Feather pillow wash
The Ultimate Guide to Washing Down and Feather Pillows
Want to Save? Use Code Blog10 For 10% Off Your Next Order Shop NowCan you wash feather and down pillows? Yes! And, here’s how
Washing down and feather pillows is easy. In fact, it reinvigorates them to be as fluffy as when they were new, unlike synthetic pillows. Down and feather pillows fit in any size washing machine and they come out of the wash beautifully. It’s one of the benefits of the incredible natural materials we use to fill our down and feather pillows. These natural fills are special not only for the support and softness that we love, but also for their easy maintenance.
Just think about the alternative. It can be a gamble to wash synthetic pillows. They often come out lumpy and the whole pillow is ruined. Many are afraid to wash their pillows for this good reason and end up sleeping on a dirty pillow for years before they give up and buy a new one, usually throwing the synthetic pillow in the garbage. But, you can clean your duck or goose down and feather pillows over and over with no worry. Not only is keeping your pillows clean good for you, but you can also extend the life of them by washing them regularly. The key to washing your pillows is getting them fully rinsed and dried because of their thickness and density.
- Quantity – Always wash two pillows at a time to keep your washer balanced on the spin cycle
- Water Temperature – Hot, warm or cold; your choice - be aware that some shrinkage of the fabric can occur with warm or hot water
- Spin Speed – Use the fastest speed to take as much moisture out as possible
- Rinse – Add an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the soap is gone
- Soap – Gentle soap without additives
Optional:
- Whitening – Use non-chlorine bleach
- Fabric Softener – Not recommended because it can coat the down and feathers and reduce its fluff
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- Temperature – Hot, warm or low; your choice - be aware that some shrinkage of the fabric can occur with warmer temperatures
- Dry time – Be patient, it can take multiple cycles depending on your machines and it’s important to get your pillow completely dry
- Clumping or Odor – These are signs that your pillow is not dry yet.
You want it to be completely dry to prevent mold. - Dry Test – Hand fluff your pillows in between each cycle. The pillows may still be damp inside even though they feel dry to the touch. It’s always better to err on the side of more drying time than less.
Optional:
- Clean Tennis Balls or Dryer Balls – Add one to three balls to speed up your dry time. It will sound like they are beating up your dryer but they don’t actually hurt it.
- Dryer Sheets – Add a dryer sheet to freshen your pillow.
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How to Make Your Pillows Last Longer
Pillow Protectors provide an easy, cost-efficient solution to helping your pillows last longer and with less maintenance. Rather than having to wash your pillows often, you simply remove the pillow protector and throw it in the washer.
Re-fluffing a pillow between washings
Be sure to re-fluff your pillow when you first get it since they get compressed in shipping.
You can also follow these steps any time you want to revive your pillow in between washings.
- Low heat setting
- 3 tennis or dryer balls
- Damp washcloth
- Fabric softener sheet for freshness
- 15-20 minutes
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How often should you wash your pillows?
Every six months is the recommended frequency for washing (maybe every three months for your husband’s pillow!). Why? TMI Alert: this gets personal. Our pillows get filled with skin cells, dirt, and dander just like our beds do. It’s just the reality of human life that we shed a little every day. Our pillows also collect sweat, oil and saliva which weigh down the pillow and reduce its fluff. Of course, our pillow cases and protective covers are catching most of these un-savories so you don’t need to wash your pillow as often as your pillow case. But, eventually your pillow will need a good washing too.
Pros and cons of pillow protectors
As mentioned above, our pillows can collect some disagreeable substances over time.
Using a pillow protector is a great way to keep your pillow cleaner for longer without having to wash it. The benefits of a pillow protector can often outweigh any disadvantages. But, adding one more layer on your pillow with a protector in addition to the pillow case will reduce the pliability of your pillow somewhat. On many pillows, this is no issue and many of our customers prefer the added cleanliness of using a pillow protector. But, some customers really want a squishy pillow and find they can’t get the feel they are looking for with a pillow protector.
Is a pillow protector right for you? Fortunately, it’s a small investment to try it out to see for sure. One thing we know is that pillow comfort is extremely individual and nothing replaces feeling it yourself.
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As you can see, washing feather and down pillows can be quite easy. Just a few things to remember like drying on low heat and making sure the pillows are totally dry will keep them clean and fluffy for years to come.
