How to Freshen Pillows

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Vacuum

  • Spray bottle

  • White vinegar

  • Essential oil

  • Dryer

Freshen pillows every few months.

Over time, pillows absorb scents, moisture, oils and other debris. This could attract bacteria and viruses in the pillow or it could simply make them smell bad and stop you from using them. Prevent this by putting the pillow in a zippered pillow cover that covers the pillow and provides an extra layer of protection between the pillowcase and the pillow. Wash the case and the pillow cover often. If you haven't done this, you'll need to freshen the pillows to restore the right smell and level of comfort.

Advertisement

Step 1

Remove the pillowcase and pillow cover so that you are accessing the core pillow.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Vacuum the surface of the pillow with the hose attachment of your vacuum. Vacuum the entire surface of the pillow. Use low suction if your vacuum is adjustable.

Advertisement

Step 3

Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that removes surface bacteria. It is also an odor neutralizer that removes odors from the pillow.

Step 4

Add 10 drops of essential oil to the white vinegar. This adds a pleasant smell to the pillow.

Advertisement

Step 5

Mist the pillow with the white vinegar and essential oil solution. At first, you may only smell the white vinegar, but this smell will dissipate once the solution dries, and you will be left with the fresh scent from the essential oils.

Step 6

Allow the pillow to dry in a sunny place for several hours. Turn the pillow over several times during the drying process.

Advertisement

Step 7

Place the pillow in the dryer on a low-heat cycle. Do not put foam pillows in the dryer as the heat will ruin, or potentially melt, the foam.

Tip

Air the pillows out once every few months by hanging them on a drying line or by placing them in the direct sunlight outside. The sun can kill surface bacteria and the outside air freshens the pillow.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...