How often do you wash your pillow?

 How often do you wash your pillow?

If, due to the composition of the pillow, you cannot put it in the washing machine, we offer you a series of tricks so that you can disinfect it dry with bicarbonate and essential tea oil.

The cleaning of the pillow should be given the same importance as the rest of the elements that make up the bed

- How often do you wash your pillow and Pillows Product

Despite their great importance in our rest, pillows are one of the elements of the home to which less attention is paid.

With use and the passage of time, stains appear on their surface and acquire an unpleasant yellowish color, all derived from sweat, dust and other molecules in the environment. As a consequence of this, an optimal environment is created for the proliferation of bacteria and mites that can cause allergic reactions when remaining in contact with our skin.

Why should the pillow be washed frequently?

We should give the cleaning of the pillows the same importance that we give to the sheets, the mattress and the rest of the elements that make up the bed.

Although we do not realize it, while we rest we release sweat and a large amount of impurities that are absorbed by the surface layer of the pillow and that almost always reach the inside of the pillow, where an optimal environment is created for the proliferation of various pathogens. (mites, bacteria, etc.).

All this is what ends up causing those unpleasant stains that are so difficult to remove. The mites and bacteria that reproduce happily on these spots can cause difficulties in the respiratory system, skin allergies and other types of physical discomfort.

To avoid this, in today's article we are going to provide you with a series of homemade tricks to wash and disinfect your pillows without too much effort.

Cleaning with Borax

Borax is often used as a stain remover.  It is perfect for whitening surfaces and removing sweat and other stains.

One of the most common uses for borax is as a stain remover. This is because it is made up of a series of very powerful ingredients that deeply clean tissues. However, before using it, make sure that the pillow fabric will not be damaged and that it is compatible with the products used. This trick is perfect for whitening surfaces and removing sweat and other stains.

Ingredients

• Hot water
• 125 g borax
• 250 ml non-chlorine bleach
• 250 ml of biodegradable dishwasher detergent
• 250 ml of laundry detergent

Instructions to follow

• Remove the pillowcase and put it in the washing machine on a hot water cycle.
• Add the ingredients (the use of gloves is recommended to handle the borax and protect the skin of the hands).
• Put a pillow or two (whichever will fit) into the washing machine and wait for the wash cycle to finish.
• So that the pillows do not acquire a bad smell, it is recommended to dry them in the sun.

Cleaning with baking soda and vinegar

Combining baking soda and vinegar is a natural detergent with antibacterial and softening effect.

Combining baking soda and vinegar results in a natural detergent with a softening and antibacterial effect. Applying it on the fabric of the pillows will help us remove dirt and sweat stains, mold and bad odors.

Ingredients

• 125 ml white vinegar
• 125 g of baking soda

Instructions to follow

• After the washing machine has run off the water, add the baking soda and white vinegar.
• Starts the normal wash cycle
• After the wash cycle is finished, air dry the pillows.

Clean with hydrogen peroxide and lemon

By combining lemon juice with hydrogen peroxide you get a very effective home bleach

Combining these two products is a homemade bleach that will help remove stubborn stains that give white pillows that unsightly look.

Use this combination to clean yellow stains, sweat and saliva, etc. With this same formula you can also remove stains from clothing, furniture and shoes.

Ingredients

• 3 liters of water
• 125 ml lemon juice
• 250 ml of hydrogen peroxide

Instructions to follow

• Put all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix them.
• Soak the pillows and covers and let them soak for an hour.
• After that time, rinse the pillows and covers by hand or using the normal cycle of the washing machine.
• Let them dry in a ventilated place where they get enough sun.

Cleansing with essential tea tree oil and  baking soda

If you combine baking soda with essential tea tree oil, you get a disinfectant to dry your pillows.

By combining baking soda with tea tree essential oil, we obtain a disinfectant for dry cleaning pillows. It is perfect for keeping them free of bacteria and mites, especially when there is not enough time to wash them well.

Ingredients

• 10 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 125 g of baking soda
• 1 brush

Instructions

• Add the baking soda to a bowl and mix it with the tea tree essential oil.
• Spread the mixture over the entire surface of the pillow and let it sit for about an hour.
• Remove excesses using a brush and put the pillow outdoors to ventilate before using it again.

