Inspiration – Page 2 – BrandSource Canada Blog

September 4, 2018

How Sleep Deprivation Affects Your Diet and How Beautyrest Helps

There are a lot of factors that go into getting a good night’s rest. Room temperature, how comfortable your mattress is, lighting, stress, and how many times your partner kicks you in the night, can all have detrimental effects on the quality of a person’s sleep.

What you might not know, however, is that lack of sleep isn’t just making you tired, it is hurting other areas of your health. Of course, getting a Beautyrest mattress is one way to help improve the Zzz’s you are getting every night, and the positive effects of improving your sleep will ripple throughout your life and improve your overall health. But if you aren’t sleeping well, here are some ways that lack of sleep can be ruining your health.

Ghr-emlins

Without getting too medical textbooks and Dr. Oz about things, there are two hormones in the body that help control appetite and satiety. Ghrelin is what makes you hungry, while leptin makes you stop eating when you are full. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, the levels of these hormones can change. Womp womp.

So, while it may seem like not a big deal that you keep staying up until the wee hours of the night, it actually is changing your body chemistry, and not in a good way. Think about that the next time you are debating between staying up for a few more hours of Netflix or finally settling in for some shut-eye.

Sugar Rush

We’ve all been there: Sometimes you just don’t get enough sleep and even though you’ve already had enough coffee to cause a normal person to break out into the shakes, your eyes are still heavy. What are most people probably going to turn to next?

Sugar. Sweet, delicious candy bars. Delectable gumdrops. Enough cotton candy that even Willy Wonka would shake his head in disgust.

And what does the research say? If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you may crave more high-calorie foods. And that’s going to put a nasty dent in your diet plans, that’s for sure.

Pushing Off the Physical

There’s only so much one person can get done in a day, and if you are tired, that amount is going to drastically go down. If you are dragging throughout the day, you probably aren’t going to waste the time – or energy – to stop by the gym on the way home.

Nobody likes working out when they are tired, but again, it all starts to add up: If you are sleeping less and less and keep passing up going to the gym or going out for a hike or walk, it’s going to be harder and harder to keep up those healthy habits.

Cycle O’ Caffeine

It’s no secret – especially for those in the workplace – just how prevalent caffeine is in our culture. But caffeine can start to build a vicious cycle. The more caffeine you drink, the harder it is going to be for you to fall asleep at night … which means you are going to be tired the next day and keep craving that sweet, sweet hit of caffeine.

Moderation is key. Except for sleep: Make sure you are getting enough, and try to get that diet train back on track to destination healthy station. And remember, getting a new Beautyrest mattress is one way to make sure that you get the sleep you need, and you’ll start to see the health benefits in no time!

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

September 4, 2018

How to Keep Your Palliser Leather Couch Looking Brand New

So, you made the decision to invest in your favourite leather sofa. While leather may be a material that can last a lifetime, it’s necessary to take the proper precautions to ensure that your piece will still look like your favourite piece years down the road. Luckily, it doesn’t take much time or dedication to make this happen – follow some of our tips and tricks to make sure your timeless Palliser piece looks in fact, timeless.

Protected Leather vs Unprotected Leather

The first thing you will need to do is a little research on what leather you are working with. Leather comes in many shapes, forms, classifications, you name it. The 2 main categories your leather will fall under are protected leather and unprotected leather – your first step will be identifying which category your sofa falls under.

For a little background, you may be looking at protected leather if your sofa features a topical, pigmented coating on its outer surface. This kind of leather is used in environments with lots of traffic – children, pets, spills, and so on due to its high level of durability. Unprotected leather (typically named aniline-dyed leather) has more of an unfinished look and is extremely soft to the touch. Discover which category your sofa falls into by checking online or asking one of our sales associates to help figure it out for you.

Look at Your Room

No really, look at your room. Where is your leather furniture located? Is your piece by an air-conditioning vent or a window that gives your room lots of sun? If the answer is yes to either of those questions, it’s time for a little Feng Shui. Leather starts to crack when placed under extreme temperatures or when there is a lack of moisture. We suggest moving your furniture away from air vents, fireplaces, radiators and open windows that bring in lots of light.

Conditioner, Conditioner, Conditioner

Nothing will protect your Palliser leather couch better than regularly applying conditioner. Taking this extra step will stop your sofa or chair from drying out and developing cracks. If you apply a conditioner once or twice a year, you will be able to slow down the aging process of your favourite sofa. You only need to use a very small amount of conditioner – just enough to cover the surface of the sofa. Do not over condition.