One of the main benefits of natural down and feather filling is the long life you can get from your pillows. With a couple washes per year, they will stay looking and feeling like new for up to 10 years.
Is it time for a new pillow?
Once you decide it’s time for a new pillow, we can help! At Pacific Coast® we have an array of luxurious pillows that will give you the most restful sleep you’ve been dreaming of. When you sleep on one of our pillows, your head and neck will get the comfort and support they need. We’re so confident, we’ll give you 30 nights to try it out with our 30 night guarantee. Shop our pillows today!
How to Wash Down & Feather Pillows
Guide to Washing Down & Feather Pillows
What is the Difference Between Down Pillows & Feather Pillows?
Before you can properly care for your bedroom pillows or luxury decorative pillows, it is important to know a little about the material they are made from.
Although the terms down pillows and feathers are often used interchangeably, and there are some similarities, there are some differences between the two types of pillows that should be noted. For instance, both types of filling often use the same feathers, but the shape and feel of down clusters is very different compared to those of feathers.
- What is a Down Pillow? - Down is a soft grouping of fibers made from goose feathers that come from the undercoating of the bird. These down clusters have insulating qualities due to the design of the feathers and the soft fibers that traps air for a fluffy fill.
- What is a Feather Pillow? - The filling of feather pillows comes from the wing and back feathers of geese. These feathers are flatter and heavier than down, and also provide a soft and fluffy filling for pillows. Feathers tend to lose their shape a bit faster than down.
How to Clean Down Pillows
Down products respond well to cleaning, which is great news for fans of the luxury pillows made from it.
They are so easy to clean and care for, which adds to the many reasons we love down bedding so much. This natural pillow filling is not only great for the plush, soft support it offers, but for its super easy maintenance.
The best and easiest thing to know when learning how to clean down pillows is that they were made to be cleaned right in your washing machine, making it so easy and quick to do.
How to Wash Down Pillows & Feather Pillows
Can you wash a down pillow? The luxury bedding experts at Peacock Alley hear that question a lot. And the answer is - yes! Washing your luxury pillows actually reinvigorates them and can restore them to their original fluffiness. Since most down and feather pillows will fit in a standard home washing machine, taking care of them is a breeze. Here’s how:
- Remove Covers – Before washing your down pillows, be sure to remove any pillowcases or coverings they may have.
- Inspect Pillow – Check your feather pillows for any obvious rips or tears that may allow feather filling to escape during the wash cycle.
Repair them with a needle and thread before washing. - Balance Things Out – When washing down pillows, it is important to wash two pillows at the same time, as this will help balance the washer tub and allow better performance. Be sure to load pillows vertically so that they are not bothered by the agitator in the washer. Front-loading washing machines with no agitators work best, but any washer can be used as long as the pillows fit properly.
- Gentle Works Best – Choose a low-sudsing laundry detergent when washing down pillows to avoid soap residue and to avoid having the feathers clump together. Also, make it a point to use less detergent than you normally would and set your washing machine to the delicate cycle to take care of the feather filling.
- Water Temperature – While hot water works best to kill any dust mites that might be living inside your down pillows, it may also damage the feathers. If this is a concern, use warm or cool water when washing down pillows instead.
- Rinse and Repeat – It is a good idea to use an extra rinse and spin cycle when washing down pillows. This will get rid of any excess moisture and soap residue on the feather filling.
Can You Dry a Feather or Down Pillow in the Dryer?
Yes! The ever-so-easy to care for feather or goose down pillows can be put in the dryer and will turn out beautifully with a few easy tips.
- Remove the excess water from the down pillows by placing the pillow between two towels and pressing down on it. This will force out the water in the pillow, which will be soaked up by the towels. Be careful not to twist or wring the pillows, as this may damage the down feathers.
- Place the feather pillows in the dryer, using a delicate cycle like the low-heat or no-heat setting. While the no-heat setting may take several cycles to get the job done, it is the safest way to dry feather pillows. If you choose the low heat setting for quicker drying, be careful, as even this seeming harmless setting may cause damage to the feather filling.
- Check the pillows often and take them out of the dryer to fluff them between cycles. Beating the pillows will help to break up any down clumps inside and allow for better drying.
- The use of dryer balls when washing down pillows is a great idea. It will help keep the pillows fluffy.