With these simple tricks you no longer have an excuse not to clean your pillow. What are you waiting for? Do you know any other tricks?

How to clean a memory foam pillow after a spill

 How to clean a memory foam pillow after a spill

If you stain the surface and you notice it, try to wash and act immediately, following these steps to remove the stain from the memory foam pillow.

- How to clean a memory foam pillow after a spill and Pillows Product

• Blot the area with the stain with paper towels or dry cloths. Try to absorb as much liquid as possible as soon as possible, always with transfer movements instead of rubbing.
• Then rub the affected area with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
• Dry the pillow. After cleaning up the spill, pat the area dry with a dry towel. Avoid wringing the pillow, or you risk damaging the foam structure. Once you have removed as much moisture as possible with the towel, leave the pillow without a cover and in the air for a few hours.
• You can use a hair dryer but avoid being in hot mode. Don't use the dryer.

Eliminate odors from the memory foam mattress and pillow

• The first option for mild odors is to use a fabric freshener, it will neutralize the odor very little. Avoid wearing a lot.
• To give the memory foam a fresh smell and eliminate possible stains, use powdered boric acid, borax or sodium bicarbonate , which you will find in any cleaning product or pharmacy store.  Sprinkle it  on the memory foam zone without a cover and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Once the boric acid has taken effect, remove it with a handheld vacuum cleaner or with the fabric applique that normal vacuum cleaners have. In addition to removing the dust, you will remove the hairs and dust that may be on the mattress or pillow.
• Leave the surface in the sunlight. Using sunlight to disinfect and deodorize is an old-fashioned technique that many manufacturers now recommend.

Some extra tips on how to wash a memory foam pillow

• Avoid using strong detergents.
• Don't get the surface too wet.
• If there is no bad smell, it is better to have an invisible stain than a ruined pillow.
• Dry the pillow completely before putting on its cover. At least 12 to 24 hours. If you put it before you can stimulate the growth of mold.
• Do not use the pillow while it is wet, you could damage it.

5 tricks to whiten and disinfect your pillows

 5 tricks to whiten and disinfect your pillows

To avoid health problems and, above all, to keep them in the best condition, it is recommended to clean the pillows at least once a month.

Pillows are one of those household items that need special maintenance to be kept in hygienic conditions and suitable for regular use.

- 5 tricks to whiten and disinfect your pillows and Bed Pillows Product

Although very easy to ignore, these objects absorb traces of sweat and dirt particles that create a perfect environment for mites and bacteria. And although we usually put a protective cover on them, it is inevitable that, at some point, they begin to acquire dark stains and unpleasant odors that make us think about throwing them away.

However, before taking such drastic measures, it is good to consider some cleaning and disinfecting tricks that, for a low cost, help to give them a better appearance.

Here are the 5 best tricks so that you do not hesitate to put them into practice, at least once a month.

1. Baking soda and vinegar

A mixture of baking soda with white vinegar results in a totally natural product, perfect for whitening and softening pillow fabrics. These ingredients have antibacterial and whitening properties that make it easier to remove dirt and sweat stains. This is stated in this study from the University of Iowa.

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons of baking soda (80 g).
• ½ cup of white vinegar (125 ml).

Preparation

• Put the pillows in the washing machine and, when the water covers them, add the baking soda and white vinegar.
• Let the cycle complete and, when finished, let them dry in the sun.

2. Hot water and lemon juice

• It is no secret to anyone that fresh lemon juice is one of the most effective antibacterial and disinfectant agents that nature offers us, as stated in this study by the University of Benin (Nigeria). Therefore, it is not surprising that it is also one of the best allies to leave the pillows fresh and impeccable.

Ingredients

• The juice of 6 lemons.
• 2 ½ liters of water (10 cups).

Preparation

• Put the water to heat and, when it boils, add the juice of 6 fresh lemons.
• Gently submerge the pillow and, if necessary, add more water, until it is completely covered.
• Let it soak for 2 hours and then wash it with your regular detergent.

