Is your once-comfy pillow full of lumps these days? Don’t toss it out just yet! In this article, we’ll show you how to breathe new life into your favorite pillow with a simple How to repair lumpy pillows trick. Over time, pillows collect dust, dirt, and moisture, which can clump up the filling and make them uncomfortable. But fear not, with a little washing and fluffing, you can get your pillow back to its fluffy, supportive self!
Machine Washable Pillows
Ready to get those annoying lumps out of your favorite pillow? Here’s how to wash it in your washing machine and make it feel fluffy and comfortable again!
Wash to balance:
- Single pillow? No problem! To prevent your washer from spinning, toss in some towels with your pillow.
- Two pillows are better than one: If you have two pillows that need to be refreshed, washing them together helps the machine spin more evenly.
- An angry? In some washing machines, this center post may be helpful. Place a pillow on either side of it for a more balanced wash.
Soft on Your Pillow:
- Mild detergent is key: Use the recommended amount for light loads on the detergent bottle. Harsh soaps can be too strong for pillows.
- Warm, not hot: Warm water is best for cleaning your pillow without damaging the filling.
Extra Rinse for Extra Cleaning (optional):
Many washing machines have a rinse cycle setting. If your pillows get a lot of use (feel the sweaty summer nights!) or if you have sensitive skin, consider adding an extra rinse. This will help remove any detergent residue that may be irritating your skin.
Time to Fluff and Dry!
- Low heat or air dry: Toss your pillow in the dryer on its fluff or low heat setting. If your dryer doesn’t have a fluff option, air drying is fine too!
- Tennis Ball Trick: Here’s a neat way to break up any remaining clumps: Throw a clean sock over a tennis ball and add it to the dryer with your pillow. As they fall off, a tennis ball will help loosen the lumps.
- Patience is key: Pillows can take a while to dry, especially in a low-heat setting. Don’t worry, most pillows will be nice and firm after a cycle.
- Still lumpy? If your pillow isn’t there yet, don’t despair! We will deal with stubborn lumps in the next step.
For Super Stubborn Lumps (optional):
If your pillow still has lumps after drying, we can try more hand-washing. Important Note: This step involves opening the pillowcase, so proceed with caution if you’re not comfortable with a little sewing at the end.
Give it a Massage (optional):
For those extra stubborn lumps, you can try a manual flufffest (if you’ve tackled step 4). Gently break up any lumps by hand and fluff the stuffing to re-form them. Once you’re happy with the filling, simply stuff the pillow again and sew the opening closed with a needle and thread (or take it to a tailor if you’re not comfortable sewing).
Sun Power Up Your Pillow (Bonus Tip!):
Between washes, give your pillow a little sun therapy! Fresh air and sunlight help dry out any moisture that naturally builds up, especially in hot, humid weather or sweaty nights.
Understanding the Lumps: Why Pillows Get Bumpy
Pillows become lumpy for a few reasons. Over time, the filling can clump together, especially if you don’t fluff it regularly. Tight pillows can also be a culprit, squeezing the filling and making it uneven. Dust mites, sweat, and other allergens can also contribute to lumps!
Curing Your Lumpy Friend: Pillow Remedies
There are several ways to deal with these lumps, and the best method depends on the type of pillow you have and the severity of the problem. Here are some simple solutions to try:
Simple Fluff – Manual Technique
This is the easiest and most common way to fight lumps! Place your pillow on a hard surface and shake it well with your hands. Think of it like giving it a good massage! You can also try karate cutting the pillow to break up the clumps. Once you’ve given it a good fluffing, put the pillow back in its case and give it a final shake.
Using the Sun – Sun drying for freshness
The sun can actually help fluff up your pillow and remove moisture that can contribute to clumps. Simply place your pillow in direct sunlight for a few hours. Remember to turn the pillow every hour or so to ensure it dries evenly.
Tumbling Technique – Using a Dryer (For Artificial Fill Only)
If your pillow has a synthetic filling, you can try twirling it in the dryer! Just toss it with tennis balls or dryer balls. Set the dryer on low heat and let it dry for about 10-15 minutes. Once it’s dry, take it out and fluff it by hand to make sure the filling is evenly distributed.
Loosen Up! Changing the pillow
A tight pillow case can squeeze the filling and make lumps more noticeable. Try using a larger pillow or one made from a loose fabric that allows the filling to breathe. You can also use a pillow protector, which will keep dust mites and allergens at bay and help your pillow stay fresher for longer.
Ultimate Fluff – Repacking the Pillow (For Advanced Users)
For really stubborn lumps, you may need to take a more advanced approach. This procedure involves opening the seams of your pillow and removing the filling. Once stuffed, you can break up the lumps by hand and fluff it all up. Then, carefully tuck the filling back into the pillow and sew the seam closed. (This method is perfect for those who are comfortable with a little sewing!)
Conclusion
There you have it! With a little washing, fluffing, and maybe some sun, you can get rid of those annoying lumps and bring your favorite pillow back to life. Now you can rest easy and enjoy a good night’s sleep on a pillow that feels as good as new!