- Once dry, fluff the feather pillows and massage any clumps to remove them. Holding the down pillow by its corners and shaking it also helps remove feather clumps.
How to Freshen A Down Pillow
Between washings, it is a good idea to freshen down and feather pillows. Simply put your down pillows in the dryer with a damp washcloth, three dryer balls, and your favorite fabric softener sheet. Tumble dry on low heat for 15-20 minutes for fluffy and refreshed pillows for your bedroom.
Peacock Alley Is Your Source for Luxury Down Pillows, Feather Pillows and High-End Bedding for Your Home
Down pillows are not only popular for their ultra-comfort and support, but also for their ability to add style and class to any décor.
Peacock Alley offers an amazing selection of quality fabrics and classic designs that will complement any bedroom. Peacock Alley is your source for luxury feather and down pillows that are designed to complement our upscale bedding ensembles to elevate the comfort and style of any room.
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How to wash a feather pillow at home: washing machine, manually
Contents of the article:
- How to wash a feather pillow in a washing machine.
- How to wash a feather pillow by hand.
- How to clean a pillow without washing.
- How long does a feather pillow last.
Every home has a feather pillow. And even passed down from generation to generation. Often such a dowry comes to us from grandmothers. With daily use, sweat, dust accumulate in pillows, germs, even mites, can develop. This leads to poor health, disturbed sleep, and there may be allergic reactions.
Over time, the appearance of such products is very deteriorated, the filling goes astray, the pillow becomes almost flat. To prevent this from happening, you need to change feather pillows every 3 years. And wash at least once every six months.
In this article we will try to help you figure out how to wash a feather pillow at home.
How to wash a feather pillow in the washing machine
It is not always possible to take a pillow to the dry cleaners. But that's not a problem at all. Following our advice, you can easily restore her former freshness.
For this you need:
Select detergent. There are some rules here:
- no bleach;
- powder must have minimal odor;
- do not use rinse aid.
Strongly perfumed products may cause allergies and headaches. Then the quality of sleep will be poor and you will not be able to rest.
There are special products for washing down jackets. These fit perfectly.
We need to check the seams on the product. They must be strong so that the filler does not spill out during washing and does not get into the drum. This may damage the washing machine.
If the pillow is small, it can be completely washed in the washing machine. If it does not fit, then you need to open the bedclothes and divide the contents into small bags prepared in advance.
Also throw large tennis balls or small rubber balls into the drum . This helps to keep the shape of the pillow better and get rid of lumps.
Now select mode . No need for high temperatures. Works well with “hand wash” or “delicate”. And in some automatic machines there is a special “duvet” mode.
Don't forget to turn on the extra rinse to wash out any remaining powder.
It is not advisable to set a high spin. 400 rpm will be enough.
When the washing machine has a drying function, we must use it. This will greatly speed up the drying process. Especially in winter time.
When drying in the open air, shake occasionally to restore the down and feathers to their original shape.
If you washed in separate bags, put the entire contents back into a clean pillowcase. And sew up. The stitches should be even and frequent so that nothing spills out.
How to wash a feather pillow by hand
You can also wash a feather pillow without a washing machine. To do this, we also divide the contents of the pillow into small portions so that it is easier to wash.
We place the bags of fluff in warm water with washing powder. You can use a basin or immediately wash in the bath. In such a situation, you need to soak our pillow for 2-3 hours. Water should not be hot - not much higher than room temperature.
After soaking, wash and rinse thoroughly under running water.
Room batteries can be used for drying, but outdoors is best.
Wash pillows well in summer, in sunny and calm weather. And so that the feathers and fluff do not fly apart, you can cover them with gauze or other thin natural fabric.
In the meantime, wash the pillowcase. It can be washed with any type of laundry. But you don't need to add conditioner either.
If the breastplate is worn, it is better to replace it with a new one.
After drying, place everything in a pillowcase and sew.
How to clean a pillow without washing
If you have a steam iron at home, you can use it to do a mini-cleaning. To do this, carefully walk over the entire surface of the pillow on both sides.
Steam the product well. In this way we can destroy some of the dust and microbes. The main thing here is to dry it well so that unpleasant odors do not form.
How long does a feather pillow last?
Despite the fact that now there is a huge selection of pillows with different fillers, a large number of users prefer feather pillows.
Such products require very delicate and frequent maintenance, as they absorb moisture, odors and dust. Over time, microbes can accumulate there.