3. Baking soda and tea tree essential oil

• By combining ingredients such as baking soda and tea tree essential oil we can make a dry detergent to take care of our pillows. This product facilitates the removal of yellow stains and, thanks to its antibacterial action, removes mites and bacteria.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of baking soda (80 g).
• 10 drops of tea tree essential oil.

Preparation

• Pour the baking soda into a bowl and mix it with the tea tree essential oil.
• After obtaining a uniform product, spread it on the pillow and let it rest for 45 minutes.
• After this time, rub the remains with a brush and remove the excesses.

4. Detergent and borax

The detergent and borax hack has become quite popular around the world as one of the best preparations to leave pillows free of damage and as new.

• Its properties eliminate the remains of sweat and other particles that, little by little, leave stains that are difficult to erase.
• They also have powerful antimicrobial properties that help kill mites, bacteria, and other undesirable microorganisms.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of detergent (250 g).
• ½ cup of borax (80 g).
• 1 cup of biodegradable dish soap (250 ml).
• Hot water (the amount that is necessary).
• 1 cup of bleach, without chlorine (250 ml).

Preparation

• First of all, remember that it is necessary to take precautionary measures to avoid poisoning . Thus, the use of gloves and face masks is recommended.
• Then add the products mentioned in the washing machine.
• Add one or two pillows inside the machine and, after adding hot water, start the usual cycle.
• When finished, put them to dry in the sun so they do not acquire a musty smell.

5. Hydrogen peroxide and lemon

• The mixture of hydrogen peroxide with lemon allows us to achieve a homemade antimicrobial with powerful active ingredients that eliminate sweat and saliva stains from white pillows.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of lemon juice (125 ml).
• 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide (250 ml).

Preparation

• Add the ingredients to a bucket of hot water and soak the pillow for an hour.
• After the indicated time, rinse in the usual cycle of the washing machine and put it to dry in the sun.

Keep your pillows clean!

To keep your pillows in excellent condition for longer, you can use the tricks that we have already mentioned. However, remember to also wash the bedding regularly and, after 2 years, change the pillow for a new one.

How to wash stuffed animals and cushions

 How to wash stuffed animals and cushions

In almost every house there are stuffed animals and cushions. Who has not kept a stuffed animal for many years? The problem is that, in addition to being cute, they are a great source of accumulation of dust and dirt. The same happens with the cushions. We leave them for long periods on the chairs without realizing that they trap the dust from the environment.

- How to wash stuffed animals and cushions and Bed Pillows Product

How to wash stuffed animals

The first thing you have to do is tap them gently to remove the dust. If you are allergic, I recommend that you protect your nose and mouth with a tissue before doing so. In most cases, stuffed animals can be machine washed. Before doing so, review them well. If they have any holes or tears, you should sew them before washing the stuffed animal, this will prevent the filling they have from coming off.

To avoid spoilage, put the stuffed animals in a pillowcase and wash them with the rest of your clothes. The best is a delicate wash cycle, with a mild detergent. When you take it out of the washing machine you can brush them so they are impeccable.

How to wash cushions

In the case of cushions, it is best to remove the cover and put it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle and with a mild detergent.

If the cover is sewn and cannot be removed, the first thing to do is remove the dust from the cushion. You can do this by tapping it gently. Then, mix a little water with liquid detergent or liquid soap and, with the help of a sponge or a soft brush, apply the solution to the cushion. With this, you will remove the dirt and finally, wipe with a damp cloth to remove the remains of this solution. You can dry the cushion with a fan or a hair dryer with cold air.

Learn how to care for pillows

 Learn how to care for pillows

Choosing the perfect pillow is essential to achieve a restful sleep, a proper use and maintenance of these will contribute to its duration and your rest. Here we will teach you how to care for pillows correctly.

- Learn how to care for pillows and Bed Pillows Product

Using your pillows properly and keeping them in good condition is essential to obtain optimal rest and contribute to their useful life. Here you will find some recommendations for the proper use and maintenance of pillows.

