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"Embarrassing" travel pillow frequent flyers swear by

<p>When it comes to travelling in economy, looking glamorous usually takes a back seat, with many people prioritising comfort over anything else. </p> <p>Travelling in cattle class presents its own issues with getting comfy on a plane, especially when sitting in the middle seat. </p> <p>However, a committed frequent flyer has discovered the "travel hack of the year" with an unusual looking travel pillow that means you can get comfy anywhere. </p> <p>“When you got the middle seat for a 13-hour plane ride,” wrote adventurer Annie Wright, 23, in the captions of a viral TikTok testimonial dedicated to the strange-looking, yet in-demand inflatable travel pillow.</p> <p>In the video, which has racked in a whopping 26.6 million views, Ms Wright, a law student in the US, shared footage of herself puffing into the plushy prop that’s offered by <a href="https://www.kmart.com.au/product/inflatable-front-travel-pillow-43238989/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a>.</p> <p>For Aussies, you can snag the innovative travel pillow from <a href="https://www.kmart.com.au/product/inflatable-front-travel-pillow-43238989/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kmart</a> for a breezy $18.</p> <p>“I wasn’t sure if I’d like it and omg SO worth it!” cheered Ms Wright in the clip’s caption. “Total upgrade.”</p> <p>This new pillow puts the round-the-neck pillows to shame, as the expandable cushion, designed with an ergonomic 45-degree angle, offers support to the head and neck and inflates in just seconds. </p> <p>Once inflated, users are meant to position the pillow — created with a face cutout at its apex and two arm holes on its sides — on their passenger tray tables and lean forward into a relaxed position.</p> <p>The hot commodity’s details also noted that it can “help you stay away from injury and insomnia, make you rest more comfortable during the journey, easier to fall asleep, and sleep longer,” according to Amazon. </p> <p>According to the online Kmart reviews of the product, one traveller said it was “awkward looking” but “really comfortable” and perfect for long-haul flights.</p> <p>Folks under the #InflatableTravelPillow TikTok hashtag have hailed the headrest the “travel hack of the year.”</p> <p>However, haters of the portable bedding have deemed it an “embarrassment.” </p> <p>“My back just hurts watching this,” said one commenter beneath Ms Wright’s post. </p> <p>“Yeah I have social anxiety I would be too embarrassed to use it,” penned another.</p> <p>But in response to the criticisms, Ms Wright wrote, “People keep saying this [pillow] is embarrassing, but what’s more embarrassing is being caught with your mouth open just knocked out.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Travel Tips

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Woman avoids baggage fees with genius neck pillow hack

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While many travellers love to take advantage of cheap airline seats, the deals often come hand in hand with hefty baggage fees.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One savvy TikTok user has devised a unique way to avoid the extra charges for luggage, using a travel neck pillow. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The traveller, who shares videos under the name @anayotothe on TikTok, uses the cheap neck pillow as a secret carry-on bag to get out of those pesky extra fees. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Trying the Spirit and Frontier pillow hack cuz I ain't tryna pay $60 for a carry on," the woman wrote on the video, referencing two American airlines.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She captioned the video, “My flight is in three hours let’s see how this goes!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The woman picked up the travel pillow for just $9 from the US supermarket Walgreens, and proceeded to take the pillow stuffing out of the case. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She then stuffed all the clothes that wouldn’t fit in her backpack into the pillowcase, which could still be used to stay comfortable during her flight. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Everything fits except for this shirt!" the woman exclaimed, while showing followers her clever technique.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After sharing the video with her followers, the woman later confirmed that she boarded her flight successfully with her hidden carry-on luggage.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"On the way to Vegas and the way back, I didn't have to pay, with my travel pillow and my backpack," she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While dozens of people commented to thank the savvy traveller for the tip, others also questioned if it was worth it to save money. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When questioned about her methods, the woman responded, "It took five minutes, also it was an hour flight… there was no reason I should pay $300 for a flight if you can just take one of the budget airlines."</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credits: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Travel Tips

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The simple $4 Kmart hack – using string!

