Remove tough pillow stains in 30 minutes with expert’s 90p tip - no washing machine needed

Remove tough pillow stains in 30 minutes with expert’s 90p tip - no washing machine needed (Image: Getty)

Pillows, which accumulate dead skin cells, oils, and sweat from our bodies as we sleep, need to be cleaned regularly.

A study by Amerisleep revealed that an unwashed pillowcase can harbour 17 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat after just one week of use, with up to three million colony-forming units (CFUs) per square inch.

However, not all pillows can be safely washed in a washing machine, particularly those made of delicate materials or filled with special stuffing.

Plus, with the cost of living crisis, people are seeking budget-friendly cleaning hacks for their household items, many of which involve avoiding the use of washing machines due to their high running costs.

Fortunately, Allen Civlak, a laundry expert and owner of Mary's Kitchen Flour Sack Towels, claims there is an alternative method to effectively clean your pillows without washing them.

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Pillows don’t always need to be cleaned in the washing machine (Image: Getty)

This cleaning solution utilises two of the most affordable cleaning products available on supermarket shelves - baking soda and vinegar.

This cleaning hack will set you back less than 90p. The prices are based on supermarket-branded products, with a 200g packet of baking soda costing around 50p and a 500ml bottle of vinegar priced at 35p.

To clean pillows, start by removing any pillowcases, covers, or protectors before generously sprinkling baking soda on the pillows. Make sure both sides are covered.

The next step is to give the baking soda a good spritz with the vinegar solution. For the mix, it’s a simple case of blending equal measures of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.

Vinegar works wonders to “break down odours and lift stains” (Image: Getty)

Give your pillows a light coating with this acidic concoction. The combination of baking soda and vinegar works wonders to “break down odours and lift stains”.

Then, it’s time to leave the pillows for a short while, ideally at least half an hour.

Just chill while the trusty duo does its magic on those weary pillows, neutralising nasty scents and refreshing them.

After, either scrub them or whip out a vacuum cleaner armed with an upholstery brush to bid farewell to the baking soda and any grime that's come loose. Make sure you hit both sides properly.

If the weather allows, air those pillows outside as the UV rays have “natural disinfectant properties" and rid any stubborn smells. Alternatively, you can place the pillow by the window slightly ajar to have a similar effect.

Follow up with a hearty pillow fluffing and a bit of rotation to make sure the clean and dry are evenly spread.

Give them a few hours of fresh air before placing them back into clean pillowcases.

Allen wrapped things up saying: “By using baking soda and vinegar, you can naturally clean and freshen your pillows, leaving them smelling clean and revitalised.”