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Can you wash feather and down pillows?

There’s nothing quite like getting into bed and laying your head onto a fluffy, cloud-like feather pillow at the end of the day. Knowing how to best care for them will keep them feeling plump and comfortable for longer. But, can you wash feather pillows in a machine? How do you dry them properly? And will cleaning affect their softness? explore everything you need to know…

Can you wash duck feather pillows?

The simple answer is yes, feather and down pillows can be washed but it’s always best to check the care label for specific advice as to whether they can be machine washed or are dry clean only, this will vary between pillow types. We have developed our natural pillows to be suitable for domestic machine washing. However, for the best possible results and durability, we recommend professional laundering.

How to wash feather pillows at home

As a general rule, we advise that you wash your pillows every six months to keep them feeling fresh and to retain their plumpness. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to washing your feather and down pillows at home:

  1. Check care labels. Before you begin, check the care label for specific washing instructions and inspect the pillow's shell for any rips or holes. Washing a ripped pillow will damage the machine and scatter the filling.
  2. Check your machine capacity. Usually, two pillows will fit in a large capacity front-loading machine. If you have a top-loader, you may need to add a bath towel to balance the load.
  3. Treat any stains. Pre-treat any stains with a mild stain remover to help lift them before washing. Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge to gently dab the affected areas, and allow the solution to sit for around 15 minutes or however long your particular brand of stain remover recommends.
  4. Add detergent. After loading your pillows into the washing machine, use a small amount of mild, non-biological liquid detergent. A detergent designed for delicate fabrics should also be okay. Adding the detergent at this stage will maintain the softness of your pillows and protect their filling.
  5. Wash. Set your washing machine to a delicate or gentle cycle using cool or warm water and a low-spin setting. Finish with an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap residue is completely removed. Drying. Tumble dry on a low heat with periodic fluffing. This step is crucial as it helps prevent mildew and ensures your pillows remain lofty and free of lumps.

What to do if your feather pillow gets lumpy after washing

There’s a chance your feather pillows could become lumpy after washing them. Start by fluffing, kneading, or massaging your pillow to help break up any clumps and to redistribute the filling evenly. Usually, these clumps will disappear during the drying process, so make sure your pillows dry completely. If you find your pillows are still clumpy, then it may be a sign that the feather filling has deteriorated and your pillow needs replacing. Generally, we recommend you replace your pillows around every two years.

How to dry feather pillows after washing

Drying is an important step to get right when washing your pillows at home. It’s crucial that they are completely dry before putting them back into storage or on the bed to avoid any damage to the filling.

  1. Dry. Tumble dry on a low heat with periodic fluffing. This step is crucial as it helps prevent mildew and ensures your pillows remain lofty and free of lumps.
  2. Reshape. The final step is to reshape your pillows once they’re completely dry. Give them a few squeezes to distribute the filling and reshape them to their original form.

How often should you wash feather pillows

We recommend washing your feather pillows every six months to keep them feeling and looking their best. They may require more frequent washing if you suffer from allergies, as regular washing helps to remove any buildup that accumulates over time, which can trigger allergies or skin irritation. In between washes, you can spot clean any stains as soon as they appear, as well as airing out your pillows. A pillow protector can also help extend the life of your pillows and protect them from stains.

Key takeaways for washing feather pillows

  • We recommend feather and down pillows be washed every six months to keep them fresh and plump.
  • Always check the care label for specific advice on your pillows.
  • If your feather and down pillows are machine washable, check for rips before putting two pillows in a large, front-loading machine. Wash on a delicate cycle with cool or warm water, non-biological liquid detergent and add an extra rinse. Spin at the lowest setting.
  • Drying is key. Make sure your pillows are completely dry before putting them back on the bed or in storage.
  • To maintain freshness between washes, you can regularly air and fluff them as well as using a pillow protector.

Frequently asked questions about washing feather pillows

How do you keep feather pillows from smelling after washing?

To avoid this, it’s really important to make sure your pillows are completely dry after you wash them. If you are washing your pillows at home, we recommend tumble drying them for best results. You can also lightly spray your pillows with a pillow mist before drying.

How long do feather pillows take to dry

Feather pillows can take up to four or five hours to dry completely in the tumble dryer. Air drying can take up to a whole day, especially if the conditions are humid. To speed up the drying process, fluff up the pillows as they’re drying; this can also help to prevent any clumping.

When should you throw away feather pillows?

Feather pillows should be replaced when they start to become lumpy, flat, lose their shape or just generally start to feel uncomfortable to sleep on. We recommend replacing your pillows around every two years.

Why do feather pillows go flat?

With frequent use, the feathers inside your pillow will eventually lose their natural plumpness. Natural oils from your hair and skin can also cause the feathers to lose their bounce. Using a pillow protector can help create a barrier. To keep your pillows feeling plumper for longer and to extend their life, you can wash them every six months and regularly fluff them up between washes.