Washing a down pillow
The Ultimate Guide to Washing Down and Feather Pillows
- home
- Blog
- How to Wash Pillows
Blog Categories
Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.
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
Pin these care tips for future use
- 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.
Pin these care tips for future use
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
Pin these care tips for future use
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.
1
2
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 trained cleaning professional, consultant, and educator with a two-decade career spanning commercial and professional residential cleaning.
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 journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
The Spruce / Michele Lee
In This Article
-
Instructions
-
Treating Stains
-
Storing
-
How Often to Wash
-
Tips
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
Can down pillows be washed in a washing machine?
Down pillows should be cleaned at least once a year if used extensively.
The pillow absorbs dust, moisture, sweat, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria, stains and stains appear on the pillow cover, so pillows with natural down fillers must be subjected to mandatory periodic cleaning. Pillow labels should contain information on how the down pillow can be washed.
Manufacturers of natural goose down pillows do not recommend washing in a washing machine and offer dry cleaning services.
If you have bought an expensive natural goose down pillow, this may be worthwhile. But if you have inexpensive down or feather pillows, the dry cleaning service can cost more than the pillow itself.
Here we will tell you how you can wash your down pillow yourself in the washing machine.
- Use special down detergent or liquid detergent
Washing powder may not have time to dissolve and will be absorbed into the down filling, stains and the smell of washing powder will appear on the pillow, and the down will deteriorate
- Do not use rinse aids and bleaches
These products can also damage the filling
- It is better to wash several pillows at once
To ensure that the pillow is wrung out well, it is best to completely fill the drum of the washing machine.
So that the fluff in the pillow does not clog, you can also put a couple of tennis balls with the pillow, which, when washed, will periodically fluff the pillow.
- Wash down pillows at 30 degrees
The down pillow can only be washed in a washing machine at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees, as the proteins from the feather can oxidize and the pillow will have an unpleasant smell, which will be impossible to get rid of.
- Minimum spin speed
If you wash an old down pillow or a pillow with poor quality seams, spinning at high speed will tear the pillow and the down with feathers can ruin your washing machine.
- Be sure to dry completely
We recommend washing the pillow in the summer as The best pillow drying is in the bright summer sun.
It is important to place the pillow on a dryer or on hanging clothespins so that the pillow dries evenly.
When drying down pillows in the room, it is advisable to use a fan.
The down pillow takes 3-4 days to dry; mold and bacteria can grow in the pillow.
- Beat occasionally and loosen lumps
When drying, periodically turn over and fluff the pillow, if the filling is caked in lumps, straighten them. When the pillow is completely dry, the feathers will straighten out and the pillow will become fluffy and soft again.
Well, in general, don't wash your pillow, just buy a new down pillow in our online store :)
Prices from 370 rubles. How to wash a down pillow: complete instructions New types of natural and artificial fillers appear, but the down of waterfowl (ducks, eiders, geese) is in great demand among lovers of home textiles made from natural materials. Periodically, they need to be washed or dry-cleaned by professionals.
Many housewives are ready to tinker, spend time and energy to restore cleanliness to their favorite bedding.
If you also want to know how to wash a down pillow, we offer you a publication prepared by our experts.
Do you want to calculate the cost of cleaning pillows? Up to 30% off for you now!
Can down pillows be washed? Chicken down is used less often due to its greater hygroscopicity:
- it quickly becomes damp, including from sweat;
- does not tolerate wet cleaning;
- is more likely to be invaded by pathogenic bacteria.
We should also mention the pillows with swan down. This is how manufacturers call the artificial filler made of microfiber with silicone - hypoallergenic, fluffy, delicate, odorless. It is used in the production of children's bedding. Such pillows are chosen by people with allergies to natural fluff, wool. They are fluffy, voluminous, soft, keep their shape well.
Home washing of downy swan pillows is easier than with natural filler.
Features of washing down
It is better to dry-clean down products. There are special units for screening, cleaning, disinfection of the filler. Amateur hand and machine washing of down from pillows is carried out in covers (bags) made of thick cotton fabric with ties. Otherwise, half of the fluff will be carried away by the current of water, clogging the drain of the bathtub or washing machine.
Preparing for washing
Washing a down pillow, like other things with filling, begins with dedusting. This is not a waste of time, as it may seem. When you start to knock it out in the yard, you will be convinced of this. And, if you vacuum with a powerful vacuum cleaner, you will also see how much dirt was in it.
