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A CLEANING whizz has revealed how to test your pillows to see if it's time to say goodbye to them.

Like mattresses, pillows are the bedroom feature most of us don't change very often - unless it becomes uncomfortably flat or has a few rips, chances are you'll use the same pillow for years.

The cleaning whizz took it to Instagram to reveal two simple methods of testing if your pillow needs replacing
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The cleaning whizz took it to Instagram to reveal two simple methods of testing if your pillow needs replacingCredit: Instagram/@Lynsey Queen Of Clean
If the pillow doesn't fall over your arm on the ''saddle bag test'', it means it's still usable
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If the pillow doesn't fall over your arm on the ''saddle bag test'', it means it's still usableCredit: Instagram/@Lynsey Queen Of Clean

But according to one cleaning enthusiast, Lynsey Crombie, also known as , it's a big no-no, .

Over time, even though you might wash the cases weekly, pillows can become breeding ground to a plethora of allergens, such as dust mites, fungus, mould and pet hair.

For some people, old pillows can trigger allergies, for instance, runny or stuffy noses, itchy skin and irritated eyes.

The whizz took it to her social media page to share how to tell if the once cosy pillow needs chucking out.

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“Pillows should be replaced everyone one to two years as they harbour dirt, dust, bacteria and skin cells,'' she explained in the caption of .

“ALSO, DID you know that they can actually double in weight! YUK!

“There are two really quick, simple tips you can do to test out your pillows to make sure they are still bouncy, fresh and going to give you that full support.”

According to the guru, the first tip is folding a pillow in half and holding it for 30 seconds.

She claimed that a still usable pillow ''will bounce back to its original shape'' - but if it remains flat and has crinkled, you might want to consider heading to the shops.

Lynsey's second method is called the “saddle bag test”.

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Here, simply lay your pillow across your arm - and if it falls over like a saddle bag, it needs replacing, she claimed.

“Don’t forget your local dog shelter will really appreciate your old pillows,'' she added.

With close to 2,000 likes, the post has received a lot of positive feedback and comments from fellow cleaning fans who said they'd try the test.

“Brilliant tips! Will be trying this,'' one viewed seemed to have been convinced.

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Another would be giving this a go too: “Testing them all now.”

Someone else was in a desperate need of new pillows: ''Good tip - just chucked my pillows away!''

You can also fold it in half, according to the Queen of Clean
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You can also fold it in half, according to the Queen of CleanCredit: Instagram/@Lynsey Queen Of Clean
A pillow that needs chucking won't bounce back, she explained
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A pillow that needs chucking won't bounce back, she explainedCredit: Instagram/@Lynsey Queen Of Clean

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