And yet, feather pillows remain a favorite among buyers.
Down and feather filling can be used to determine the price of a product. The more pen, the cheaper they are. The more fluff, the more expensive they are.
Cheap versions contain duck, goose down. And more expensive - swan.
In order for your pillow to last as long as possible, you need to follow some care rules:
- Do not store such a thing where there is high humidity.
- Whisk well every day to loosen feathers and down.
- Periodically clean with a conventional vacuum cleaner.
- Ventilate outside every 2 months.
- Wash every six months.
- Do professional germicidal cleaning to get rid of germs
How to wash a pillow from the pen - we clean all
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3 minutes
Content
1. Why wash the feathers of
2. Preparation for washing
2.1. Knock out the pillow and place the pen in the cases
2.2. Choosing detergents
3. How to wash your own pillow
3.1. In the washing machine
3.1.1. Can feather pillows be machine washed?
3.1.2. At what temperature should you wash pillows in the washing machine?
3.2. Hand wash
4. Folk methods
4.1. Soaking with lemon juice
4.2. Dry cleaning with soda and tea tree essential oil
5. Dry the pillow properly
5.1. outdoor
5.2. Battery
5.3.
With special tools
5.4. Video: how to wash and dry a feather pillow
6. How to remove the smell from a feather pillow
7. How to care for feather pillows
Washing pillows on your own is difficult, long, troublesome. However, this does not stop many housewives. We CLEAN EVERYTHING experts have developed detailed instructions on how to wash a pillow without damaging it and the washing machine. This publication is useful to everyone who erases them with their own hands. Although, the best option is dry cleaning on special equipment in the workshop.
Do you want to calculate the cost of dry-cleaning pillows? 30% discount for you now!
IMPORTANT : washing will be needed much later, for example after 2 years, if the pillows are properly cared for.
They are regularly beaten out, taken out to dry in the sun, aired, whipped.
Why wash feather pillows and can you do it at home
- Like any home textile, bedding needs regular care. Especially those things that come into contact with the human body. The pillow “communicates” with us every day for 6-8 hours. It absorbs sweat, oil from the sebaceous glands, it leaves traces of cosmetic creams, masks, hair dyes, ointments.
- Pat the pillow. You will be horrified at how much dust it contains. Part of it with every whipping pollutes the air in the house. The other part mixes with moisture, grease, dirt, glues the filler into lumps that interfere with sleep. They are easily infested with parasites. It is the presence of bacteria that explains the smell of stale dirty laundry. Sleeping in such a bed is unpleasant, harmful. You will have to wash the pillows to give yourself and your loved ones a healthy, pleasant sleep.
- Sleeping on an untidy lumpy pillow does not give you the desired rest.
It's more trouble than it's worth.
IMPORTANT : Organic dirt is an excellent breeding ground. Mold spores cause colds and lung diseases. Microbes enter the body, provoke relapses of chronic diseases. Dust mites excrete waste products containing allergens.
Small bedding can be washed at home. But, keep in mind that washing a pillow, drying it takes a lot of time, effort, and nerves. Anyone who has been through this will prefer dry cleaning.
IMPORTANT : when machine washing down, feathers, be especially careful not to let them float freely in the machine drum. If the system becomes clogged, it is not always possible to fix it. Although, clogging of the bathtub drain and pipes during the “leakage” of the filler during hand washing of pillows and blankets can also result in a call to plumbers, unnecessary expenses.
The pillow can also be washed in the pillowcase, if it does not have ripped seams and holes. Look how stuffed she is.
If the filling is too dense, the wash will not be effective. Dirt will remain in the thickness of the down-feather mixture, and it will be difficult to get rid of dampness inside.
If the breastplate is stained, faded, worn, worn out, replace it with a new one. By the way, according to GOST R 51108-2016, this is a mandatory procedure for dry-cleaning pillows in the workshop. Old bedclothes are not cleaned there, not washed, but disposed of.
Preparing for washing
Before washing the pillows, inspect them, prepare a container, bags, strings for them, detergent, read this instruction.
Knock out the cushion and place the pen in the cases
- Remove dust from the cushion. The better you knock it out or vacuum it, the less dirt will flow deep into the filler and the result will be better.
- Open the seam a little, put the down and feathers into small bags, tie each one tightly. The bags should not be too tightly packed so that the cleaning solution easily penetrates into the thickness of the filler.