Storage

Moving? Need to put your sofa in storage? When it comes to leather, how you store is important. If you can, start by getting your sofa professionally cleaned and thoroughly dried. Once this step is complete, you are ready to store. Two key thoughts to keep in mind: NEVER place heavy items on top of the leather sofa and always place your sofa on top of wooden pallets.

Leather care is simple if you do it right. Taking small actions – such as applying conditioner every 6 months and moving it from areas of high exposure to sun and wind – will help keep your sofa looking brand new.

If you’re looking for a new furniture and are interested in one with leather material, stop by our store to see our large selection today! And when you get the leather couch of your dreams, be sure to follow these tips and tricks so your leather sofa or chair truly lasts a lifetime!

Alex, Your Furniture Expert

September 4, 2018

Get Creative by Adding Signature Design Statement Pieces to Your Home

Home is where the heart is, so it only makes sense that your house should be filled with furniture you love and designs you find aesthetically pleasing. Just because neutral colours are trendy for walls and couches, that doesn’t mean you need to jump on the beige train in your home.

It’s YOUR home, so it should shine with the colours and designs that YOU love.

While there are many ways to make your home stand out, one creative alternative from the norm could be adding bold Signature Design by Ashley statement pieces throughout your space. By doing so, your house becomes less of a suburban dwelling and more of an art exhibit. Not the boring ones where you don’t understand anything, but the ones that keep you coming back for more.

If that’s the ideal kind of nest you desire to have, here are 4 tips to spruce up your home’s interior with eclectic statement pieces:

1. One is enough

“If everything is special then nothing is special.” – Reagan Hayes, furniture and interior designer

A statement piece could be anything from an emerald green accent armchair to an extravagantly and elegantly carved wooden coffee table. Statement pieces are made to stand out, and if there’s a variety of flamboyant furniture in one room the novelty may wear off rather quickly.

Choose no more than two or three statement pieces for a room to keep it from getting overwhelmingly kitschy. Unsure what Signature Design by Ashley statement piece fits your space best? Our sales associates are ready and happy to help you make the best decision possible.

2. Don’t Be Afraid of Patterns

Some people may try to steer clear of patterns on their couches and other furniture – but we want you to embrace them! Even if you failed geometry, don’t let a few geometric patterns scare you off. They can really add an original flair to any room. If you have a room with not much going on, including a sofa with a geometric or other pattern can really make it pop.

3. Let Colour Into Your Life

Just like we said with using patterns, don’t be afraid to accept vibrantly coloured statement pieces into your life, as well! A little burst of pigment never hurts – especially if the room is a dull and neutral hue. Wake up your room with a striking red console table that will ignite your passion for your home every time you see it. Brighten your space up with a sky-blue chair that lifts your spirit every time you’re near it. Colour can change your mood, so work with it to design a space that makes you happy.

4. It Doesn’t Have to Be Huge

When you think of a statement piece, do you think of a massive hunk of junk taking up space in your home? Before you decide you don’t have enough room to fit such a large item, you should know that statement pieces come in all shapes and sizes. Something as small as an embellished table lamp could be the only statement you need to make. No need to go crazy with size – as long as it’s noticeable, then you’re set.

Interested in adding a captivating piece of furniture from Signature Design by Ashley to your home? Visit us at today choose from a variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and more.

Alex, Your Furniture Expert

August 29, 2018

Preserve Fruits and Veggies Better in a Samsung Refrigerator

Keeping fruit and vegetables in ripe condition after a couple of days seems like an almost impossible feat. The moment you leave the store, the fruits already seem like they’ve aged. So, doing your part to preserve produce properly will help you keep them delicious for longer, and hopefully, you’ll never need to waste any ever again.

With the assistance of a Samsung Refrigerator and its extra-large capacity (some have enough room to fit up to 28 bags of groceries), you’ll find that storing your fruits and vegetables for more than a week won’t leave you with a mouldy problem.

Follow these guidelines to help preserve your fruits and vegetables like a pro in your awe-inspiring Samsung Refrigerator.

Separate the fruits and veggies

Fruits and veggies may mix together well for a diet, but when it comes to them being in the same drawer, they couldn’t be worse for each other. As fruits slowly age, they give off an ethylene gas which helps them ripen but ultimately makes vegetables spoil quickly. So, whatever you do, separate your fruits and vegetables into different drawers in your Samsung Refrigerator.

