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Velvet Digest

How do you wash feather pillows at home?

Author

Ethan Hayes

Updated on June 17, 2026

Instructions
  1. Load the Washer Correctly to Keep It in Balance.
  2. Choose a HE Low-sudsing Detergent.
  3. Add a Second Rinse Cycle.
  4. Fluff the Pillows While Wet.
  5. Add Dryer Balls to the Load.
  6. Continue to Fluff the Pillows Until Dry.

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Correspondingly, can you wash feather pillows in the washing machine?

Down and feather pillows fit in any size washing machine and they come out of the wash beautifully. 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.

Also, how do you wash down pillows in the washing machine? Set the machine to the gentlest cycle, using warm water; add a small amount of a mild liquid detergent (powder detergent may leave a residue), then fill the tub loosely with your pillows. Repeat the rinse cycle to remove detergent completely.

Also asked, how do you dry a feather pillow?

Place up to two pillows in the dryer with two tennis balls. The tennis balls help fluff the pillows during drying, while also preventing the down from clumping and drying unevenly. Dry the pillows on a low-heat gentle or delicate cycle for up to six hours or until the down is completely dry.

How do you dry a feather pillow without a tumble dryer?

Sun or Air-Drying Feather Pillows You can also lay it flat on a flat surface in open sunlight but stay on the lookout for lumps or cold spots by squeezing bunched up corners for even distribution of fill. Fluff it gently after a high volume of water escapes and turn after every hour or two.

Related Question Answers

Why do my feather pillows smell after washing?

If your pillows still smell musty after you have washed them, lay them in outside in the sun for at least two hours. This will help get rid of any bad smells. Always use a delicate or gentle washing cycle. Other cycles can cause the feathers to clump.

How do you get the smell out of feather pillows?

Most of the odor dissipates on its own over time. Some types of feathers have a slightly gamy odor, which may not go away completely; this is natural. Sprinkle baking soda on pillows and air them out outdoors once in a while. The baking soda helps remove odors, while the fresh air removes moisture that leads to odors.

How long should you keep feather pillows?

Down and Feather: Since these pillows can be washed regularly (we recommend every 6 months) and the fill is so durable, they easily can last 5-10 years, or more. Synthetic: A good rule of thumb with synthetic is 1-2 years depending on the quality of materials and usage.

Can you air dry feather pillows?

When drying down or feather pillows, however, use the no-heat air-dry setting (it will take a while) and dryer balls or tennis balls to break up clumps. If the weather is mild, you can also hang most pillows on the clothesline until they're dried all the way through.

How long do feather pillows take to dry?

Fluff Them Up As the feathers dry, the slight odor will disappear. Drying feather pillows can take as long as two to three hours, so be patient and keep fluffing.

How do you clean feather pillows?

Submerge washable feather pillows and cushions in cool water and mild soap, and then swish them around to loosen dirt and stains that may have penetrated the upholstery covers. Clean the cushions in a front-loading washer on cold and gentle settings, if you use a washing machine.

How do you clean old feather pillows?

Washing Feather and Ticking Simultaneously Wash in machine or hand-wash in warm but not hot suds for 15 to 20 minutes. Add all-natural soap and boost with a disinfectant while observing product directions. When using an automatic unit, wash at least two pillows to balance the load.

How do you get smell out of pillows?

Step 1: Remove your pillow from the protective cover and spot clean stains with a baking soda and water paste. If your pillow has a strong odor, spray a 50/50 vinegar and water mix to eliminate the smell. Be sure to spray lightly and let the mix stand for five minutes before blotting the pillow dry with a towel.

Why do pillows turn yellow?

One of the most common reasons why pillows can turn yellow is sweat. Depending on the type of fabric your pillowcase is made from, sweat can seep through the fabric. As the sweat dries, it can leave a yellow stain on the pillow.

How long does it take to dry a pillow?

Dry for 45-60 minutes at a time. Since you are using low or no heat, the pillows may need to go through a few cycles before they're completely dry. After each cycle, remove the pillows from the dryer and fluff them by giving them a good shake.

Are feather pillows good?

Feather Pillows Feathers are heavier and provide more support than down alone. However, they do have quills and will wear down quicker. The quills will poke through and escape the pillow, which is thought to be a sign of good luck. Feather blend pillows are less expensive.

How do you dry a pillow?

Place your pillows in the dryer and adjust the settings; if your pillows are feather-filled, put your dryer on the "air"/"fluff"/"no heat" setting. For synthetic pillows, switch your dryer to low heat. Dry your pillows. Take two tennis balls and put them in separate clean, white socks.

How do you refresh feather pillows?

Keep feather pillows as dry as possible. Never go to bed with wet hair. To freshen feather pillows, place them in a tumble dryer on low heat or the air cycle for 10 minutes. Always store feather pillows in a pillowcase to repel dust in a cool, air-conditioned space.

How do you Unclump down feathers?

Adding tennis balls or similar into the dryer stops the feathers from clumping together and helps to re 'fluff' the down. To prevent clumps of down forming you can remove the jacket every now and then from the dryer (hold the jacket flat and not at one end) and fluff. Ensure the jacket is 100% dry.

How do you refresh a pillow without washing it?

Sprinkle baking soda on the pillow and vacuum it up after 30 minutes to help remove some of the odor and dry spores. Spray a light mist of vinegar over the pillow; then wipe it down with a mild dish soap solution and white cloth or a sponge.

Can you bleach feather pillows?

Washing Feather Pillows You may wash a feather pillow in the washer using mild detergent and warm water, however, do not bleach your feather pillow. Bleach will strip the feathers of natural oils. Dry the pillow on low heat, again with tennis balls to fluff, for 2-3 cycles until no moisture remains.

What is low sudsing detergent?

HE laundry detergents are concentrated laundry detergents that are low-sudsing. As with any washer that uses less water, the agitator or the washing cycle can stir up the detergent, creating an overload of bubbles. That happens even when you use regular detergent in a traditional washer with a low-level washer.

When should pillows be replaced?

When should you replace your pillow? The rule of thumb is to replace your pillow every 1 to 2 years. Certain types of pillows last longer than others, due to the quality and construction of their materials.

How do you wash feather pillows in a front load washer?

2. Washing in Front-Loader Steps
  1. Put the pillows into the machine.
  2. Wash the pillows on a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water and add the detergent.
  3. Stay on the lookout and await the machine to fill, dispense the detergent, and toss the drum over a couple of times.
  4. You can allow the machine to run independently.