand vac or a vacuum equipped with a crevice tool to thoroughly remove all of the baking soda from the pillow. 

When facing more challenging odors, vinegar is the easy go-to choice for fresher pillows without a washing machine. Combine a 50/50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then shake well to mix. Spray your pillow with the vinegar, being careful not to oversaturate. As an acid, vinegar effectively neutralizes alkaline odors it encounters, and the result gives you a fresher-smelling pillow in no time. After you mist the pillow, let it sit and air dry. If you prefer, you can set it out in the sun as well. And as for the sun, it comes in handy with this next freshening hack.

A controversial yet effective method of pillow cleaning involves the sun, where you let it sunbathe for UV rays to kill bacteria. Hang or set your pillows outside sans pillowcase. Next, let them live like that catchy 2002 pop hit, soaking up the sun for a few hours, preferably at midday, for the best results. The UV rays might not kill every bit of bacteria, but they will undoubtedly help freshen and air out the pillows, drying up any moisture plus letting them breathe. Don't get distracted and forget, letting your pillows linger until nightfall, though, as UV rays can weaken the fibers. After you bring in your pillows from their time in the sun, fluff them up, put on a new pillowcase, and enjoy the feeling of cleaner sleep.

Consider using these hacks to refresh your pillow at least once every season. Pillows aren't meant to last forever; ideally, you should replace them every two years, per the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. You should also watch for any signs that it's time to replace your pillow, including if it develops lumps, stains, or loses its filling.