The viral pillow cleaning hack that has left experts puzzled
Bed experts have been left dazed and confused after seeing this new viral TikTok cleaning hack with a twist...
We rarely find ourselves shocked anymore when another crazy but creative TikTok cleaning hack goes viral. And yet, after finding one woman's take on a popular cleaning trend you can definitely consider us surprised and somewhat baffled.
If you're familiar with the #CleanTok side of TikTok you may have already come across the trend of soaking pillows in bathtubs filled with chemical concoctions. Also known as ‘stripping’, this pillow cleaning technique involves submerging pillows into hot water that’s been mixed with household ingredients such as white vinegar, detergent and baking soda.
Aside from cleaning with vinegar and other usual cleaning suspects, one user has added a rather unconventional ingredient to her pillow-cleaning bath solution. Her TikTok video, which has garnered a staggering 8.6 million views, has been met with a noticeable amount of backlash for more reasons than one. But it’s her addition of sliced citrus fruit that has left bed experts utterly confused.
In the video, Janelle, one-half of the food and home influencer duo @JanelleandKate, starts by removing the cover of her daughter's pillow. She proceeds to submerge the pillow in what she describes as “the hottest water” and then pours over large amounts of baking soda, clear detergent, stain-removing powder and finishes with lemon slices.
Janelle leaves the pillows in the solution for a few hours before returning to the yellowed water. She then instructs users to put the pillow in the tumble dryer with clean tennis balls so it's fluffed back to its original shape.
The yellow water that she claims is the dirt and “toxins” from the pillow is more likely a result of the lemons she’s left to soak in the tub for hours.
Thousands of users have expressed their confusion and annoyance at the unconvincing cleaning hack, with one person commenting, “All that yellow came from the fruit you put in it.”
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
@janelleandkate ♬ Cupid – Twin Ver. (FIFTY FIFTY) – Sped Up Version - sped up 8282
Nevertheless, bed experts from Bensons for Beds have caught wind of the hack and have quickly debunked it as both ineffective and even potentially damaging. “We’d always exercise caution when it comes to any excessive cleaning routines that use unnecessary ingredients in the process," warns Rachel Marshall, brand manager at Bensons for Beds.
Instead of giving your pillows a chemical bath, the bed experts suggest cleaning your pillow by following what the provided instructions tell you to do. “A pillow should last up to two years as long as they are well taken care of. This means taking note of the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning and being wary of any overly complicated methods which might actually damage the fibres.” Rachel explains.
It's important to remember there are different types of pillows, that all require a different approach when it comes to cleaning.
Most pillows are made of synthetic or down materials and can be washed on a cool, gentle cycle in the washing machine. If the label says the pillow is dryer-safe then Janelle's trick with the tennis balls is legitimately helpful. For other pillows, such as memory foam and latex, Rachel suggests spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Whilst unusual hacks such as these mean well, it's always best to follow what the actual experts are recommending. Rachel adds, "If in doubt, always check the label or refer to trusted bed experts for advice on maintenance and cleaning. And yes - stay clear of adding any fruits to your bed cleaning routine.”
Emily joined woman&home as a staff writer after finishing her MA in Magazine Journalism from City University in 2023. After writing various health and news content, she now specialises in lifestyle and home writing where she covers all things cleaning, interiors and homeowning.
-
We're adding Katie Holmes' faux fur coat to our Christmas wishlist: And similar high-street styles that are just as fabulous
A reversible faux fur coat is the ultimate winter wardrobe staple
By Molly Smith Published
-
After seeing Victoria Beckham's glass-fronted wardrobes we're feeling inspired to seek similar stylish storage
Fashionable wardrobes are the perfect way to store clothes with style
By Tamara Kelly Published
-
Top tips and tricks for keeping on top of housework
Chores don't have to feel like a chore with these 32 smart tips and tricks
By Jack Slater Published
-
32 household tips to help keep your home looking its best
Follow these cleaning, de-cluttering and organisation tips from the experts to keep your home in order
By Lauren Hughes Published
-
I tested the De'Longhi AriaDry dehumidifier and loved its style and all-round performance
It's a top pick if you want a quiet, powerful and stylish machine that's exceptional at drying laundry
By Amy Cutmore Published
-
I put the EcoAir DC12 MK3 dehumidifier to the test – and found it's perfect for bedrooms
This quiet dehumidifier punches above its weight when it comes to performance and usability, and won't break the bank.
By Amy Cutmore Published
-
I tried the MeacoDry ABC 12L dehumidifier – its laundry drying is second to none, but it is noisy
There's so much to love about this Meaco dehumidifier, but the pros and cons depend on your needs
By Amy Cutmore Published
-
The new 'Kitschen' trend is taking over 'as people look to elevate retro style' reports a Pinterest expert
Step aside minimalism, retro 'Kitschens' are the new interior trend on the block and it's all about the retro pastels
By Emily Smith Published
-
5 costly kitchen cleaning mistakes you could be making every day
Experts have revealed 5 common kitchen mistakes you probably make every day that could be causing major damage in the long run
By Emily Smith Published
-
The five 'curious' bathroom sounds you should never ignore, warn experts
Professional plumbing experts reveal the five alarming bathroom sounds you should never ignore
By Emily Smith Published