Let Them Have Space

After a big grocery trip, it’s easy to just shove everything in the refrigerator and call it a day. But your healthy treats need space in order to last a while, so storing them without a strategy could cause them to rot rather quickly.

On a positive note, most Samsung refrigerators are built with an immense amount of space, so finding room for all your vegetables and fruit shouldn’t be an issue.

As long as you do the following with your produce before storing, you should be fine:

Remove any ties and rubber bands
Cut leafy ends off
Allow for a good airflow by poking holes in bags
No need to refrigerate your tomatoes

Use Its Advanced Technology

Refrigeration has evolved so that your fruits and vegetables can stay cooler and fresher for longer. With Samsung’s advanced technology, your food will stay fresh for twice as long. Because there is 70 percent humidity in these fridges, opposed to 30 percent in a conventional fridge, your food will never dry out. Produce will look so good that after a couple days, you won’t even be able to tell how long they’ve been sitting in your fridge.

Humidity Controlled Crisper Drawers

For those fruits and veggies that need extra attention, find a Samsung refrigerator with Humidity Controlled Crisper Drawers. The compartments will help keep your produce crisp and fresh while providing a generous amount of space for all your greens and goodies.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your produce in good condition for more than a couple days, look no further than Samsung refrigerators. They have the capacity, the storage setup, and the advanced technology to prevent your produce from going bad. Come by our store to see which Samsung fridge will fit into your home and your lifestyle.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

August 29, 2018

How GE Induction Cooktops Work

Do you believe in magic? No, we aren’t talking about your favourite “Harry Potter” film, we’re, of course, talking about GE Induction Cooktops.

Through the power of induction, these cooktops offer state-of-the-art cooking technology – combined with stylish designs – that will easily elevate your cooking into magical territory.

But how does an induction cooktop work? What does it do? And how can it change your kitchen and cooking, for the better, forever? Let’s dive behind the scenes and take a look!

Magnetic Magic

Time for a little science lesson. Again, while induction might seem like a mystic art, it’s actually powered by magnets. The cooking elements produce a magnetic field. And when you place a metal pan – of the correct size and type of metal – on it, the electrons in the pan will vibrate and make heat. See, it’s science, not magic!

As for the cooking surface itself? It doesn’t make the heat. It all happens in the pan, and the element can’t function without the pan there.
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It’s Elemental, Watson

GE Induction Cooktops have not one, not two, but five different induction cooking elements. What this means is that you have five different surfaces that are safer to use and touch – given they don’t heat without the pan – and that you’ll be able to easily clean.

Each element has individual timers, so if you love making complex multi-course meals, or just want to cook five different pots of macaroni and cheese at the same time, GE has you covered. The cooktops also have pan removal detection, so your cooktop will know when you’ve removed a pan and turn the burner level off accordingly.

Promethean Fire

On traditional stovetops, controlling heat can be tricky, especially on cooktops and stoves that don’t have precise heating control. That’s not the case here, though. GE Induction Cooktops have a melt setting, which allows you to heat up delicate foods without having them burn or get scorched. If you ask us, it’s a melt made in heaven.

Glide Into Action

Old, analogue methods of controlling cooktops are so 1990-late. GE cooktops have electronic controls that let you manage how hot each element is getting, all with an easy swipe. That’s right, touch control just came to your cooktop, and you’ll never want to go back to old-fashioned knobs and buttons again.

Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew

Let’s take a second and be honest: Life is busy, and sometimes there just isn’t time left in a day to wait for water to boil. Well, GE Induction Cooktops have a solution for that, too. With an 11” 3700W heating element – GE’s most powerful induction element — these cooktops were made to bring water to a boil before the pot even knows what hit it.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

August 29, 2018

6 Unexpected Items You Can and Can’t Wash in a Whirlpool Laundry Machine

You’ve been washing clothes your whole life. Deep down inside, you probably think of yourself as a washing warrior, and that you long ago mastered the secret art of what you can – and cannot – put in the washer.

Well, guess again. We bet that there are some things on this list that will surprise even the most hardened laundry veteran. Sure, everybody knows bras and bathing suits can’t go in the wash, but here’s a list of a few more unexpected items that you either can – or really, really can’t– put in a Whirlpool washer.

Do: Mop Heads

Just because mops handle cleaning on their own, doesn’t mean that you can’t give them a little break and clean them, too. Double-check the mop head just to be sure, but most removable mop heads can be thrown in the wash, and that way they can live on to clean another day.

