Wash down pillow
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 Clean and Care for Feather Bed Pillows
By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation.
She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/12/22
Reviewed by
Melissa Homer
Reviewed by Melissa Homer
Melissa Homer is a member of The Spruce's Cleaning Review board. She is a trained cleaning professional, consultant, and educator with a two-decade career spanning commercial and professional residential cleaning. Melissa specializes in premium surface care, cleaning safety, cleaning procedure efficiency, cleaning training documentation, and cleaning damage repair.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Fact checked by
Emily Estep
Fact checked by Emily Estep
Emily Estep is a plant biologist and fact-checker focused on environmental sciences. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Plant Biology from Ohio University.
Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
The Spruce / Michele Lee
In This Article
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Instructions
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Treating Stains
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Storing
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How Often to Wash
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Tips
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FAQ
Project Overview
If you prefer feather and down bed pillows instead of polyester or foam pillows, they can be washed at home as often as you need (and at least semiannually) to keep them smelling fresh and clean. It's possible to wash them by hand, but it's much easier and faster to clean down and feather pillows in a washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. A common misconception about washing feather pillows is it will ruin the comfort and integrity of the filling. Just be mindful to avoid excessive wringing and twisting of your pillow throughout the cleaning process, as it can smash the filling and cause clumping.
Before you begin the washing process, take a few minutes to examine the cover of the pillow. The fabric covering should be tightly woven to keep filling contained during washing, and any worn or ripped seams or other areas should be immediately mended. If you don't patch up problems, you'll end up with a washing machine full of feathers.
Follow these simple steps to wash your down and feather pillows to have them fluffy, clean, and fresh smelling again.
Equipment / Tools
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Dryer balls, tennis balls, or clean canvas shoes
- Extra pillow or white towels to balance washer (optional)
Materials
- High-efficiency, low-suds detergent
The Spruce / Michele Lee
| How to Wash Feather Bed Pillows | |
|---|---|
| Detergent | High-efficiency (HE), low-suds detergent |
| Water Temperature | Cold |
| Cycle Type | Gentle |
| Drying Cycle Type | Medium |
| Special Treatments | Dry with dryer balls |
| Iron Settings | Do not iron |
| How Often to Wash | At least every six months |
How to Wash Feather Bed Pillows
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Load the Washer Correctly
If you're using a standard top-load washer, always load two pillows—one on each side of the agitator—to maintain balance.
If you don't have two feather pillows, add a fiber-filled pillow or white towels. If washing in a top-load, high-efficiency washer or a front-load washer, add a couple of white towels to help balance the load.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
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Add the Detergent
Set the water temperature to cold water, and use the gentle cycle. Add only 1 to 2 teaspoons of a high-efficiency, low-suds detergent. Suds are bad for feathers if they're not completely rinsed away. Start the washer.
Warning
Do not use fabric softener on feather or down pillows because it can coat the down and reduce the amount of fluff in the pillow.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
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Run a Second Rinse Cycle
After the washer is finished, run an extra rinse cycle to get rid of any residual detergent in the feathers.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
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Fluff the Pillows
Once the second rinse cycle is complete, remove the pillows from the washer and fluff them while they're still wet.
Then, place them in the dryer set on medium heat. The Spruce / Michele Lee
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Add Dryer Balls
Add wool dryer balls, clean tennis balls, or even a pair of clean canvas tennis shoes to the dryer with your pillows to help break up clumps of feathers during the drying cycle. Start the dryer.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
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Continue to Fluff the Pillows Until Dry
Stop the dryer every 15 minutes, and re-fluff the pillows by hand. Drying time will vary depending on the size of the pillows. Make sure they're thoroughly dry before placing them back on the bed.
Tip
To double-check that the pillow is bone dry, squeeze it all over for any clumps that are still trapping moisture. Residual moisture can lead to fungal growth.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
Treating Stains on Feather Bed Pillows
A down pillow should always have a zip-up cover and pillowcase on it to help protect the pillow from stains.
However, pillows are prone to turning yellow due to a buildup of body oil, sweat, and dust.