Recommendations for use

• Consider if you use them only to sleep or also to lift your back and head when you read or watch television.
• If you usually lean on the pillow, it should be firm and thick, for greater comfort.
• To sleep it is better that the pillow is softer and more flexible, so it is advisable to have more than one pillow and of different types depending on its use.
• If you are allergic to certain types of padding or to mites in general, find a hypoallergenic pillow or use allergy covers. These pillow protectors guarantee total insulation. Being a water vapor permeable fabric, these covers do not generate moisture, which makes them completely safe and washable.
• Before resting your head, tap your pillow from the sides towards the inside, this way you will achieve a greater volume of the fibers for a better rest.

Maintenance tips

• You can use two removable covers, this will help reduce washing frequency, thus extending its useful life.
• The change of the pillow will depend on its deterioration. If it loses the shape or part of the filling, becomes stained or has a bad smell, it is time to change it for a new one.
• It is important to ventilate the pillow on a weekly basis, thus avoiding the impregnation of unpleasant odors.
• Wash the pillow as little as possible; do not spin it, let it drain as much as possible and let it dry flat. If your pillow is made of feathers, do not put it in the washing machine or the dryer. Wash it by hand, in cold or warm water.
• The frequency of washing should be at least a couple of times a year, but we recommend washing it after you get out of a flu illness.

Avoid mites

• Dust mites live in your home, they are the main cause of allergies, rhinitis and asthma in the world.
• Eliminate them with Acar Klean, it is 100% effective, its action is fast and it has a residual effect.
• It is important to ventilate the pillow on a weekly basis, thus avoiding the impregnation of unpleasant odors.
• Remove the bedding and apply it directly to the mattress for only 10 seconds and to the pillow for 5 seconds. You already know how to care for pillows correctly.

Hygiene and care of pillows

 Hygiene and care of pillows

The pillows are an important element in the rest daily and often tend to pay little attention to their care . We tend to think that by wearing a protective cover , everything is done, but it is not. At Gauus we want to help you with the hygiene and care of your pillows with these simple tips:

- Hygiene and care of pillows and Pillowcases Product

• - You must protect the pillow with cotton cover , this will help keep it clean stains and will not need to wash it so often. You have to have several covers to change them, since these have to be washed frequently .

• - It is important to shake the pillows with great energy, to prevent dust from accumulating. Vacuuming it every time we change the covers is also necessary, as well as airing the pillows every day .

• - It is recommended to wash them once a month , and once a week the covers. When washing them, we must take into account the type of material our pillow is made of : if they are made of feathers, they must be washed in the wool program, with detergent and fabric softener , and tumble dried . However, if they are made of synthetic fabric, they should be washed with the special program for this type of fabric, with warm water and dried in the sun.

• - Also, before resting your head, hit your pillow from all its sides towards the inside so you will achieve a greater volume of the fibers and a better rest .

All these tips are applicable to the care of any type of cushion or cushion , as well as the care and hygiene of mattresses and covers . The pillows last about two years and after that time it is advisable to change them, at Gauus we provide you with a wide variety of pillows to help you get a better rest and care in your home.

Bed Sheets for seniors

 Bed Sheets for seniors

"Despite spending 1/3 of our life in our bed, it seems that we do not pay attention to our sheets as we should," says an Asturian newspaper.  Sleeping is one of the most important activities for our elders, it is the time when the brain and the body rest , they incorporate all the tasks they have done in their day to day to strengthen them.

- Bed Sheets for seniors and Bed Sheets Product

Among all the facilities that an elderly person can have to enjoy a good rest, we find the sheets they use on their beds. At Senior Care, we have prepared a buying guide so that you don't miss a single detail about what you have to look for when choosing the best sheet for your elderly person. And have sweet dreams!

Importance of sheets in older people

To guarantee a correct rest in our elderly, it is important that they have quality products that facilitate their rest. It is important to take into account the mattress they use at bedtime, its support and the accessories: pillows and sheets.

"Did you know that most older people think that aging leads to a loss of sleep quality?"

The sheets that our elders use are like the clothes that we use. They fulfill important functions to provide greater durability to the bed and comfort ; The materials with which they are made are also important (as we will clarify later) because depending on what material they have, our elders can stop suffering from allergies or stop having breathability problems , for example.

