Before you click “add to cart” on new — and probably expensive — pillow inserts, try this thrift-store hack from TikToker Carrie Anne Harmon of Moonlight Market Co. The home DIY creator has a true “Why didn’t I think of that?” tip: Stop buying brand-new pillow inserts and browse your local secondhand shop instead. High-quality…
What To Look For in Thrifted Pillow Inserts
Next time you’re wandering the aisles of a thrift shop’s home section, skip the novelty mugs and head straight for the pillows. Pick up each throw pillow and give it a solid squeeze. If it feels soft, springy, and slightly weighty — rather than lumpy or lifeless — there’s a good chance it’s filled with feathers or down instead of polyester fill.
Next, look for a zipper on the pillow. Decorative pillows are often designed with removable covers so the insert can be easily reused. Unzip the pillow and check for a tag; that’s the key to verifying the fill content. Feather and down inserts are preferred because they hold their shape far better (and far longer) than synthetic alternatives.
When bought new, feather inserts can cost a pretty penny — and the bigger the pillow, the higher the price tag. Thrift stores, however, often price entire pillows — inserts and covers — for just a few dollars. Discard or donate the outer cover if it’s not your style and keep the high-quality insert for your own covers at home.
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Why You Should Buy Feather or Down Inserts
You can’t see an insert, but you can definitely feel the difference. Compared to polyester fill, feathers and down are more durable, breathable, and long-lasting.
Much like thrifted clothing, secondhand pillow inserts require a deep clean before use. Wash them on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and warm (not hot) water. Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the soap washes away. Dry the pillows thoroughly on low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help restore their fluffy shape. To prevent mildew, make sure the inserts are completely dry before putting them back in their covers.
