Buzz
Photo: Damian Lugowski/Getty ImagesFeather pillows are ideal for those seeking a supportive, fluffy pillow filled with natural materials. However, regular care is essential to maintain their softness and freshness, especially considering the beauty products, sweat, body oils, and drool that inevitably make their way onto the pillows.
The good news is that washing feather pillows is simple—and you don’t have to do much work yourself. Just let your washing machine and dryer handle the heavy lifting!
Here's how to clean your feather pillows to keep them fresh and fluffy for as long as possible.
How Frequently Should You Wash Feather Pillows?
It’s recommended to wash your feather pillows at least twice a year—more often if they become stained or start to lose their fluffiness. However, be mindful that detergents can strip away the natural oils that protect the feathers, so it’s best to use the gentlest detergents and space out your washes as much as possible.
Consider using a pillow protector for your feather pillow. These protectors offer an additional layer of defense, helping to prevent body oils and beauty products from staining your pillow.
What You Will Need
Tools & Equipment
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Wool dryer balls
Required Materials
- Mild detergent
- Enzyme-based stain remover
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Clean Feather Pillows
Your washing machine is perfect for cleaning feather pillows, as it will effectively rinse and agitate them to remove any excess detergent.
Check Your Pillows
Inspect the seams and fabric for any small tears or holes. (Otherwise, you might end up with a mess in your washing machine!)
Address Any Stains
Sweat, saliva, and beauty products can leave stains on your pillow. Apply an enzyme-based stain remover and let it sit for 15 minutes to help lift the stains.
Begin the wash cycle
Wash two pillows at once to ensure your washing machine stays balanced and to avoid any potential damage. (If you only have one pillow, add a blanket or a few heavy towels to balance the load.) Use a mild detergent, set the machine on a gentle cycle, and wash your pillows with warm water to help break down dirt and grime.
Be sure to spin your pillows on the highest setting to remove as much water as possible, making the drying process easier.
Avoid using fabric softener, as it can coat the feathers and reduce their loftiness.
Give your pillows an additional rinse for extra freshness.
Leftover detergent in the pillow can weigh down the feathers. A quick extra rinse cycle will help fix this.
How to properly dry feather pillows.
To dry your feather pillows effectively, it's crucial to ensure they are completely dry. Any remaining dampness in the feathers could lead to musty odors, mold, and mildew, plus they won't fluff back up properly.
Your clothes dryer is the most efficient tool to dry pillows and remove moisture rapidly.
Distribute the filling evenly throughout the pillow.
Before placing your pillows in the dryer, shake them well to ensure the filling is spread out evenly.
Use an abundance of dryer balls.
Dryer balls can help speed up drying and redistribute the feathers as they dry—add three to six dryer balls with your feather pillows.
Place your pillows in the dryer and let them go through the cycle.
To refresh your feather pillows, toss them in the dryer on medium heat. Check them every 20 minutes, giving them a good shake and fluff before returning them to the dryer.
Once they’re fully fluffed and dry, with no lumps left, you’re good to go!
It might take several cycles in the dryer to get your pillows completely dry and perfectly fluffed.
A Guide to Fluffing Your Feather Pillows
If your feather pillows feel a bit too flat but don’t need a full wash, simply use the dryer to give them a quick fluff. Run them on medium heat for 15 minutes, then shake them to redistribute the feathers.
To give your pillows a more natural fluff, place them in the sunlight. Sun exposure helps eliminate bacteria, dries out any moisture, and revitalizes your pillows.
