How to Clean a Feather Pillow?

Cleaning feather bed pillows can be a complicated task. Feather pillow filling is delicate and tends to clump when wet. That means you can’t just toss these pillows in the washer with any old detergent.

Instead, you’ve got to wash your feather or down pillows in a specific way to prevent them from developing lumps or going flat.

However, you can’t avoid washing your pillows at all because they’ll become full of dirt, body oil, and sweat. Below, we’ll talk about how you should wash and dry your pillow to get it sparkling clean and looking just like new.

1. Dry Clean

Dry cleaning is sometimes the only option for feather pillows. If your pillow says “dry clean only,” it’s best to follow the instructions. Getting a dry-clean-only pillow wet at all will likely ruin it. The best thing to do is spot clean the pillow between trips to the dry cleaner.

Also, consider a pillow protector. Pillow protectors are zippable, waterproof covers that go over your pillow and under your pillowcase. Protectors can not only defend your pillows against stains and dirt, but they can also extend the time between dry cleaner visits.

It’s important to inform the dry cleaner about the type of feathers and materials in your pillow to ensure they use the appropriate cleaning techniques. Some dry cleaners also offer eco-friendly cleaning options, which can be gentler on your pillows and the environment.

Regularly washing the pillow protector can help maintain your pillow’s cleanliness and prevent allergens like dust mites or pet dander from accumulating. This is especially helpful if you suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin.

2. Machine Washing

Some feather pillows you can wash in a machine, but you’ll have to do it a certain way to keep your pillows from getting lumpy or going flat.

How to wash feather pillows? Let’s get started with right detergent

a. Use the Right Detergent

You need to use a laundry detergent that’s not going to clump the feathers in your pillow. Liquid detergent with lots of suds and fragrances just won’t do. It can stick to the individual feathers and take away their fluff, permanently removing the loft from your pillow. That means you need a small amount of high-efficiency, low-suds powder detergent.

If powder detergent isn’t available, you can use a liquid detergent specifically labeled for delicate fabrics, as long as it’s free from dyes and fragrances. Always dissolve detergent completely in water before adding your pillow to prevent residue buildup.

You also need to avoid fabric softener, as it leaves chemical lubricant residue on your fabrics to make them feel softer. This will clump the feathers inside your pillow and leave it feeling lumpy and flat.

Instead of fabric softener, consider adding a small amount of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and helps remove detergent residue while maintaining the feathers’ integrity.

b. Correctly Load the Washer

Maintaining balance during your washer’s spin cycle is harder with a pillow than with clothes. If you’re using a standard top-load washer, you can usually take care of the balance issue by washing two pillows at once. Vertically load one pillow on each side of the agitator. If you don’t have two pillows, you can substitute a few towels.

It’s also a good idea to set your washer to a gentle or delicate cycle to minimize agitation, which could damage the feathers or fabric casing.

If you’re using a washer with no agitator or a front-load washer, then you can toss a couple of towels in with the pillows to maintain balance. Make sure you’re using white towels so that you don’t transfer color to your pillow covers.

Additionally, double-check that your washer has enough capacity to allow the pillows to move freely during the cycle. Overloading can lead to uneven washing and potential damage to your pillows.

c. Stick to Cold Water

Using hot water when washing a pillow can damage pillow stuffing and cases. So always use cold water and the gentlest cycle your washer features.

Hot water can also weaken the seams of the pillowcase, potentially causing leaks or tears over time. Cold water is not only safer for the materials but also helps maintain the natural oils in feather pillows, which contribute to their softness and loft.

To ensure a thorough clean while using cold water, you can pre-soak the pillow in a mixture of cold water and a small amount of mild detergent for 15-20 minutes before running it through the wash. This helps loosen dirt and oils without exposing the materials to unnecessary heat.

Additionally, if you’re concerned about allergens, such as dust mites or bacteria, cold water can still be effective if combined with a specialized laundry sanitizer.

These sanitizers are designed to kill germs even at lower temperatures, providing a deeper clean while protecting the pillow’s integrity.

d. Go for Two Rinses

You need to make sure to get all the soap out of your pillow because residual detergent can make it go flat. Set your washer for an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the soap is gone.

Detergent residue can also cause the feathers to clump together, reducing the pillow’s fluffiness and making it less comfortable to use. Leftover soap may leave behind a sticky film that attracts dirt and allergens over time, making the pillow harder to clean in the future.

If your washer doesn’t have an automatic extra rinse setting, you can manually run an additional rinse cycle after the initial one. This step is especially important if you’re using a high-efficiency detergent, as even small amounts can leave residue. For better results, monitor the water during the rinse; if you still see suds, continue rinsing until the water runs clear.

To further enhance the rinsing process, consider gently squeezing the pillow by hand in between cycles to release trapped soap from the feathers and fabric. Avoid wringing the pillow, as this can damage the filling and the casing.