<div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>It’s amazing what you can do with a few everyday items and a whole lot of creativity to make a thrifty addition to your décor, as home stylist Ashlee White has demonstrated using a $4 cushion from Kmart and some string.</p> <p>The DIY designer created a striking feature for her lounge chair in her predominantly white colour-schemed house, starting with the very reasonably priced Kmart Kira cushion with a macramé finish, reports the <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6301953/DIY-artist-saves-fortune-decorative-pillows-sharing-simple-4-Kmart-hack.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a></em>. She added an intricate pattern using jute string to make the tie-up pillow.</p> <p> </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BotDzzfHKjx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BotDzzfHKjx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ashlee White (@_ashlee_white_)</a> on Oct 9, 2018 at 12:31am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>White, who designs hacks using affordable products from Kmart, <span>had a simple tool bag with a ruler, a black marker to set out the insertion points in the pillow, scissors to make the holes, and a large needle.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn8euoQHHGr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn8euoQHHGr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ashlee White (@_ashlee_white_)</a> on Sep 20, 2018 at 3:43am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>She threaded pieces of string through the holes, then used a knot-style to create the decorative pattern. The home decorator finished off the inventive hack with tassels made from four pieces of string tied into a knot, attached to each side of the pillow.</p> <p> </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo3nzoZAtZx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo3nzoZAtZx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ashlee White (@_ashlee_white_)</a> on Oct 13, 2018 at 2:58am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>White posted the impressive result in a series of pictures on her Instagram account, and her followers loved it.</p> <p>One mum said the “clever” cushion hack could be a great addition to a worn couch.</p> <p>“Very clever !” she wrote. "I have an old couch ( which I won’t be updating any time soon with small children ! ) and it’s very hard to find cushions to go with the colour however this would work perfectly!”</p> <p>Another said, <span>“I love it, so gorgeous.”</span></p> <p>Will you be trying this cheap and stylish design hack? Tell us in the comments below. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Home & Garden

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Should you take your own pillow on a cruise?

<p>Going on a cruise, no matter how long your journey may be, requires you to pack some essential items to make it through the trip.</p> <p>One cruiser has asked other travellers on <a href="https://boards.cruisecritic.com.au/showthread.php?t=833016" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Cruise Critic</strong></em></span></a> if it is necessary to pack his pillow for his sea adventure.</p> <p>“I was wondering if anybody every brings their own pillows. If the pillows are good, I won't worry about it. I just don't want to have neck cramps all week,” he asked.</p> <p>Here are the responses he received from a community of avid cruisers.</p> <p>CruiseDude_83 said: “Yes every cruise. It is not because I feel that the ones on the cruise are dirty i just sleep on my own better…”</p> <p>ChristieNJ wrote” “Never! It's sad that the cruise pillows are WAYYY more comfortable than my own!”</p> <p>CL-JW agreed: “We’ve found the pillows to be good on board.”</p> <p>Tika shared: “I always take my little travel pillow with me when I travel. It is about half the size of a standard pillow and scrunches real small so easy to pack. I know some folks have asked their cabin stewards for different pillows and they always accommodate their requests. One line we cruised on actually asked us in a pre-cruise questionnaire what type of pillows we wanted and bed duvet or standard spread.”</p> <p>Retiredawacs said: “I’ve travelled all over the world and I don't leave home without my pillow. I always find a way to make room for it. I've been told though that on our cruise in three weeks that there is a pillow menu to select from. We are staying in a GS. I still think I will take my own.”</p> <p>Cruiser starlake shared his tricks to travelling with his pillow.</p> <p>“I always take my own pillow. I don't have any problem with the ship's pillows, I just like my own,” he wrote. <br /> “I have a standard size pillow and either make room for it in my checked luggage, or if there is no room there I have simply tied it to my carry-on and go through airport security. I have never been asked to find room inside the carry-on and have never had anyone even say anything about it. It is amazing if you look around airports and see how many people carry their own pillow.”</p> <p>Do you pack your pillow when you go on a cruise? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Cruising

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How many pillows is too many?

