This TikTok pillowcase hack has over 15 million views — here’s why

Pillow on bed
Pillow (Image credit: Shutterstock)

This year, TikTok has been full of all sorts of ‘miraculous’ viral home hacks to tackle just about any domestic chore. So far, we’ve learned of the many powers of baking soda when researching how to clean every room of your home. We also know about the humble dishwasher tablet that went viral for getting rid of grease and grime on ovens and baking trays. Find out what happened when I tried this TikTok cleaning hack using a dishwasher tablet.

This latest TikTok ‘housekeeper’ hack is making the rounds for one simple trick. Posted by Kaylie @tidycademy, with the caption, “If you’re a housekeeper, don’t leave your clients’ pillows like this," she shows a pillow in a pillowcase with the open end of the case hanging loose, tucks the ends in and pulls tightly on the sides for a perfect, rectangle pillow. 

While it may seem like common sense (after all, how hard is it to put a pillow into a case?) this viral pillowcase hack has pulled in an incredible 15 million views and 1.2 million likes so far.

Why not try out this bed-making hack that went viral to make your life easier. 

TikTok pillowcase hack

@tidycademypro

It’s the little things 😊 ##cleantok ##housekeeperhacks ##cleaninghacks ##cleaning

♬ CRAFT - OFEKNIV

1.  After you've placed your pillow inside the case, take the extra piece of pillowcase at the end and tuck it inside.

Tucking in pillowcase ends

Tucking in pillowcase ends (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

2. Next, pull the pillow tightly on both sides and you have a neat, rectangular pillow!

Pulling pillowcases neatly at ends

Neatly made pillowcase (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

A simple yet effective pillowcase hack! If you enjoy cleaning or other hacks to make your life easier, be sure to check out our own TikTok videos.

If you want to know how to wash a pillow, we've got you covered there too. 

When should you replace your pillow?

If your pillow still doesn't look good, then it might be time to invest in a new one. Depending on the type of pillow you own, the filling can flatten, lumps and bumps can form and it can lose its support. 

If you're unsure, try the fold test if you own a cotton or polyester pillow — fold it in half and if it stays in place, you need a new one. For other types of pillow such as down or memory foam, essentially they won't feel as good as they used to. You might be waking up with neck pain, or noticing lumps in the filling. If this is the case, opt for a new pillow.  

Cynthia Lawrence
Content Editor, Homes

As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. 


Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.


With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!