Don’t: Flammable stains

Unless you are trying to turn your washer and dryer into a Canada Day fireworks celebration, flammable stains should be kept out of them. That means things like paint thinner, gasoline, motor oil, cooking oil, and alcohol are all out. Again, unless you really want to launch your Whirlpool washing machine into outer space.

Do: Oven Mitts

Oven mitts can easily become prime territory for caked-on, hard-to-clean stains. Lasagna, pizza, and most foods you pull out of the oven seem to be made to spill, and going in and out of the heat of the oven means those stains quickly become annoying to clean.

Don’t do it by hand! Throw those mitts in the washer, and let the Whirlpool laundry machine handle the hard work.

Don’t: Coins

That jingle-jangle noise you hear when you are moving your giant pile of clothes from the hamper to the washing machine? It’s not the pitter-patter of reindeer on the roof. That’s the noise of little armies of pain that are about to descend on your poor washing machine.

You always want to make sure to go through your pockets for any loose change – or gum or other stray products for that matter – before putting clothes in the washer. Coins can mess up your washing machine, and you’ll have to save a whole lot of pennies to go out and buy a new one. Keep a little coin jar by the laundry, and treat yourself to some coffee after a few months, instead.

Do: Yoga Mats

After you’ve finished your daily downward facing dog and frequent frog pose, don’t just roll up your yoga mat. You could be tightly rolling it up with all the sweat and perspiration from your workout still in there, and if you use your mat frequently, there’s no reason to leave it with all those nasty germs that could easily be knocked out in a quick wash.

Again, you’ll just want to double-check to make sure, but most yoga mats are A-OK to put in the washer.

Don’t: Car keys

Batteries + washer = bad idea. You always want to make sure to check your pockets – yes, all pockets on each item of clothing – before throwing a load in the wash, just to make sure that you didn’t leave anything in there that could damage other clothes, or the Whirlpool washer itself.

As for keys, any remote or anything attached to them that have batteries are already a bad idea, but the keys could also pinch, puncture, poke, or otherwise destroy other articles of clothing. Check your pockets twice, if you have to.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

August 29, 2018

5 Reasons to Get a Black Stainless Steel Kitchen Set from Bosch

Stainless steel has been a kitchen mainstay across the country for decades now, but over the past few years, its sleek, stylish sibling “black stainless” has been taking over in a big way. “It’s the fastest growing appliance colour,” says Mark Allwood of Consumer Reports. “There’s been a 1,000 percent increase in black stainless-steel models on the market in the past two years.”

As high-quality brands like Bosch continue to adopt the option, the appeal of black stainless just keeps growing. For anyone looking for a new kitchen set, Bosch’s line of black stainless appliances really is a no brainer. The sleek, timeless design of Bosch appliances and the contemporary cool of black stainless combine to create a kitchen that’s as elegant as it is efficient. But if you still aren’t sure, check out these five reasons why your next kitchen redo should feature a black stainless set by Bosch.

1) It’s Easy to Take Care of

If you’ve ever owned stainless steel appliances, you know what a hassle it can be to keep them clean. Streaks, scratches, and sticky fingers can take a real toll on your beautiful stainless steel, quickly dulling its natural shine. With black stainless steel appliances from Bosch, those fears will be a thing of the past. These appliances aren’t made with a simple foil coating, they’re made of a special material that resists scratches and fingerprint marks to keep your kitchen looking better than ever.

2) It Matches Everything

A Bosch black stainless appliance set goes well with everything, and we mean EVERYTHING. White walls? Check. Bold cabinet colours? Check. Contemporary kitchen? Definitely. Rustic inspired style? A great way to add a modern touch! Black stainless really can do it all, and it’s a great way to pull together a kitchen, no matter the style. You know what they say—black is the new black!

3) It’s Hip

The black stainless appliance trend started in Europe a few years back, and it’s been slowly making its way west ever since. Not only do black appliances embody a contemporary cool that American kitchens are always striving for, they have a certain unbeatable European elegance about them that’s impossible to resist. Plus, even though the trend is gaining popularity fast, we’re still in the early years of the black stainless steel-explosion. That means you’ll be way ahead of the curve when the trend really makes it big time!

4) It Makes Décor Stand Out

In addition to being works of art in their own right, black stainless appliances can also be arranged to take a supporting role to your favourite accent pieces. Like a black velvet jewelry box, black stainless makes the gems in your kitchen pop. Whether that means your painstakingly painted cabinets, a one-of-a-kind antique table, or your kids’ artistic masterpieces, black stainless provides a perfect backdrop for the most important things in your home.