<p class="first-para">During our two seasons on <em>The Block</em>, I was given the illustrious title of “bedroom queen” as we had lots of positive feedback from the judges about the styling of our beds.</p> <p>Since then, the question of how many pillows should be used on a bed is one that I am most frequently asked. So how many is too many? When are you at risk of looking cushion crazy?</p> <p>Here are my tips for getting the balance just right.</p> <p><strong>Style</strong></p> <p>Decide what style you want for your bed. A casual, slightly undone bed looks better with less pillows and little to no decorative cushions. Think three or four standard pillows in natural linen with a throw loosely draped over the end of the bed.</p> <p>The next level up would be a more dressed bed that includes European pillows and decorative cushions. This style is an everyday look that requires a little bit more effort for a more finished result.</p> <p>Finally, the formal bed goes all out with layers of European pillows, multiple standard pillows and at least three decorative cushions to finish it off. The result is dramatic, plush and polished. This option is every significant other’s worst nightmare as it takes considerable time, and many laps of the bed, to remove all of those pillows each night.</p> <p><strong>Size</strong></p> <p>The obvious rule of thumb is the smaller the bed, the fewer pillows it needs. I have gone one step further and created a basic guide.</p> <p>Single bed: one European pillow plus one standard pillow or two standard pillows. One or two decorative cushions at the most.</p> <p>Double/Queen bed: Two European pillows plus two to four standard pillows. A maximum of three decorative cushions.</p> <p>King size bed: Three European pillows plus two to four standard pillows. A maximum of three decorative cushions.</p> <p><strong>Pillow arrangement</strong></p> <p>There are many ways to arrange pillows, some more formal than others. Decide whether you prefer the pillows to be the same on both sides of the bed or slightly different for an interesting twist.</p> <p>A classic option for double and queen beds is to start with two European pillows at the back, followed by two standards on both sides and one large decorative cushion in the centre. Alternatively, you can have two decorative cushions that sit on either side or three layered across the middle.</p> <p>Another option is two European pillows at the back with two standard pillows stacked on top of each other on one side and two standard pillows sitting one in front of each other on the opposite side to throw the symmetry off. Both of these work well on a king sized bed with an extra European pillow to fill in the gaps along the back.</p> <p>For a king-sized bed, a clean and simple arrangement is to stack two standard pillows on each side and then stand one European pillow in front on both sides and a third European in the middle. European pillows are a must for any beautifully made bed as they add all important height.</p> <p>The combinations really are endless so don’t be scared of your pillows. Have fun playing with different arrangements until you find the one that feels right.</p> <p><em>Written by Dea Jolly. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.domain.com.au" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Domain.com.au.</span></strong></a></em></p>

Home & Garden

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How to tell if your pillow is helping or hurting you

<p>Living in a society that is constantly looking down at smartphones or computers definitely takes a toll on the body. To make sure you are not worsening your stiff neck, make sure you keep your neck parallel to the mattress, rather than having your neck bent down or up. Your pillow is an essential item that can either help your pain or be the cause of it. Here are the factors that can help you find a good quality pillow.</p> <p><strong>Pillow fill</strong></p> <p>The most commonly used pillow fills are down feathers, synthetic/polyester fibres and foam. Memory foam and latex pillows have become popular for those looking for additional neck support.</p> <p>Dr Bang believes that feather pillows cause the most next pain as they don’t provide much stability. “They feel super comfy when you first settle in. But the feathers move when you do, so you wind up with no support, causing you pain,” said Dr Bang. <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bedroom/products/linen-house-exceed-soft-pillow?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-bedroom-exceed-soft-pillow&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=exceed-soft-pillow" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Down pillows</span></strong></a> provide more support and retain their shape. </p> <p><strong>Sleeping position</strong></p> <p>How you position your body and head when you sleep can determine what kind of pillow you need. If you sleep on your neck, get a fluffier pillow that can lift your head and chin to help breathing and snoring. If you sleep on your side, consider a firmer pillow to support the distance between your ear and outside shoulder. If you sleep on your stomach, look for a thin pillow to minimize your neck stretching.</p> <p><strong>Fluff factor</strong></p> <p>A fluffy pillow is a great investment because it means that fresh air is able to travel through it. It provides a greater level of cushioning and lasts longer. If you get a pillow that is deflated, it shows that the pillow can no longer trap air and is not ideal to provide support. It is important to do the fluffiness test by folding a pillow in half to see if it unfolds on its own. If it doesn’t, you might have to look around for a new pillow.</p> <p><strong>Thread count</strong></p> <p>The higher the thread count in a pillow, the more plush it will feel. Higher thread counts come with a hefty price tag so for a standard size pillow a 300-thread count is not too expensive but provides optimum comfort to your neck and head.</p> <p>What do you look for when you are buying a pillow? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em><strong>To find your home essentials, including pillows, <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bedroom?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-bedroom&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the Over60 Shop</span></a> for high-quality offerings.</strong></em></p> <p><a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bedroom?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-banner-bedroom&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.oversixty.com.au/images/EditorialAddon/201706_Shopnow_EditorialAddon_468x60_Bedroom.jpg" alt="Over60 Shop - Bedroom Range"/></a></p>

Home & Garden

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The three most comfortable pillow shapes