To lighten the yellow stains, mix a solution of 1 cup powdered laundry detergent, 1/2 cup borax, and 4 cups boiling water. Put the pillow in the washing machine, add the hot water solution, and let the pillow soak for 30 minutes. Flip the pillow over halfway through, and then wash and dry it as normal.
Storing Feather Bed Pillows
Feather bed pillows need to breathe. Protect them from dirt and dust by storing them in pillow covers instead of plastic bags or bins. Keep them in a cool, dry spot, such as a linen closet.
How Often to Wash Feather Bed Pillows
It's your preference as to whether you want to wash new pillows before you use them. Then, it's perfectly fine to clean feather bed pillows weekly or monthly if you prefer, especially during hot and humid seasons. It's recommended to wash them at least every six months.
It's also ideal to invest in waterproof, allergen-blocking pillow protectors, as they will allow you to wash your pillows less and thus extend their lifespan.
Laundering down pillows correctly involves a lot of hand-fluffing and working out clumps, which means room for human error. The more often you wash them, the more risk there is for leaving moist clumps behind and growing mold in your expensive pillows.
Tips for Washing Feather Bed Pillows
- Wash feather pillows on a low-humidity, sunny day for quicker drying. Do not air-dry feather pillows outside on a humid day.
- Always use a washable pillow cover to keep the feather pillow as clean as possible. Change and wash pillowcases and pillow covers at least weekly.
- Keep feather pillows as dry as possible. Never sleep on a feather pillow with wet hair.
- To freshen feather pillows, place them in a tumble dryer on low heat or the air cycle for 10 minutes.
How to Wash and Care for a Down Comforter or Duvet
How to clean pillows at home?
We recommend that you clean your baby cushions regularly, at least twice a year.
American scientists have proven that two years of operation without proper care will turn it into a dangerous neighbor. The third part of the filler will consist of skin particles and dust mites, which will turn the sleeping accessory into the strongest allergen.
You can clean the baby pillow yourself at home - a normal wash will return most products to cleanliness and safety. However, not everyone knows how to do it right.
How to wash a pillow?
Please read the care instructions carefully before washing, as This cleaning method is not applicable to all fillers. Coconut fiber, rice, buckwheat cannot be wetted. Washing is contraindicated for orthopedic and memory foam pillows.
In order for children's pillows with other types of fillers to retain their appearance and functional characteristics, they must be washed according to certain rules.
- For less wear, it is recommended to wash them in pairs, after removing the pillowcases.
- It is important to check the condition of the covers before loading into the drum. They must be whole.
- We recommend the use of liquid detergents. Chlorine, washing powders and dry bleaches are poorly rinsed out of the filler.
- For best results, we recommend using tennis balls (put 2-3 individually in clean socks and put into the drum).
- Can be dried in the sun at temperatures above 25°C. Ideally, use a washing machine with the appropriate function or in a special device (if any).
Synthetic pillow
Not all synthetic fillings are durable. Washing will not return the product to its original appearance and will not make it comfortable for the baby again if it has fallen off. To determine whether it is advisable to send a baby pillow to the washing machine, place a heavy object in its middle for a few seconds. The dent is gone - wash it. If your child's pillow has a "memory" effect, has layers of thermal gel or a solid piece of polyurethane foam, it cannot be washed.
Another feature of pillows with synthetic filling is that they do not require spinning after washing (except for holofiber, for which the spin mode is no more than 500 revolutions).
Care instructions:
- Before washing, be sure to soak the items with detergent for half an hour.
- Wash with liquid detergent at a temperature not exceeding 40°C.
- Recommended setting is Synthetic.
Feather pillow
Children's feather pillow (filled with waterfowl feathers or down) can be washed at home.
Care instructions:
- The product must first be knocked out.
- Washing is recommended at a temperature not exceeding 40 ° C, using the "Delicate wash". If you have the "Duvet" mode, it is better to turn it on.
- Use liquid detergents designed for woollens and bleaches that do not contain chlorine.
- Rinse 2-3 times.
- To spin, turn on the washing machine at 500 rpm.