IMPORTANT: the less dust left in the pillow before washing, the cleaner it will be in the end.
Then the filler must be removed from the bedclothes and put into several bags.
Tie them tightly so that during washing they do not open and fluff does not get into the drum of the machine or the basin. Bags should not be stuffed too tightly. It is necessary that the washing solution easily penetrates deep into the filler.
Washing pillows with artificial down
Everyone dreams of a healthy sleep, without allergies to dust, infections, insomnia. It is guaranteed by clean down pillows - they need washing at least once a year or as needed. Signs that things need a deep cleaning:
- dirty pillowcase;
- lumpy filler;
- bad smell.
On the example of swan down
Down pillows can be washed at home by hand or in a machine.
Follow the simple rules for automatic washing:
- Wash one pillow per cycle. It can be put into the drum right in the pillowcase, if it is strong, new, you want to keep it. The second option is to lay out the fluff in bags, prepare a new pillowcase.
IMPORTANT: when washing in a pillowcase, it will have to be torn open at the end to remove the fluff and dry it in a thin layer.
The dry filler is returned to the breastplate, whipped by hand, and the hole is sewn up.
- Water temperature 30-40 degrees, delicate wash with spin at minimum speed.
- Double rinse required.
- Washing powder is not suitable, it will not be possible to rinse it out of the filler. It is better if the down pillows are washed with shampoo or textile gel.
Now more about hand washing:
- The pillowcase is torn open, the filler is taken out. Despite the advice of some publications to wash it directly in the basin, our experts recommend putting the down in well-tied bags. Otherwise, you can’t do without the services of plumbing and cleaning the drain of the bathtub.
- The packaged down is soaked for 1-2 hours in a tissue gel solution, then the dirty water is drained and rinsed.
IMPORTANT : Do not use detergents with bleach or aggressive ingredients. It is good if there is an antistatic agent in the composition of the detergent.
- Pour a new soapy solution, wash the filler, rinse repeatedly, wring out, let the moisture drain into the bath.
- Untie the bags, take out the fluff, lay out on a clean cloth, dry under natural conditions until completely dry. Swan down dries much faster than natural down.
Washing a pillow with natural down
The technology and sequence of operations is the same as with swan (synthetic) down. Decide which technology is closer to you in order to tidy up your down pillows - washing or professional dry cleaning. At home, it’s not easy to put such things in order with your own hands, you have to tinker. The whole process, from removing dust to stuffing a new pillowcase with clean fluff, will take 2-3 days.
How to wash the pillow
Wash it by hand or machine. The down pillow is washed in a delicate liquid detergent (gel). Washing powder should be discarded. It will take a lot of time, effort, water to wash it out of the fluff.
In the washing machine
Manufacturers of down filled home textiles allow machine washing.
Are down pillows machine washable?
Washing down pillows is carried out in a strong pillowcase or with packing of the filler in several tightly tied fabric bags. This prevents clogging of the machine and minimizes pad volume loss.
How to wash pillows in the washing machine?
Delicate mode, temperature 30-40 degrees, liquid neutral detergent without bleach, spin at minimum speed, enhanced rinse - compliance with these conditions will preserve the quality of natural down filling.
Hand wash
The down pillow can also be washed by hand:
- in textile gel solution;
- in tightly tied canvas bags to keep fluff out of the water;
- without twisting and hard impact.
IMPORTANT: each pillow should be washed separately. A large amount of filler at the same time is difficult to rinse, dry well.
Drying the down pillow correctly so that you don't throw it away later
How long the item will last depends on drying. If you dry the fluff incorrectly using heating devices, it will become brittle and brittle. Accordingly, the pillow will become unusable very quickly.
Outdoors
- Spread polyethylene in the yard or balcony with open windows and an old clean sheet on top.
- Spread the wet down in an even thin layer, sort out all the clumps by hand, take out the debris.
- Cover with gauze, fasten it so that a gust of wind does not blow away the fluff.
- Periodically remove the gauze, stir up the filling, turn over.
Drying usually takes 1-2 days depending on the season and weather. The sun's rays will not damage natural fluff. On the contrary, ultraviolet light will cleanse it of saprophyte mites and bacteria.
Battery
Do not use radiators to dry down.
With special tools
Do not blow-dry.
