We spend about a third of our lives with our heads on a pillow, yet it is one of the most neglected things in the house. Over months, sweat, hair oil, dust and skin flakes settle into the filling, leaving yellow patches, a stale smell and a pillow that feels flat and tired. Many people avoid washing pillows because they do not own a washing machine, or fear damaging them. The good news is that hand washing works well if you do it patiently. Here are five simple steps to freshen your pillows at home without a machine.