It will be like new: how to refresh an old pillow in a couple of hours at home

Have you noticed that the pillow you've been sleeping on for years has become flat, hard, or even smells unpleasant, Ukr.Media reports.

It seems like it's time to buy a new one. But don't rush to spend the money!

It turns out that you can restore its original softness and freshness in just a couple of hours, and you don't need dry cleaning or super expensive products. The secret is in your washing machine and tennis balls.

The problem is that the pillow's filling clumps over time, and sweat, dust, and dust mites turn it into a breeding ground for bacteria.

Washing pillows by hand is a hassle, and the machine seems unreliable.

But the key to success is proper preparation. First, check the tag: if it has a “washable” icon, go ahead.

If there is no tag, focus on the material: synthetic (holofiber, comforel) and down pillows are usually machine washable, but with buckwheat husk, feathers, or memory foam, it's better not to risk it.

Close all zippers on the cover (or remove it) and place the pillow in the drum.

To prevent the filler from collapsing, add 2-3 tennis balls. They will “beat” the pillow during washing, maintaining its volume.

Select the “delicate wash” mode at a temperature of 30-40°C. For down pillows, add a drop of mild shampoo, for synthetics, regular washing gel is suitable.

Do not use conditioner – it can leave a film on the filler.

After washing, wring out the pillow at minimum speed to avoid damaging the structure.

Then — drying. Ideally, a sunny day. Hang the pillow on a rope, shake and turn it over periodically.

If you are drying in a machine, add the same tennis balls and select a low temperature setting.

Important: It may take 12-24 hours for the pillow to dry completely. Do not store the pillow in a closet until it is completely dry inside, otherwise mold will develop.

Why tennis balls? Their ribbed surface “breaks up” clumps of filler, and the movement in the drum simulates professional cleaning.

By the way, this method is used even in hotels, where pillows are washed weekly. For down products, you can replace the balls with special plastic drying balls.

But there are nuances. If the pillow is still flat after washing, place it under a load (for example, a stack of books) for 2-3 hours – this will restore its shape.

Is the smell still there? Sprinkle the filler with baking soda, leave it for an hour, then vacuum it up.

For prevention, wash your pillows every 3-4 months – this will kill mites and freshen up your sleeping space.

Interesting fact: in the 19th century, pillows were washed in rivers, stuffing them into bags with stones so that they wouldn't float away.

Tennis balls are an evolution of this method, but much safer for your technique.

Take out the balls, load the pillow and press “start”.

In a couple of hours you will get the result, like after dry cleaning, but for a pittance.

And you'll be surprised how easy it is to cheat a system that forces us to constantly buy new things instead of taking care of the old ones.

Джерело: Source