3. Drying Your Pillows

It’s vital to get your pillows all the way dry. If you don’t, they could develop mold and mildew. Bacterial growth is also a danger in moist pillows. So you’ll want to make sure your pillow is free of moisture before putting it back on your bed.

a. Pillow Fluffing

Fluffing your pillows during drying is extremely important if you want to get them to their full loft. Take your pillow in both hands, squeeze it, and pull it back out several times as soon as you remove it from the washing machine.

This step helps break up any clumps in the filling caused by washing and ensures that the feathers or stuffing don’t settle unevenly. Proper fluffing also helps air circulate through the pillow, speeding up the drying process and reducing the risk of mildew.

After fluffing, toss your pillow in the dryer on the low heat setting. Re-fluff every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the drying process to ensure excess water is removed and filling is evenly distributed.

If your pillow still feels damp after a full drying cycle, let it air dry for several hours in a well-ventilated space or outside in the sunlight. The sun’s natural heat and UV rays can also help eliminate lingering odors and bacteria.

b. Dryer Balls

Dryer balls or clean tennis balls can help get the clumps out of your pillow. Toss three wool dryer balls directly into the dryer. If you use tennis balls, tie them inside a sock first to prevent yellow dye from transferring to your pillow.

Wool dryer balls are particularly effective because they are gentle on delicate fabrics and help evenly distribute the filling while softening the material naturally.

You can also use a new pair of tennis shoes to fix a lumpy pillow while it’s in the dryer.

Place the shoes at opposite ends of the dryer drum to avoid imbalance during the cycle. The movement of the shoes works similarly to the tennis balls, breaking up clumps and ensuring the pillow regains its loft. Just make sure the shoes are clean to prevent transferring dirt or odors.

For best results, pause the drying cycle occasionally to remove the pillow, give it a thorough shake, and manually fluff it before returning it to the dryer. This helps maintain even filling distribution and prevents the pillow from drying unevenly.

4. Fight Odors Naturally

To freshen your pillow between washings, you can take one of several measures. First off, you can lightly mist your pillow with a formula made of 50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent water to neutralize odors. Wait five minutes, then wipe any excess moisture off the pillow with a towel.

White vinegar not only neutralizes odors but also has antibacterial properties that help prevent the buildup of mold or mildew, which can develop in pillows that are not regularly washed.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the vinegar mix to create a fresh scent. Shake well before spraying to enjoy the aroma of things like lavender, rosemary, vanilla, and more.

Essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree oil also have natural antimicrobial properties, which can further help keep your pillow fresh and clean. Just be sure to test the oils on a small, inconspicuous area of the pillow first to ensure they don’t cause any discoloration or irritation.

Or you can try following one of our top tips for deodorizing a mattress and sprinkle baking soda over your pillow. Leave the baking soda alone for at least an hour, then vacuum it all off the pillow.

Baking soda works by absorbing moisture and odors, leaving your pillow feeling fresher without harsh chemicals. For a deeper clean, you can mix the baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil to add a pleasant scent to the pillow as well.

For an even fresher pillow, consider placing it outside in a well-ventilated area for a few hours to let fresh air help remove lingering smells naturally.

When Not to Wash Your Feather Pillow?

Feather pillows, while durable, have their limits. If your pillow has surpassed its recommended lifespan of 5 to 7 years or exhibits persistent odors that remain even after routine cleaning, it may no longer be salvageable. In such cases, washing the pillow could do more harm than good.

The feathers inside may have already degraded, and additional exposure to water and detergents might accelerate their deterioration, leaving the pillow less supportive and comfortable.

Instead of attempting to rejuvenate a pillow that has outlived its usefulness, consider replacing it with a new one to ensure proper comfort, hygiene, and support for restful sleep.

Why It’s Important to Keep Feather Pillows Clean? 

Feather pillows play a vital role in providing comfort and support during sleep, but maintaining their cleanliness is just as crucial for your health and overall sleep quality.

Over time, these pillows can accumulate dirt, sweat, oils from your skin, and environmental allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander. If left uncleaned, this buildup can compromise the pillow’s breathability, softness, and ability to conform to your sleeping position.

Moreover, an unclean pillow may harbor allergens and bacteria, which can irritate sensitive skin, trigger allergies, or worsen respiratory issues. Regular cleaning not only extends the lifespan of your feather pillow but also ensures a hygienic sleep environment, promoting better health and comfort.

By keeping your feather pillows clean, you’ll maintain their fluffiness and support while protecting yourself from harmful microorganisms that can interfere with restful sleep.

FAQs

What’s the difference between down and feather pillows?

The filling in down and feather pillows come from ducks and geese. However, they’re two different types of feathers. Down clusters are the soft, fluffy layer of insulating feathers found underneath the tougher exterior feathers. Down is fuzzy, and its job is to help keep birds warm and dry even in freezing cold water or at high altitudes.

Feather pillow filling, on the other hand, is made from the tougher outer layer of feathers. This filling might contain flight feathers or protective feathers. Feather pillows are heavier and more supportive than down, while down is squishier and loftier than feathers.

One big issue with feather stuffing is the quill. Down has no quill, and feathers do. Sometimes a quill can poke through the pillowcase and stick you. This won’t ever happen with down pillows.

