How to Wash Down Feather Pillows
The most expensive and luxurious pillows available are down and feather pillows. These pillows are soft, comfortable and cuddly but they do tend to get dirty. Sweat, dead cells, body oil, and dust all can accumulate on your pillows, causing them to become yellowish over time and lose their fluffiness.
As long as you wash them correctly, feather and down pillows are easy to clean at home. These pillows are resistant to dirt and odours because of the natural properties of feathers. With proper care, they can last years.
While there are slight differences between down and feather pillows as well as goose-down pillows, the process of cleaning is similar. Here’s an easy, practical guide on how to restore feather and down pillows to their former glory.
How often should I wash my feather and down pillows before?
As a general rule, you should wash feather and down pillows every six months. The cleaning schedule can vary depending on the frequency of use and whether you are allergic to dust mites or other allergens like mould, pet dander, pollen or mould. If you are allergic or sweat a lot, wash your down pillow every three months.
It’s time to wash your pillow if it smells musty, feels flat or has yellowing.
How Long Do Down and Feather Pillows Typically Last?
How to Wash Feather and Down Pillows at Home
This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to wash your down pillows yourself:
1) Remove the pillow from its pillowcase. Check for any holes or tears on the pillow. Patch any holes or tears before washing.
2) Place the pillow into a Front Load Washing Machine, bending it in half vertically. This will help to ensure a better cleaning. If your machine has a large drum (8 kg and above), you can wash two pillows at once to ensure a good wash.
3) doesn’t need any detergent for regular cleaning. If your pillow has been soiled for a while or you haven’t washed it in a long time, then you can use low sud washing liquid detergent. Powder detergents may not dissolve fully and leave residue on your pillow.
4) Select a gentle cycle with normal or cold water. A 30 to 40-minute spin cycle is usually sufficient. Use cool water to avoid damaging the down feathers.
5) If you smell detergent or see residue on your pillow, run an additional rinse cycle.
It’s almost time to dry your pillow.
How to Dry Down and Feather Pillows in the Dryer
The most important step is to dry the pillows. Any moisture left in the pillow will lead to mould and mildew growth. Do not use the automatic drying program in your dryer. It will often only check the surface of the pillow and not dry it completely. High-heat drying or prolonged drying can also damage down feathers.
We recommend that you dry your pillow using the air-dry option or no-heat if your dryer offers this. It is the safest method to do so without damaging your pillow. It can take up to four hours for the pillow to dry, but this is worth it.
2) If you are using a normal dryer, turn it on low heat. Dry the pillow until it is completely dry. It may be necessary to turn the pillow several times to ensure an even drying.
You can speed up the drying process by adding a few old shirts or towels to your dryer. You can also put some tennis or wool balls into the dryer to help prevent the down feathers from clumping.
After the pillow has dried, fluff it up a few more times to restore its original shape.
You are now ready to use your pillow.
Care for your feather and down pillows to make them last longer
Little care can go a long way to extending the lifespan of your feather and down pillows. Here are some tips on how to get the most from your pillows.
1) Always use a pillow protector. Quality pillow protectors protect your pillow against dirt, sweat and body oils without altering the feel. Pillow protectors help extend the time in between washings.
2) Fluff your pillows every night. This will help maintain the loft of the pillow and prevent clumping. You’ll be surprised to see how much fluffier the pillow stays if you press it horizontally and vertically several times before bedtime.
3) Air your pillow regularly. We recommend that you air your pillows every month. Take the pillow outside and let it dry in the sunshine for a couple of hours.
4) You should wash your pillow at least once every six months to keep it fresh and clean. You can wash your pillow every three months if you have allergies or sweat a lot. You should also wash your pillow protectors at least once a month.
5) Store pillows properly: When not in use store pillows in a dry and cool place.
6) Do not overdo: Overwashing or drying your pillows can damage down feathers, and reduce their loft. Only wash or dry the pillow when necessary.
Wrapping up
Please share your tips in the comments section below.
Enjoy a laundry day!