<p>Pillows are much more than just something that you lay your head on at night. By choosing a pillow that provides you with comfort and keeps your neck and head aligned, you can ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Whether you prefer to fill your pillows with natural or synthetic filling, these three pillow shapes will provide you with the comfort you need to sleep soundly.</p> <p><strong>1. The U-shape pillow</strong></p> <p>Not only is the <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bedroom/products/linen-house-exceed-u-shape-pillow-900gsm" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>pillow</strong></span></a> shape comfortable for when you sleep but the shape provides a good neck rest for when you are sitting upright and reading or looking at a device. As this pillow relieves pressure to many parts of the body, the need to toss and turn in the night is reduced. The U-shape creates the perfect resting spot for your neck and is best for people who suffer from back, neck and shoulder pan. If you are looking to purchase a U-shape pillow we recommend looking around to find a length that is suitable for your body type. The pillowcase fabric that Over60 love on this pillow shape is <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bed-essentials/products/linen-house-remo-u-shape-pillowcase" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">cotton</span></strong></a>.</p> <p><strong>2. The European pillow</strong></p> <p>This <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bedroom/products/linen-house-exceed-european-pillow" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>pillow</strong></span></a> provides the perfect comfort for doing daily tasks such as watching TV and sitting in the loungeroom. Although this pillow isn’t generally used to support your head while sleeping, it is definitely worth considering investing in a European pillow to have on your bed if you enjoy extra pillows. If you need to elevate a certain body part due to swelling or you back requires extra support while you rest, this pillow is the perfect size to support your body even further. As this is a multi-purpose pillow be sure to regularly clean the pillowcase for best use.</p> <p><strong>3. The standard medium pillow</strong></p> <p>There is a reason that this <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bedroom/products/linen-house-exceed-standard-medium-pillow-900gsm" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>pillow</strong></span></a> is the popular option when purchasing a night pillow. Although it is a standard pillow it is still important to purchase the size and filling that is best for your body. Pillows should adjust to fit your shape, curves and sleeping position and to also alleviate any pressure points.</p> <p>Most pillows last for roughly two years so be sure to replace your pillow if it doesn’t bounce back to its original shape when you fold it in half.</p> <p><strong><em>To find your bed essentials, including the pillows mentioned above, head to the <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bedroom" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Over60 Shop</span></a> for high-quality offerings.</em></strong></p>

Home & Garden

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The easy trick to whiten old pillows

<p>We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so it’s natural that our pillows will turn yellow because sweat – even in winter. We try to cover those nasty stains with white pillowcases, but if the stain is really bad, it can still be seen through the case. Thankfully, there’s a simple way to banish those yellow marks once and for all.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">You will need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Very hot water</li> <li>1 cup laundry detergent</li> <li>1 cup dishwasher detergent (powder)</li> <li>1 cup bleach</li> <li>½ cup borax</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to:</span></strong></p> <p>Now that you have the essentials, follow the steps in the video above to get your pillows looking brand new.</p> <p><em>Source: Onegoodthingbyjillee.com</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/cleaning-secrets-your-mother-taught-you/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>13 cleaning secrets your mother taught you</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/why-you-should-never-make-your-bed/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Why you should never make your bed</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/5-very-dirty-things-in-bedrooms-people-arent-aware-of/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 very dirty things in bedrooms people aren’t aware of</span></em></strong></a></p>

Home & Garden

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Do you know the correct way to clean your pillows?

<p>Most people are diligent about washing their sheets and pillowcases regularly. The quilt or bedspread will also get a turn in the washing machine at least a couple of times a season. But many people forget to wash their pillows, or aren’t sure how to go about doing so. That’s where we come in. We’ve got the best ways to keep your pillows clean without doing damage to them.</p> <p><strong>Down or fibre-filled pillows</strong></p> <p>These are the most common kind of pillow used, and are luckily easy enough to wash. You can put them straight into your washing machine. Try to keep your machine balanced by washing two pillows at once. If you have one, a machine without an agitator is best, but not essential. If your machine has an agitator, simply place your pillows in vertically so it’s less likely to be damaged.</p> <p>Be sure to follow any instructions on your pillow’s care label. If there’s no label, just use warm water and a gentle cycle. You may want to add a cold rinse and spin to make sure no soapy residue remains. You can tumble dry your pillows on a low heat if you like, or leave them in a sunny spot to dry naturally. A dryer will help fluff the insides up a little more, though – especially if you use rubber dryer balls.</p> <p><strong>Foam pillows</strong></p> <p>The down side to foam pillows (pun intended) is that you can’t put them into your washing machine. But many of these pillows will come with a detachable cover, which can be washed. Just be sure to follow any instructions on the tag. To remove any dust from your foam pillow, you can use your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery tool. Your other option is to tumble the pillow on a no-heat cycle in the dryer for 20 minutes.</p> <p>If your pillow has instructions for hand washing, feel free to follow them carefully. But be aware that wet foam can tear easily. Make sure your pillow is completely dry before replacing them on the bed.</p> <p>PRO TIP: If you fold your pillow in half and it doesn’t spring back into shape, it’s time for a new pillow.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/04/great-laundry-tips/">8 stain-removal hacks</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/04/great-laundry-tips-and-tricks/">6 laundry hacks</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/04/dirtiest-household-items/">These are the most germ-filled things in your home</a></strong></em></span></p>

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