{"id":2228,"date":"2021-11-26T09:59:26","date_gmt":"2021-11-26T09:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebeddingplanet.com\/?p=2228"},"modified":"2022-04-29T06:57:18","modified_gmt":"2022-04-29T06:57:18","slug":"why-do-cotton-pillows-get-lumpy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thebeddingplanet.com\/why-do-cotton-pillows-get-lumpy\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Cotton Pillows Get Lumpy? How to “Unlump” Your Pillow"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This post is part of\u00a0the\u00a0complete cotton pillow buyers guide<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cotton is a bit firmer and thicker compared to wool or fiberfill. This makes it the most suitable pillow fill for those who like a lofty and supportive pillow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cotton pillows are filled with layers of cotton and then covered with a cotton fabric giving it a soft and durable surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your cotton pillow may be soft and comfortable, but it can get lumpy over time, making your sleep uncomfortable. The good news is that these lumps can be restored to their original state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For you to restore your lumpy cotton pillow<\/a> to its original state, you will have to get rid of the dirt and moisture inside first. Below, we are going to share with you why your cotton pillow gets lumpy and how you can restore it to its original state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Do Cotton Pillows Get Lumpy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your cotton pillow can get lumpy after some time of use. This happens because the cotton inside might have collected dirt, moisture, and debris. When the dirt, debris, and moisture get together, they cause the cotton filling to clump together. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may be wondering, how did your pillow get moisture? Or dirt? Or debris? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, some people sweat while sleeping, and if you are using a pillow, the sweat will be absorbed into the pillow, creating moisture. The dirt can come from your face and hair oil that is usually smeared on the pillow as you sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dust mites can also cause lumps in your pillow; this can happen if your pillow gets in contact with dust, and it might cause some spots to go flat. Dust mites<\/a> may not be harmful to you but dealing with them is quite something. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have allergic reactions, then the situation might become unbearable for you. Dust mites normally get the chance to invade your pillow when you shed skin and sweat while you sleep. That is why it is important to keep your pillow clean regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lumps created from the dirt, moisture, and debris can be pretty stubborn to get rid of. You can try stretching or scrunching your pillow, but the lumps will never go away. However, there are other methods you can try that will help you restore your pillow to its original state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do I “Unlump” My Cotton Pillow?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rempving the lumps from a cotton pillow is an easy task, provided you know what you are doing. The first thing you need to do is get rid of the dirt, debris, and moisture causing the pillow to lump up. The best way to achieve this is by washing your pillow. You can use a washing machine and a dryer to achieve this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"pillow-in-washing-machine-bamboo\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Step 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Set your washing machine to a cold or warm regular cycle and use the washing detergent, do not add the fabric conditioner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your machine is a top-loading one, then you will need to put two pillows to balance but if you are only washing one pillow, then add in some towels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your machine is the front loading type, then you will need to put the pillows in and add a full load of laundry to wash; this will give the pillow support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After the washing cycle, then you will need to run the pillows through a second rinse cycle. This will help remove any soap residues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once the pillows are clean, you need to dry them in the machine, place a tennis ball in a sock and add it to the dryer. This will help beat the lumps in the pillows as they dry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the pillow to completely dry, you may need more than one drying cycle. At the end of the drying cycle, the lumps should be gone. However, if they are still there, then you will need to move to the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you can still feel the lumps on your pillow, then go ahead and remove the stitches from one side of the pillow. Get the cotton out and spread it on the table. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feel where the lumps are and move them aside, fluff with your hands. Once all the lumps are gone, re-stuff the pillow and sew where you opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massage The Lumps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Using your hands to work out those lumps is the most effective way to get rid of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, squeeze the pillow between your hands; you will find out where the lumps are. Then use your fingers to work them by massaging the outer fabric of the pillow gently. Continue with this method until all the lumps in the pillow dissipate. After you are done, you can then fluff the pillow, and you are good to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another way that greatly helps is putting your pillow in the sun once in a while between the washings. This will help with aeration, and the sunlight will help dry any moisture left during machine drying or the moisture absorbed at night during your sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use The Correct Pillowcase<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Apart from cleaning and fluffing your pillow, you can avoid or get rid of the lumps by putting your pillow in the correct pillowcase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your cotton pillow is small and you put it in a large pillowcase, it will appear flat and unattractive. On the other hand, a pillowcase that fits perfectly will always make your pillow look attractive and have enough space for the filling to fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I Keep my Cotton Pillow from Lumping?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keeping an item well maintained always makes it last longer, and pillows are not an exception. If you maintain your cotton pillow properly, it will be able to serve you longer, and it will also help get the lumps at bay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, you need to fluff your pillow every morning when you wake up when making your bed. This will help you get rid of any lump that is forming, making it soft and comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to fluff your pillow is to push the pillow’s sides from the opposite ends on all four sides. This helps move the cotton filling around, getting rid of any lumps that may be inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Often Should I Replace My Cotton Pillow?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Most people find it easy to change the bedsheets, mattress, and comforter but difficult to change the pillows. Remember, your pillow plays an important role in ensuring your spinal alignment is proper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, give it the respect it deserves. If you replace your pillow regularly, you get enjoyable, restful nights and no aches when you wake up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With all these factors in mind, you should change your cotton pillow every 1-2 years. However, other types of pillows can last longer<\/a> than this period depending on the quality of the material used in their construction. To know when to change your cotton pillow, consider these signs;<\/p>\n\n\n\n