Pillows can harbour a whole host of bacteria and allergens, so Mrs Hinch fans have shared a simple trick to scoop ‘fluffy and firm’ bedding – and it will only set you back by 33p
While washing the bed sheets is often considered a tedious household task, around 36 percent of Brits prioritise the chore once a fortnight – but many are neglecting to clean their pillows.
Keeping your pillow in a healthy state is important because it collects dead skin cells, sweat, dust mites, as well as other bacteria and allergens whilst you sleep. In fact, cleaning expert Melissa Maker warned that pillows can double in weight over their lifespan, due to everything they absorb.
The cushions can often turn a discoloured yellow shade if they have been unwashed for a while, which is caused by the sweat and personal care products that get soaked up on a nightly basis. According to Healthline, pillows should be washed a few times a year, but many homeowners avoid the task.
Fortunately, Mrs Hinch fans have revealed a 33p trick that keeps pillows “fluffy and firm” while in the washing machine. Taking to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, one user posted: “Any tips for discoloured and misshapen pillows? I know they’re in pillowcases but it is starting to bug me.”
Cleaning enthusiasts rushed to the comments section to offer their advice, with many suggesting that a tennis ball does the trick. Responding, one user wrote: “Wash in the washing machine and throw in a clean tennis ball. It stops them misshaping.”
“The tennis ball trick is the only trick that works. Don’t do it too often but it works wonders,” penned a second. When they bounce around in the machine, they help to keep the filling from clumping, meaning the pillows maintain their original firm state.
A pack of three tennis balls can be bagged for £1 at Poundland, working out at around 33p per ball.
Other Mrs Hinch fans explained that keeping the pillowcase on while they are in the washing machine helps them “keep their shape”. In the comments section, one person shared: “I always wash my pillows a few times a year, or when I can see they need it. 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 is important to check the care label. Those with solid foam pillows or buckwheat cannot place them in the washing machine. Bedding expert Malik Karman, from Eachnight Mattresses, shared his top tips on how to get rid of moisture and odours from pillows. The expert said: “A rule of thumb is that a pillow that can be fluffed up is machine washable, such as feather pillows and shredded foam pillows.
“However, it’s important to double check the pillow’s care tag to make sure it can go through the washer safely. All you need to wash your pillow is a gentle detergent. Dryer balls or a few tennis balls can also be helpful when tossing the pillow in the dryer, as the balls can help the pillow dry faster and fluff it up too.
“If your pillow cannot be machine washed and you want to freshen it up, we recommend sprinkling baking soda across its surface and leaving the powder alone to soak up moisture and odours.” When it comes to cleaning memory foam pillows, Malik recommends freshening them up with an occasional spot of baking soda. He continued: “Size is also important to consider when washing pillows. King size pillows typically need to be washed in an industrial washing machine, so you likely won’t be able to wash them at home.”
