Two Methods to Whiten Pillow Cases
Two different ways you can use to whiten pillow cases that have turned yellow over time.
Equipment
- Heat safe container to soak the pillow cases in -see notes
- Wooden spoon
- Washing Machine
Materials
Method One: Baking Soda and Dish Soap.
- Pillow Cases You Want to Whiten
- 4 cups Hot Water -plus more to cover the pillow cases
- ¼ cup Baking Soda -per pillow case
- ⅛ cup Dish Soap -per pillow case
- 1-2 cups White Vinegar
- Laundry Detergent
Method Two: Hydrogen Peroxide and Washing Soda.
- 4 cups Hot Water - plus more to cover the pillow cases
- ½ cup Washing Soda - per pillow case
- ½ cup Hydrogen Peroxide - per pillow case
- Laundry Detergent
Instructions
Method One: Baking Soda and Dish Soap.
- In a heat safe container, add 4 cups of hot water, the baking soda, and the dish soap. Lightly stir together.
- Submerge your pillow cases in the mixture, and add in more hot water until completely covered. You may need to place something heavy on top, like plate, to weigh down the pillow case so that it is completely covered with water.
- Set aside and let soak overnight.
- The next morning, rinse out the pillow cases with cool water.
- Wash using a small amount (depending on how many you are washing) of your regular laundry detergent and 1-2 cups of white vinegar.
- Dry outside in the sun, if possible.
Method Two: Hydrogen Peroxide and Washing Soda.
- In a heat safe container add in 4 cups of hot water, the washing soda and peroxide. Stir lightly with the wooden spoon.
- Submerge your pillow cases in the mixture, and add in more hot water until completely covered. You may need to place something heavy on top, like plate, to weigh down the pillow case so that it is completely covered with water.
- Set aside and let it soak overnight.
- The next morning, rinse out the pillow cases with cool water.
- Wash using a small amount (depending on how many you are washing) of your regular laundry detergent.*
- Dry outside in the sun, if possible.
Notes
*I do not recommend adding vinegar to wash two! Although you are rinsing your pillow cases, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar mixed creates peracetic acid, which can be toxic.
Both of these methods work wonderfully, although I did prefer method two, when comparing the pillow cases side by side.
Tips for avoiding yellow pillow cases:
- Shower before bed.
- Make sure your hair is dry.
- Avoid getting beauty products on them.
- Wash them regularly.
- Add some washing soda when you wash them, and wash in hot water. About 1/2 cup per load ought to do it!
- Don't use too much laundry detergent.