5) It’s Bosch

You’d be getting a full set of Bosch appliances! Need we say more? Well loved by home cooks and professional chefs (like Chef Curtis Stone of Top Chef and Take Home Chef fame), Bosch has made a name for itself as a brand that’s as excellent as it is elegant. A Bosch kitchen really is a pro-kitchen, and all style aside, if you get a black stainless appliance set from Bosch, you know you’ll be investing in a reliable kitchen set that will serve your family well years to come.

So don’t wait! Get started on that kitchen reno and take your style to the next level with black stainless steel appliances from Bosch. Your future kitchen awaits you!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

August 29, 2018

4 Questions to Ask When Buying a New Maytag Washer

4 Questions to Ask When Buying a New Maytag Washer (2)

Have you ever bought something from a store thinking you got EXACTLY what you needed only to realize too late that it was not at all what you were looking for? That happens way too often, and the best solution to prevent that from happening is to ask the store and product specialists lots of questions.

So, when you are in the midst of buying a new Maytag washer, don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you want to help you make the correct decision. It’s your money and your time on the line, so always make sure you know what you’re buying before making a final purchase.

Always remember, we specialized in appliances to answer these questions with precision and accuracy, and are always happy to help.

Here are a few questions we thought would be important to have the answers to before choosing which Maytag Washer is right for you:

1) Should I get a front-load or top-load washing machine?

The answer to this question isn’t simple. It depends on your personal preferences, home size, family size, and more. If you have a small space, getting a front-load washing machine would be perfect for stacking with a dryer and saving room in your home.

Front-load washers are also good for saving water and energy. An average wash cycle contains about 21 gallons of water in a front-load washer, while top-load washers use about 25 gallons.

If you have a large family, you must consider how many loads you’ll be washing in the long run.

If you tend to not have as much time on your hands, Maytag top-load washers are significantly faster than front-load washers and even allow you to stop the cycle to add clothes.

Figure out which one will go best with your lifestyle to come up with an answer. Again, let us know your circumstances and we will be able to give you our opinions on what will work best for your home!

4 Questions to Ask When Buying a New Maytag Washer

2) What features will make my life easiest?

Knowing and understanding what your Maytag washer is capable of is important for obvious reasons. The features are there for you to take advantage of, but if you don’t even know what they do, how can you make the most of them? Visit our store and speak to a sales associate about what features you’re interested in. The more you know, the more fulfilling your washing experience will be.

On the other hand, if you get a washer with way too many features that you don’t ever plan to use, there’s no point in overcomplicating your life with that. Find out what you need out of a washing machine and if the one you want can handle it.

3) Is this washer energy efficient?

Getting a washer that’s energy efficient will both beneficial to you and the environment. You’ll eventually save more money in the long run with an eco-friendly washer. Ask this question if you’re interested in being energy and water efficient with your next washer – and maybe even in saving yourself a little money every year.

How much does a washer cost

4) How much?

It would be awful to pick out a specific Maytag washer and dryer if it wasn’t in your budget to buy them. The next time you’re in our store looking for a washing machine, let your sales associate know what your budget is. This way, they’ll show you what options are available to you but still in your price range.

Remember to always ask questions when you’re out shopping for a new product. The more you know, the better you can choose what’s best for you, and the happier you’ll be. Stop by our store and let us help you through this process, we look forward to your questions!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

August 28, 2018

How Aging Affects Your Sleep Patterns

As a teenager, you could sleep through gale force winds, earthquake tremors and jackhammers. What happened to that “I can sleep anywhere at the drop of a dime”?

“Youth is wasted on the young” is an old saying probably shouted out by a retired person with lots of time on their hands but suffers from aches, pains, and sleepless nights! Although everyone’s sleep needs are different and may change with age, The National Sleep Foundation states that “It is a common misconception that sleep needs decline with age.” For the average 40-year-old, the metabolism begins to slow down, wear and tear on joints becomes an issue, as does a disruptive sleep pattern. Without adequate sleep, at any age, we will experience moodiness, irritability, some degree of memory loss, just to name a few

Studies show that people aged 65 and older have one or more complaints about their quality of sleep. Many will struggle with body pains which prevent a deep sleep, and some toss and turn due to the medications that they are prescribed. Others just get by with a couple of hours of sleep when they were used to so much more.