Wash by hand or in the washing machine.
IMPORTANT : during dry cleaning (sifting, disinfection) up to 40% of down is lost, since a significant part of it in the old pillow is broken or soiled.
What you need to know about washing:
- Loss of volume 20 - 30%.
- When cleaning up pillows, remember that washing does not get rid of broken feathers that pierce the pillowcase and interfere with sleep.
- The technology does not provide disinfection of the filler. What is good about dry cleaning is that fluff, feathers are sorted, cleaned of debris and scrap, and disinfected with UV rays.
Choosing detergents
Buy a liquid detergent for textiles. You will make it easier for yourself to rinse, which is very important when processing the bed. Otherwise, the washing powder remaining in the filler will become a constant source of harmful fumes.
How to wash the pillow yourself
When everything is ready, it remains to decide how to wash the pillow - by hand or in a washing machine.
Manually better in the bathroom, the basin will be cramped. You can wash 1 bag, but it's too long.
In the washing machine
Pour in the detergent, put the fluff bags in the drum. Follow the rule - one wash cycle for only one thing. As with down jackets, we recommend placing 2-3 tennis balls in the drum,
Can feather pillows be machine washed?
Russians have almost no other cars left in operation. Naturally, we are talking about automatic models of household appliances. Choose the program for delicate washing of pillows, the extra rinse option. If the machine has a drying mode, set the maximum number of revolutions. Tennis balls in the drum during drying will be appropriate. They will whip up the down-feather mixture.
At what temperature should the pillows be washed in the washing machine?
Natural filling can be washed at temperatures up to 40 degrees C to prevent drying out and brittleness.
Hand wash
Bags with down, feathers, immerse in a bath or basin.
Soak them in a detergent solution, after 15 minutes remember carefully, trying not to twist. Do not be lazy to rinse the fluff repeatedly.
Traditional cleaning methods
In addition to traditional washing, traditional cleaning methods are used in the care of bedding.
Lemon juice soak
Dissolve the pitted juice of five large lemons in 3 liters of warm water. Put covers with filler in the solution. After two hours, fluff, feathers will become much whiter, acquire a pleasant smell, and be cleansed of dirt and microbes.
Dry cleaning with baking soda and tea tree essential oil
A good cleaning and disinfecting effect is obtained by dry cleaning a feather or down pillow with baking soda (100 g) lightly moistened with tea oil (10-15 drops). Cleaning is carried out as follows:
- spread the powder on the bottom of the basin;
- put a pillow in it, clean the cover from all sides, rubbing with soda;
- leave for 1 hour;
- vacuumed.
Thanks to the procedures, washing the pillow or dry cleaning is delayed by 2-3 months.
Dry the pillow correctly
The washed filling is laid out on a horizontal surface covered with cotton cloth. The fluff should lie in a thin even layer. The discovered tangles are disassembled by hand, stuck together even after washing - they are thrown away. The volume of the pillow may decrease, but it will become cleaner and without bumps.
Wet down is covered with gauze, otherwise it will fly apart. Drying takes place in natural conditions within 1-2 days.
IMPORTANT : our experts do not recommend washing chicken feather pillows. Unlike duck, goose, the filler does not tolerate wet processing, and subsequently quickly rots. Unpleasant smell, loss of volume, bacteria are the result of improper care. Take these items to the dry cleaners.
Outdoor
Ideal for drying. Try to protect the washed filler from rain, dew, and also protect it from the wind with firmly fixed gauze.
Battery
Do not use this drying method. High temperatures increase the fragility of the down. The pillow will last much less.
Using special tools
Do not use a hair dryer, fan with warm air. Let the fluff dry naturally. Stir it up from time to time. You need to do this right under the gauze so that it does not scatter. Yes, it is difficult, long, troublesome. But what to do, there is no other option - except for dry cleaning, of course.
Video: how to wash and dry a feather pillow
Watch the video to learn how to wash a pillow at home.
How to remove the smell from a feather pillow
A quality wash will remove the smell. After all, its sources are dirt and mold in the depths of the filler, colonies of microbes, dust mites, a soiled pillowcase. If you doubt the effectiveness of amateur washing, take the pillows to the dry cleaner. Perhaps this is the best option from all points of view, including the cost of effort, time, money.
