Pillows become lumpy over time as their stuffing wears out, and they also collect dirt and debris. They can also change shape if they are not washed properly. While some people may never wash their pillows, others wash them every month; it’s essential to wash them at least every six months, depending on the type.
Taking to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, various cleaning enthusiasts have shared their best tricks to restore and clean pillows, including a £1 tip. Julie Smith wrote: “Any tips for discoloured and misshapen pillows? I know they’re in pillowcases, but it’s bugging me.”
Taking to the comments, cleaning enthusiasts shared their top tips, which included a tennis ball tip.
April Wilson wrote: “Wash in the machine on your normal cycle with a clean tennis ball. It stops them from misshaping.”
Joanne Lin said: “The tennis ball trick is the only one that works. Don’t do it too often, but it works wonders. Keeps them fluffy and firm.”
Various other comments also recommended the tennis ball hack. When they bounce around in the machine during the cycle, they help prevent the filing from clumping.
This means when they are removed from the wash, they’ll be in their original fluffy state.
Other cleaning fans suggested keeping a pillowcase on while the pillows are in the washing machine. According to one woman, it helps them keep their shape better.
An anonymous post read: “I always wash my pillows a few times a year, or when I can see they need it. I wash them with a pillowcase on so they can regain their fluffiness again.
“You can also tumble dry them, but I wouldn’t do it all the time, or at a high heat.”
Not all pillows can be washed, so it’s essential to check the care label. Those with solid foam or buckwheat varieties should opt for hand washing instead.
This can be done by simply sprinkling baking soda onto the surface before leaving it for an hour. This will soak up any moisture and odours and can simply be vacuumed off.
