Step 3: Prepare the Washing Machine

1. Set your washing machine to a hot water setting for the best stain and germ removal.
2. Add a normal amount of liquid laundry detergent along with 1/2 cup of baking soda to deodorize and whiten.
3. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser or during the rinse cycle to help break down any lingering odors and whiten the pillows.

Step 4: Place Pillows in the Washer

1. For balance, wash two pillows at a time (if they fit in your washer). This helps keep the machine balanced and provides a more thorough clean.
2. Select a gentle cycle to avoid damaging the pillow’s filling.

Step 5: Add Essential Oil (Optional)

For a fresh, sweet scent, add a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint) to the rinse cycle or fabric softener compartment. This will infuse a light fragrance into the pillows.

Step 6: Rinse and Spin

1. After the first cycle, you can run an additional rinse cycle to ensure all detergent and vinegar are rinsed out thoroughly.
2. Use a high-speed spin cycle to remove as much water as possible, helping them dry faster.

Step 7: Dry the Pillows

1. Dry on Low Heat: Place the pillows in the dryer on a low heat setting to prevent damage to the filling.
2. Use Dryer Balls or Clean Tennis Balls: Add dryer balls or clean tennis balls wrapped in socks. These will fluff up the pillows, helping them retain their shape and preventing clumping.
3. Dry Completely: Make sure the pillows are fully dry to prevent mold or mildew from forming inside. This may take several cycles, especially for thick pillows.

For down pillows, use an air fluff setting in the dryer if available, or dry on low heat for shorter intervals to avoid damaging the feathers.

Step 8: Freshen and Maintain

After cleaning, you can keep your pillows smelling fresh by:

• Air-drying them outside in sunlight from time to time, as sunlight helps eliminate odors naturally.
• Spraying lightly with a fabric refresher or sprinkling with baking soda between washes.