Wool-filled pillow
Baby wool-filled pillow is easy to wash in a regular washing machine, but requires a thorough rinse.
It is recommended to run this mode two or three times.
Care instructions:
- Vacuum the pillow before washing.
- Wash with liquid detergents for wool and cashmere at a temperature not exceeding 30 °C on the Delicate or Wool cycle.
- Rinse 2-3 times.
- Spin at 500 rpm.
How to properly dry a pillow at home
- It is better to dry a washed baby pillow in the washing machine on the “Dry” mode at the minimum temperature and the air blower turned on.
- In the absence of special equipment, it is recommended to place the product in the sun at an air temperature of + 25 °C.
- The pillow must first be placed on a terry towel and allowed to drain. Then it should be beaten well, straighten all the lumps that have formed (when dry, they will prevent the child from sleeping).
- During the drying process, the pillow must be turned over periodically.
- A pillow with wool or synthetic filling will dry for a day and a half.
Peru or down needs more time - about two days. - If the pillow has not dried out during this time, you can use a regular household hair dryer.
Cleaning pillows at home
There is no need to talk about how expensive a pillow is in the morning. And it's so nice to fall on it in the evening, after a busy day at work. Let's figure out how to properly care for and clean pillows.
Even a conscientious and regular change of pillowcases only partially protects the pillowcase (the pillow case containing the filling) from dirt. Dust, sweat and other contaminants still penetrate deep into the pillow.
How badly your pillow needs to be cleaned can be determined in several ways.
First , according to the condition of the breastplate. Take the pillow and remove the pillowcase from it. After each professional cleaning, the breastplate is replaced with a new one, so its appearance will speak for itself. If there are stains, streaks and visible dirt on the pillowcase, then the next cleaning should not be delayed.
Second , by the amount of time since the last cleaning. It is recommended to have your pillows professionally cleaned at least 2 times a year, i.e. every six months. And you need to clean your pillow at least once a year!
Thirdly, in terms of hardness. It happens that the pillow has become hard and it is uncomfortable to sleep on it. If simple whipping does not help, then the filler has fallen off in the pillow. In this case, brushing will help fluff it up well.
How to wash down and feather pillows. Let's consider several options.
Hand or machine wash at home
This cleaning option is suitable for removing dirt from the pillowcase. You can wash a feather pillow at a temperature of 40-60 degrees and wring it out at no more than 800 rpm. After washing, the pillow must be thoroughly dried, as the under-dried filler will fall off and begin to rot. Cleaning pillows at home is an easy and affordable option. However, it is inferior in efficiency to other cleaning methods.
So, home washing does not allow you to get the dirt accumulated in the filler, it will not save you from feather dust, which appears as a result of abrasion of feathers.
Professional wet and dry cleaning of feather pillows
Special down and feather machines are used for professional cleaning of pillows.
Wet cleaning of pillows is carried out with water steam heated up to 120 degrees. Cleaning is carried out in a special apparatus and consists of several stages:
- The filler is placed in the drum of the cleaning apparatus.
- Heated steam is supplied to the drum. Under its action, the contaminants are softened, separated from the feather and carried away by the steam stream.
- The clean feather enters the drying chamber, where it stays until completely dry.
- Finally, the cleaned filling is placed in a new pillowcase.
Dry cleaning of pillows allows you to mechanically remove dirt from the pillow filling.
In this option, the feather and down will not be washed. The cleaning process is carried out as follows:
- The old pillowcase is opened, and the feathers are poured into the cleaner's receiving compartment. Here the feathers are mixed with air flow. This allows you to remove dust, worn and damaged feathers, which are much lighter than whole ones. Sometimes a UV lamp is installed in the receiving compartment, which allows the filler to be disinfected.
- The feather mass is sucked into the cleaning filter system. This is where large debris and foreign objects are separated.
- At the last stage, the pen, which has passed all the cleaning steps, is collected in a new breastplate.
Dry clean suitable for relatively new cushions (up to 5 years after purchase).
Professional wash
Professional wash of pillows most completely removes dirt from the filling. The main difference from home washing is that the filler (feather and down) is removed from the pillowcase and washed in a special machine.