In addition, having sheets adapted to the needs of our elders and making correct use of them will provide greater hygiene as it will allow them to be washed ( we will detail how to do it later).

Reliability Major Care

Elderly Care, we are a company that for many years has decided to specialize in the care and care of our elderly people. Our experience as intermediaries between families and their elders, providing them with the best services to cover their daily needs, have given us the necessary knowledge to be able to help those families who are looking for the best services ( and products) for their elders.

Our therapists , specialized in the health of the rest of our elders, know the importance that the hours of sleep are restorative . The experiences of users, and our insatiable curiosity, we bring the necessary experience to recommend the best sheets for your elderly person ( beds articulated, mattresses and pillows ).

Classification of sheets

To facilitate the work of finding the best sheet for your elderly person, the first thing we will do is a broad classification so that you can decide which of the following options is the one that best suits the needs of your elderly person and is your first « filter".

• Natural sheet: among the fabrics they are made of, you will find cotton , silk or bamboo. It is important that you look at the complete composition of the sheet, because sometimes as a marketing strategy it appears that it is made of cotton, but in reality it only has a small percentage. Take care to look at the total percentages of its composition. From Care Mayor, they are the ones we recommend the most, due to their higher quality , although they tend to be somewhat more expensive. Among its advantages we can point out its quality, softness and respect for the environment. Some that are not of high quality can deteriorate over time.
• Synthetic sheet : these are sheets that are made with synthetic products (obtained by industrial processing and product of a non-natural composition). They stand out for being cheaper, but have less quality and benefits than natural ones. Among its main advantages in addition to the economic factor is its long durability compared to other sheets made with more natural materials. As drawbacks we can point out that sometimes they are made with very little organic materials such as oil wasteAlthough it is true, it will not interfere with the health of the elderly, it is an unsustainable resource .
• Thermal sheet: currently, innovation has allowed synthetic materials to provide a plus and your elderly person can have sheets that in summer help them to promote perspiration and in winter to keep warm. Among the main advantages for the elderly is how pleasant to the touch the warm temperature it maintains, its drawback may be that when it comes to drying after washing they will take a little longer.

Characteristics of the best sheets

Next, we will detail the main characteristics that you have to take into account when choosing the sheets for your elderly person.

- Size of the sheets

The first thing you have to take into account is the size of the bed in which your older person sleeps. Is it a single or double bed? Be clear about the measurements and use this data as your first reference to filter the sheets of your elderly person.

" You should consider the height, width and depth of the mattress ."

To choose the measurements of the sheet, you must consider the height, width and depth of the mattress. It is important to take the measurements into account so as not to find that the sheet is too large (and causes it to have loose parts and irregularities that can be annoying for the elderly to rest), or very small (and do not fit correctly to the child's bed higher).

When choosing the size of the sheet for your elderly person, keep in mind  that you cannot choose to put sheets with the exact measurements of the mattress, always a few centimeters larger. For example, if the mattress is 150 × 200 cm , the sheet should be 240 × 280 cm.

- Material of the sheets

Next, we will review the different materials that your elderly person's sheets can be made of, we will start with the materials that are most used in summer , and we will continue with those of winter:

Cotton: among natural materials, it is the one that stands out the most. They are highly recommended for those who suffer from allergies and also for their great breathability , which will allow your elderly person to sleep comfortably especially in summer. The cotton in the sheets will give them the softness that the skin needs of those older people who have skin problems such as bedsores.

• Egyptian cotton: it is within the world of cotton , the most coveted for its high quality and strength, but at the same time softness . It is 100% handcrafted cotton which makes it have a higher quality, but also a higher price.
• Percale cotton: these are usually sheets made with 50% cotton and the other 50% of a material that is not natural, such as polyester. They are characterized by providing softness and lightness to the sheets of the elderly. It is a flexible product for the elderly.
• Satin: surely you have in your head the typical set of beds that shines satin, usually it is a material that has been characterized by its elegance . Well, this silky material stands out for the softness and flexibility it brings to the sheets of your elderly person.
• Polyester: it is one of the most popular non-natural materials . It is manufactured with resin, it is characterized by being one of the most economical . Also, forget about the iron! Well, it is a material that perfectly repels wrinkles.

