Pillows are an essential part of our lives. They provide comfort and support while we sleep, and they can even affect our overall health and well-being. But over time, pillows can become worn out and lose their shape, making them less effective at providing the support we need. However, there are several ways to revive an old pillow and make it feel like new again. Sleep Advisor suggests that pillows can be revitalized through a simple massage. Begin by placing the pillow in your lap, then use your hands to press and release its cushion for 30 seconds on both sides, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. If you encounter any persistent lumps, gently work them out until they are smoothed out. Once the pillow is even and comfortable, give it a test run.
An alternative way to clean your pillow is to give it a treatment similar to that of a dusty rug. Simply hang the pillow from a clothesline using clothespins, or use a hanger with clips on your shower rod. You can then use your fists or a lightweight item such as a broomstick handle to hit it. However, it’s important to avoid using anything heavy, such as a full-sized baseball bat, as this could damage the pillow. Once you’ve fluffed up and improved the appearance and texture of your pillow, place it on a clean outdoor table on a sunny day. This will allow it to benefit from fresh air and sunlight, and aid in the evaporation of any residual moisture that may be trapped in the fabric. Take care to shield the pillow from debris that may fall, and ensure that it is kept out of reach of pets and birds, to avoid any additional complications. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective techniques for rejuvenating your old pillows.
Wash Your Pillows
The first step in reviving your old pillows is to give them a good wash. Over time, pillows can accumulate sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells, which can make them smell bad and feel flat. Washing your pillows can help remove these contaminants and restore their freshness. Most pillows can be safely washed in a washing machine. However, it’s important to read the care label before washing your pillow, as some types of pillows may require special care. For example, down pillows may need to be washed using a special detergent and dried using a low-heat setting.
To wash your pillows, start by removing the pillowcases and any other covers. Place the pillows in the washing machine, along with a mild detergent. Use a gentle cycle and warm water, and avoid using fabric softeners, as these can damage the filling inside the pillows. After the cycle is complete, run the pillows through an extra rinse cycle to ensure that all of the detergents are removed.
Dry Your Pillows
After washing your pillows, it’s important to dry them thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Most pillows can be dried in a dryer, but again, it’s important to read the care label before drying your pillows, as some types of pillows may require special care.
To dry your pillows, start by placing them in the dryer along with a few clean towels or dryer balls. This will help to fluff up the pillows and prevent them from clumping together. Use a low-heat setting and run the dryer for several hours, checking the pillows periodically to ensure that they are drying evenly. If your pillows are not fully dry after a few hours, continue running the dryer in a low-heat setting until they are completely dry.
Fluff Your Pillows
After washing and drying your pillows, they may still feel flat and lifeless. To revive them, you’ll need to fluff them up. There are several ways to do this, depending on the type of pillow you have. For down pillows, simply grab the pillow on opposite corners and shake it vigorously to fluff up the feathers inside. You can also put the pillow in the dryer on a low-heat setting with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff it up.
For synthetic pillows, place them in the dryer on a low-heat setting with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls. This will help to fluff up the filling inside and restore the pillow’s shape. For memory foam pillows, fluffing is not necessary, as the pillow will regain its shape on its own after washing and drying.
Replace the Filling
If your pillows are still flat and lifeless after washing and fluffing, it may be time to replace the filling. Most pillows can be easily opened up and refilled with new stuffing, which can be purchased at most craft stores or online. To replace the filling in your pillows, start by removing the stitching along one edge of the pillow. Carefully pull apart the edges of the pillow, being careful not to tear the fabric. Once the pillow is open, remove the old filling and replace it with new stuffing. Be sure to use the same type of filling that was originally in the pillow, as different types of fillings can affect the pillow’s feel and support.
Once the filling has been replaced, sew the opening closed using a needle and thread. Be sure to double-check that the stitching is secure so that the new filling doesn’t fall out.
Add a Pillow Protector
Adding a pillow protector is a great way to prolong the life of your pillows. Pillow protectors act as a barrier between the pillow and pillowcase, helping to prevent sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells from penetrating the pillow’s filling. This can help to keep your pillows fresher for longer and reduce the frequency with which you need to wash them.
Pillow protectors are available in a variety of materials, including %100 cotton and in pure Egyptian cotton, They are typically inexpensive and can be purchased at most home goods stores or online.
How to Keep Pillows Fluffy in the Dryer
According to the Pillowinsider team, it is recommended to periodically wash down or feather pillows to eliminate dirt and sweat and restore their fluffiness. Nevertheless, avoid washing polyester pillows in your washing machine. When washing down or feather pillows, wash two at once to maintain balance, and utilize cool water, gentle and additive-free soap, and the highest spin speed possible. It is also important to run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is removed.
To fluff up your pillows, take them out and put them in the dryer along with two or three tennis balls, a pair of clean flip-flops, or a clean, small stuffed animal. Avoid using heat and instead set the dryer to its air cycle. The tennis balls will prevent clumping and help restore the pillows’ fluffiness. You can also give the pillows a massage after drying or let them dry outside. It’s important to check the label first, but some of these techniques can also be effective on couch pillows. However, if the manual approaches aren’t successful, it might be possible to wash down feather-filled pillows. Only do this if the fabric is suitable for machine washing. Alternatively, you could remove the pillow covers, clean them in a specific spot, and replace their filling in certain cases.
However, Pillows are an important part of our sleep routine, and they can affect our overall health and well-being. If your pillows are feeling flat and lifeless, there are several ways to revive them and make them feel like new again. By washing and drying your pillows, fluffing them up, and adding a pillow protector, you can prolong the life of your pillows and keep them fresh and supportive for years to come. And if all else fails, don’t be afraid to replace your pillows entirely; your neck and spine will thank you for it!