What are the real disruptors of sleep in older people?

1) Retiring From a Long Career

How exciting to have all this time on your hands to enjoy life to the fullest. It’s not always an easy transition, however, if you have always worked consistently over a long period of time and now find yourself free as a bird!

The first thing you do is throw out the alarm that woke you at the crack of dawn every day. You may sleep late and get to bed late into the night. This might be great for the first few weeks or so but getting back into a routine is essential to reset your internal clock and get enough hours of sleep to enjoy your day.

2) Naps

Although naps can be restorative and will offer a boost of energy when you need it, as an older person, you will be needing a nap because you just don’t get much sleep at night. This begins a cycle that will be tough to break. Keeping naps under 20 minutes would be ideal, and earlier in the day so afternoon and evening activities can tire the body and encourage sleep.

3) Illness and Inactivity

There is nothing more discouraging when you are keen to get things done but illness, injury, and pain prevent you from moving around. Certain conditions like menopause, Alzheimer’s and arthritis already disrupt sleep so when you add inactivity, the body is not burning any energy and sleeplessness sets in.

Movement is important to the body which ultimately affects the well-being of your mind. Grab a friend or a neighbour for daily walks and stretches that will encourage not only proper blood flow and oxygen intake but are great for staying focused and sharp. Joining a gym is a great alternative.

4) Psychological and Emotional Stress

As we age we deal with life issues with less patience and acceptance, and the results include stress and sleeplessness. Life changes like losing a loved one, illness, selling the family home are the most common stressors as we get older.

Constantly worrying about things that are out of our control is the new normal. This creates a cycle of distress that will literally keep us up at night. Finding an outlet to release stressors is essential for everyone. As we age, however, fears, frustrations and worries are more difficult to manage. Getting support from family and friends to help release the stresses that weigh us down and keep us from enjoying the best sleep is a great remedy. Also, joining a group for fun activities and socializing will help with stress and encourage restful sleep.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

August 28, 2018

How to Wash Your Pillow

When was the last time you threw your pillow into the washing machine? Never, you say? Let’s examine why this should be a regular practice, for your health’s sake!

Let’s be honest. Pillows are a breeding ground for bacteria yet not all are harmful. Moisture is the primary source of most bacteria, and there could be plenty of that during the summer months. Pillows do have a shelf life and if you own any older than two years, make sure that you wash them with some of the methods we describe below. Even if stains are not visible, bacteria are mostly microscopic and can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Here are some tips on how to get your pillows clean.

Read the label

All pillows are not created equal, so it is important to read the manufacturer’s suggested washing instructions. The outer shell or the filling may be dry-cleaning only so it’s important to get this step right to prevent damage to your pillow and your washing machine. Always load two pillows at a time to help balance the washing machine and use a small amount of soap.

Foam Filled Pillows

This variety is not machine washable, however, they always come with an outer zippered case that can be thrown into the wash every week. Whether your pillow is one solid piece of foam or cut up into little morsels, the best way to wash it is to fill a bathtub or large wash basin with mild detergent. The ratio should be 1 teaspoon to a gallon of water, and spot cleaning is always a good idea for stubborn stains. By completely submerging the pillow and squeezing it gently for about 10 minutes, it will get the job done. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and squeeze out excess moisture. Lay flat to dry out of direct sunlight or heat. Repeat twice a year or when needed.

Down or Fibre Filled Pillows

These can be easily washed in a top or front-loading machine with great results. If your machine has an agitator in the middle, make sure that you place the pillows standing vertically to avoid any damage. Always use a gentle soap, use the gentle cycle with warm water. The fun and noisy part is when you place them in the dryer with clean tennis balls (you should always have some handy for this purpose). The balls will serve to re-fluff your pillows to their original state, keep them moving in the machine and prevent clumping. Make sure the setting is on low heat and that they are thoroughly dry before you use them.

Feather Pillows

Before you toss these in the machine make sure that there are no tears or breaks in the seams or you will have a feathery mess in your washing machine! Using warm water and the gentle cycle will get these clean as can be! Giving them an extra cold-water rinse will seal the deal for removing any soap residue. For additional brightness, adding 1 cup of peroxide, which is a natural whitening agent, and ½ cup of white vinegar to your gentle detergent, your pillows will be restored to their original whiteness!

Don’t toss your yellowing or stained pillows out in the trash but give them a new life with a regular machine or hand-washing!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

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