How to fluff a pillow like a hotel housekeeper

To fluff a pillow, squeeze it from both ends towards the middle a few times, punch the corners out, then hold it by one end and shake it hard. That puts air back between the fibres or down clusters that a night of sleep has pressed together. It takes ten seconds and works for down, feather and fibre pillows.

The ten second morning fluff

1. Hold the pillow by the short ends and push them together, like an accordion, three or four times.
2. Turn it and do the same from the long sides.
3. Punch each corner from the inside of the case to fill it out.
4. Hold one end and give it two or three hard shakes.
5. Lay it flat and smooth the case.

The weekly deep fluff

When you change the pillowcases, take the pillow out of its case and protector. Knead it all over to break up any clumps, shake it out, and leave it by an open window for an hour if the weather is dry. Fresh air lets moisture from the week escape, which also helps the fill spring back.

The dryer trick

For washable down, feather and fibre pillows, tumble the pillow on low heat or air only for 15 to 20 minutes with two or three dryer balls or clean tennis balls. The tumbling breaks up clumps and lifts the fill. Always check the care label, and never use high heat on down.

When fluffing does not work

If the pillow is still flat after a deep fluff and a spin in the dryer, the fill itself has broken down. Try the fold test: fold it in half, and if it stays folded, it is time for a new pillow. Our guide on how often to replace a pillow covers the other signs.

Foam pillows

Memory foam and latex pillows do not need fluffing and should not go in a dryer. Rotate them now and then and air them to keep them fresh.

Why hotel pillows always look full

Housekeepers fluff every pillow at every turnover, put each one in a fresh protector and case, and stack them upright against the headboard so they hold their shape. Do the morning fluff and the weekly airing and you get most of the same result.