Mrs Hinch fan shares £1.50 trick to get yellow-stained pillows sparking white again – and get their original shape back
WITH the weather finally warming up, it is time to tackle some of those household chores you’ve been avoiding like cleaning your bedding.
Rather than replacing your bulky items, you can get your old, stained pillows looking like new using an unusual household item – and it costs just £1.50.
If you’ve been putting off this tedious household chore, you’ll want to make it a priority after learning what is lurking in your unwashed pillows.
As we sleep, our bodies naturally sweat and shed dead skin cells which are absorbed by our bedding.
Not only can this cause yellow staining over time, microscopic dust mites and bacteria can also be found lingering in your unwashed pillows.
Though mostly harmless, these bugs can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
Instead of replacing all your bedding, you can tackle both issues by simply washing your pillows and bulky bedding regularly.
One Mrs Hinch fan has even revealed her easy way to get pillows like new again with an item you probably have at home.
They were responding to a post in the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, which read: “Any tips for discoloured and misshapen pillows? I know they’re in pillowcases but it is starting to bug me.”
While there were plenty of suggestions in the comments, the cleaning whizz suggested using a tennis ball – much to the surprise of others.
They explained: “Wash in the washing machine and throw in a clean tennis ball. It stops them misshaping.”
Others agreed, with another adding: “The tennis ball trick is the only trick that works. Don’t do it too often but it works wonders.”
If you are tempted to try out this hack, simply place a pillow on either side of your washing machine drum then add 2-3 clean tennis balls to the load.
As they bounce around, they will help to distribute the warm, soapy water and get your bedding looking its best.
Some also suggested using the tennis ball in a dryer to help the pillows dry faster and retain their shape.
A third wrote: “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.”
For anyone that doesn’t have a tennis ball at home, you can easily pick these up on the high street and the Fabulous team found a pack of three for just £4.50 at Tesco.
This means you’ll pay just £1.50 for each ball and they can be reused for your washing.
Before you head to the checkout though, it is worth noting that this hack works best on feather or shredded foam pillows.
Make sure that you check the care label on your pillows before chucking them in the wash, as bedding with solid foam or buckwheat won’t stand up to a spin cycle.
However, we’ll certainly sleep easier knowing this hack.
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
- How to clean your washing machine in a few easy steps
- Keep on top of cleaning your oven regularly
- Clean your shower to ensure it’s always sparkling
- How to clean your microwave using cheap household items
- Here’s how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle
- You’re cleaning your carpet all wrong – here’s how to get it spotless again in no time
- Unblock a toilet without a plunger
- Clean your fabric or leather sofa in a few easy steps
- If you haven’t cleaned your mattress in ages, here’s how
- Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new
- This is how to clean mirrors and windows without streaking
- Keep your toilet clean in four easy steps
- Give your TV screen a once-over
- Did you know your Venetian, Roman, vertical, or roller blinds also need cleaning?
- Deep-clean your fridge in five simple steps