How To Fix A Lumpy Pillow After Washing

By Michelle Miley Jul 25, 2011 9:07 pm EST

Fixing a flat or lumpy pillow is as easy as throwing it in the dryer with a tennis ball, using a smaller pillowcase or setting the pillow out in the sun. Theses tricks work well if you've just washed your pillow, but they can also help keep your pillow fluffed between washings. If you fold your favorite pillow in half and it stays that way, it's time for a new one. If the pillow bounces back to its original shape, however, you can save it with a few simple tips and tricks no matter how flat or lumpy it has become.

Step 1

Give the pillow a good manual fluffing. A few punches or karate-chops work very well to break up pillow lumps, and let you take out some stress at the same time. Some pillows, like feather pillows, may need a little of this rough treatment every day to stay fluffy.

Step 2

Set the pillow outside in the sun for a few hours. Sunlight kills bacteria and will help dry out any moisture that your pillow stuffing may be retaining. Damp stuffing is never fluffy, so give your pillow a good sun soak to make sure it is completely dry. This works even if you haven't just washed your pillow — the stuffing may be holding moisture from high humidity levels in the air.

Step 3

Place a tennis ball or two inside a clean sock, and then put your pillow in the dryer with the tennis balls. Turn the dryer on to the lowest possible setting or the air-only cycle, and let the tennis balls beat the lumps out of the pillow for you. Putting the balls in socks ensures that they don't transfer any dye onto your pillows. You can fluff pillows this way after you wash them, or skip the wash and go straight to the dryer if a fluff is all they need.

Step 4

Place your pillow in the proper size pillowcase. A small pillow in a large pillowcase will always look flat and uninviting. Instead, choose a pillowcase that is www.realsimple.com="" home-organizing="" cleaning="" more-techniques="" how-to-fluff-a-pillow"=""> 1 to 2 inches smaller than the pillow.

Step 5

Consider purchasing a protective case for your pillow to go inside the pillowcase. Dirt, dust and oils that find their way into your pillow can make it heavier, flatter and lumpier. A pillow protector helps keep your pillow comfortable longer.