How long do pillows typically last?

The lifespan of a pillow depends on the material and usage. Generally, synthetic pillows last 1-2 years, while higher-quality materials like down or memory foam can last up to 5 years. Over time, pillows lose their ability to provide proper support, leading to discomfort and poor sleep quality. Replace your pillow when it no longer offers adequate support or feels lumpy, flat, or uncomfortable, as this can negatively impact your sleep posture.

How often do I need to clean my pillows?

The general rule is that if you want to keep your pillows from developing problems with dirt, allergens, and moisture, you need to clean them once every six months. That means either dry cleaning or a full wash. Spot cleaning in-between washings can help maintain a pristine look.

What type of pillow is best for different sleeping positions?

• Side sleepers: Firmer pillows that provide neck and shoulder support, like memory foam or latex, to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent neck strain.
• Back sleepers: Medium-loft pillows to keep the head aligned with the spine while providing just enough cushioning for comfort.
• Stomach sleepers: Soft, low-loft pillows to prevent neck strain and keep the head in a neutral position, reducing the risk of waking up with soreness.
  Choosing the right pillow based on your sleeping position not only improves sleep comfort but also helps prevent long-term issues like chronic neck or back pain.

What type of pillow is best for different sleeping positions?

• Side sleepers: Firmer pillows that provide neck and shoulder support, like memory foam or latex, to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent neck strain.
• Back sleepers: Medium-loft pillows to keep the head aligned with the spine while providing just enough cushioning for comfort.
• Stomach sleepers: Soft, low-loft pillows to prevent neck strain and keep the head in a neutral position, reducing the risk of waking up with soreness.

Choosing the right pillow based on your sleeping position not only improves sleep comfort but also helps prevent long-term issues like chronic neck or back pain.

Are memory foam pillows better than feather or down pillows?

Memory foam pillows provide excellent support and contour to the shape of your head and neck, making them great for people with neck or back issues. Feather or down pillows, on the other hand, are softer, fluffier, and better suited for those who prefer a traditional, luxurious feel. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference, sleeping position, and specific needs such as allergy concerns or firmness levels.

What happens if I don’t clean my pillows often enough?

Failing to keep your pillows clean can lead to several consequences. Your pillows might develop an unpleasant odor. They could become hotbeds for bacteria, mold, and mildew. They may develop a problem with dust mites. Pillows that aren’t washed often can also collect dust, dead skin cells, sweat, oil, and other body fluids.

You don’t want to be sleeping on all that every night. It may cause you to develop allergy symptoms, even if you don’t typically suffer from allergies. Sleeping on dirty pillows can also cause skin issues like acne and staph infections.

Can I hand wash feather pillows?

It’s much easier to wash pillows in a machine than by hand. However, if you’re worried about the washing machine putting rips or tears in your pillow, you might consider soak-washing it in a tub instead of a machine. Just make sure you’re not wringing or twisting your pillow too much if you decide to hand wash it. Pressing water through the filling can lead to clumps that may be difficult or impossible to remove.

How can I tell if my pillow is causing neck or back pain?

If you wake up with neck stiffness, back pain, or frequent headaches, your pillow may not be providing adequate support. Signs that your pillow is the culprit include uneven thickness, loss of shape, or insufficient cushioning for your sleeping position. Consider switching to a pillow that matches your sleeping style and provides proper alignment to reduce pain and discomfort.

Are pillows recyclable?

Many pillows cannot be recycled in traditional ways due to their materials, but you can repurpose them instead of throwing them away. Use old pillows as stuffing for pet beds, cushions, or DIY crafts like draft stoppers or floor cushions. Additionally, some specialized recycling centers accept pillows, so check for local options to minimize waste and dispose of them responsibly.

Can pillows help with snoring?

Yes, some pillows are specifically designed to reduce snoring by improving airway alignment during sleep. For instance, wedge pillows or anti-snore pillows elevate the head and neck, promoting better airflow and reducing blockages in the airway. Pairing these pillows with other lifestyle changes can significantly improve sleep quality and minimize snoring.

What should I do to clean my pillows between washings?

If you wind up spilling something on your pillow or otherwise staining it, you can always spot clean a pillow. There are several natural ways to remove stains from a pillow.

White vinegar and lemon juice are both so acidic they can take the color out of stains. Cover dark-colored stains with a bit of one of these acids and blot with a sponge soaked in warm water until the stain comes out. You can also make a paste out of baking soda and white vinegar to lift stains out of your pillow cover.

You can try dish soap on grease stains as well. Cover the stain in grease-fighting dish soap and blot with a wet cloth. For tough stains, you may need to leave the soap on the stain for a while before rinsing it off.

Bottom Line

Cleaning feather pillows isn’t as easy as tossing a cotton or fiberfill pillow in the washer.

You need to use a suitable detergent, a gentle cycle, and the correct drying technique. However, as long as you stick to the proper methods, you should be able to keep your pillows clean, lofty, and clump-free for a long time.