During winter:

• Flannel: it is a material that can be made with wool, cotton or synthetic fibers. This type of product will allow your elderly person to keep the heat inside their sheets and a good mobility.
• Coralina: the main material with which they are made is polyester, they stand out for their velvety touch. They follow the line of the previous ones, allowing the heat not to go out of your older person's bed.
• Cotton: although we are not going to detail the characteristics of this type of material again, it is perfectly valid for winter. This natural material is the most flexible if you do not want to have to change your older person's sheets according to the time of year.

- Finishing of the sheets

The relationship that the horizontal and vertical thread has is an important factor to take into account when achieving a flexible, pleasant and soft finish for your elderly person.

" The best way to check if you like the quality and texture of the sheet is by testing it ."

For the manufacture of the sheets, the thread count is important, depending on the process and the threads that are used, thicker and denser sheets will be created that will cause a loss of flexibility for your elderly person. The high thread count may give the sheets a higher quality , but if the material with which they are made is of low quality, it will also be noticeable in the flexibility of the fabric.

The best way you have to be able to choose the sheet that most appeals to your elderly person is to have the opportunity to touch it. If it is not possible to go with your elderly person to the physical store, make sure that you have the option to return the product, and the cost of this shipment to see if it is worth it to "gamble".

Price of sheets for the elderly

The price of the sheets for your elderly person is intimately related to their quality , that's the first thing you have to take into account. Also, it is important to have the size of the piece, because the higher it is, the higher its price.


You have to be clear about the essential qualities that you consider that your older person's sheets should have. Also, if you are interested in buying two pairs, one for the summer season and another for the winter.

If you opt for a natural option made with 100% cotton, the price of the sheet can be around 30 euros (normal size, as its size increases, the price will increase).

In general terms, as a guideline, this is how the price of the sheets can vary depending on the increase in their size:

• 90 × 190 sheet : 19 euros
• 135 × 190 sheet : 23 euros.
• 240 × 289 sheet : 35 euros.

Extras in the sheets for the elderly

- Bed sheet design

Although the design of the sheets does not have to have any kind of relationship with the quality of them, it can contribute and inspire your elderly person. Some older people take into account the comfort and quality that their home provides them, and there are others, who become very flirtatious and like to feel that they can personalize the garments of their home that they use daily to their liking.

" One option that never fails will be white or beige ."

It is important that you take into account the design of the room, as well as the colors that predominate in it and the tastes of your elderly person. In the market there are sheets for your elders of the entire spectrum of colors and patterns. If not, you can always opt for the most classic option with which you will always be right: white or beige.

How to extend the life of the sheets?

There are certain tips that it is important for you to know so that that way you can extend the useful life of your elderly person's sheets.

• It is important always! Read the label and the washing, drying and ironing advice they give you well and follow them.
• As a general rule, washing the sheets with warm or cold water with detergent is a good option.
• Be careful with mixing colored clothes with white sheets , for example, as it could fade and lose the power of the color.
• If you'd like to keep the sheets white, you can try natural tricks like lemon juice or
• In order for your elderly person's sheets to be disinfected and dried, store in an open space, better outdoors and exposed to sunlight.
• Store them in a ventilated place , and free from humidity.

Senior Care Recommendation

At Senior Care , we believe that all the details that can make the lives of the elderly more harmonious are important. The bedroom is normally an area of ​​the house where the elderly person spends a lot of time, and the bed in particular is an indispensable place in their rest area.

It is for this reason that we believe it is important to take into account the needs or problems that the elderly person may be having when resting, and we can help them feel more comfortable.

After everything reviewed in this buying guide, we believe that it is important that you keep in mind that it will always be better to opt for articles made with natural products , and not get carried away by more affordable prices at the expense of using chemical products, which make a good marketing strategy by saying that your products don't wrinkle, for example. Always keep in mind, the health of your elderly person, first.