When it comes to cleaning, pillows can often get overlooked, but like their fabric cases ,the cushions themselves also need to be washed regularly -about twice a year,
But it's not as straightforward like other laundry items as the process, particularly drying, can cause the feathers to clump together. Rather than coming out soft and cloudy, the harsh tumble dryer can leave you with a lumpy, uncomfortable headrest.
If you want to give your pillows a clean but are worried about ruining their texture, one cleaning enthusiast has revealed a clever way to keep them lump-free. The advice comes from a member of the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, revealing that adding an unusual item to the dryer with her pillows keeps them smooth.
The fan of cleaning influencer Sophie Hinchcliffe offered advice after a fellow follower sought advice, asking: "Pillows - How do you wash them without ruining them!? They say washable but always end up lumpy and take forever to dry.
"Anyone got any tips? I hate wasting but my sons developing asthma so I want to make sure they are regularly cleaned or I’ll have to replace."
"I wash in washing machine then dry in dryer with a couple of tennis ball which seem to stop it becoming lumpy!" The tennis balls will help to bash out lumps as your pillows toss and turn in the drier, leaving them feeling like clouds and also works on comforters and duvets.
Another recommended taking pillows out of the dryer every half hour and fluff them to keep their shape. Explaining what settings she washes them on, she commented: "I wash my feather ones in the machine on delicate but an extra fast spin.
"They take a long time to dry in the dryer and you have to take them out and shake them every 20-30 mins - then hang them on the line to air through and finish off."
If you don't have tennis balls lying around, you can purchase a tube of three from Sports Direct for £4 and their tough material will last multiple uses.
Members of the social media discussion forum regularly share their cleaning hacks and tips, with many using household items that you likely have at home.
One enthusiast previously shared that rubbing a dishwasher tablet over dirty cooking dishes helps life old burnt on food stains. In addition, other revealed that vinegar is the best way to rid limescale from the interior of a kettle.
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