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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:
- Check care labels. Before you begin, take a moment to read the washing instructions on the pillow’s label, as cleaning methods may vary depending on the materials used.
- Check your machine capacity. Usually, two pillows will fit in a large capacity machine.
- 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.
- Add detergent. After loading your pillows into the washing machine, use a small amount of mild detergent specifically formulated for bedding. 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.
- Wash. Set your washing machine to the recommended cycle and temperature on the care label. Usually this is 60°C on a gentle, hot-wash cycle and spin at the lowest setting.
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.
- Dry. If you’re air drying your pillows indoors, lay them flat in a well-ventilated area near an open window, fluffing them up occasionally. If you're using a tumble dryer, set it to a low-heat setting and add a couple of dryer balls to keep your pillows soft as they dry. Drying can take up to four to five hours to thoroughly dry and will take multiple dry cycles.
- 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, use a gentle, non-biological detergent on a gentle, hot wash cycle. 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.