Insert Refresh: Fluffing, Freshening, and Knowing When It’s Time to Replace

Whether you’re layering your sofa with cozy textures or chasing that perfect night’s sleep, a good pillow insert makes all the difference. But over time, even the best pillows can start to look a little… deflated. Don’t worry—we are here to help you bring the bounce back. Here are our favorite tips for refreshing your inserts and knowing when it might be time to say goodbye.

Fluff It Up

Regular fluffing is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your pillow insert. Just a quick daily fluff helps redistribute the fill and restore shape.

• Massage Method: Use your hands to knead and massage the pillow—especially around the edges—working out any lumps.
• Punch It (Gently): Give your pillow a few light punches to break up any clumps. 
• Corner Clap: Grab two opposite corners and clap them together a few times to help re-fluff the middle. Just don’t overdo it, or you may flatten it further. 

Feather/down inserts tend to bounce back faster, while synthetic fills may need a little more attention. 

Dryer Time

One of the easiest ways to refresh a flat pillow? Toss is in the dryer. Set it on a medium heat cycle for about 20 minutes. To really get things moving, throw in a dryer ball (or a clean tennis ball). This helps knead the pillow and bring back that full, fluffy feel. 

Just be sure to:

• Remove the pillow case first.
• Check the care instruction before applying heat.

Washing Your Inserts

Good news—many pillow inserts can be cleaned in the washing machine. Just be sure to check the care label first. 

• Polyester Inserts: Machine wash on gentle cycle using warm water and a mild detergent. These are generally low-maintenance and hold up well to washing.
• Feather/Down Inserts: Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and a mild detergent. You may want to run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the soap is removed, as leftover detergent can weigh the feathers down.

After washing, dry inserts on a low heat setting. 

Note: Inserts made from foam should not go in the washing machine, as agitation can cause the foam to break down. Spot clean these instead and let them air dry completely. 

When It's Time To Replace

If your insert just isn’t bouncing back—or it’s showing signs of wear like permanent flattening, odor, or discoloration—it might be time for a fresh start. 

At The Pillow Collection, we offer a wide range of high-quality inserts in multiple sizes and shape options. Whether you’re after square throw pillows or large bolsters, we’ve got something that fits your style.

Ready for any upgrade? Shop our collection now.