Is there really a special way on how to wash feather pillows? This task can be intimidating because feathered pillows can be pricey and it can be such a waste if you end up destroying your pillow. Not only that, there are those instances when they just do not fluff right anymore. These might be the reasons why some people tend to have their feathered pillows professionally cleaned.
But we are going to move past those fears and trust our gut that we can do well if we can just follow some safeguards and care instructions to a T. Do not worry as you will not be alone as we are going to guide you through the whole process of washing your pillow. Further, we will also be giving you tips on how to go about it the best way possible.
Is Washing a Feathered Pillow a Good Idea?
Believe it or not, it is a good idea since doing so will make it easier to fluff it. Likewise, it can somehow reset the fillings as if they were put there for the first time. This makes for a firm but a soft pillow.
More than that, the most obvious benefit is that it is more hygienic to wash them and it will remove any bacteria that are living in your pillow. You might be surprised that your pillow might just be the one that is causing your morning allergies. Lastly, the pillow will be able to support your head and back properly.
How to Wash Feather Pillows?
Let us first go over the things that you need, and they are the following:
- Washing machine
- Laundry detergent (low suds)
- Hot water
- Dryer
- Dryer balls
- Dry towel
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Essential oils
The Steps
Step One: Preparation
First off, you should remove the pillow from the pillowcase. You should also take it out of a pillow protector.
You should then carefully check the pillow if there are any tears. Make sure to check the seams as well. If there are any holes, you have to patch them up before washing the pillows.
Step Two: Load
It is now time to put the pillows in a washing machine. Make sure not only to wash one pillow at a time. You should at least put in two in order to balance the machine basket.
Do not use a top-loading washer as this might damage the pillows. If the only machine that you have is a top-loading model, then you can just put the pillows vertically so that they will not get tangled.
Step Three: Soap It Up
Use a liquid detergent that does not bubble up as much. Using a powder detergent is also okay, but it may be a cause for residue or buildup.
At the same time, use less soap as you usually do. If you use the same amount, it might be harder to rinse off.
Step Four: Set the Wash Cycle
Set the washing machine to a delicate cycle. Using hot water is best as this can remove stuck particles within the stuffing and fillings. Do keep in mind that hot water might damage the feathers, so make sure that your settings are correct.
Step Five: Additional Treatment
This is actually for special cases wherein there are stains, mildew, etc. You can do these techniques right after the first cycle.
- To remove stains: Mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide to one-half cup of vinegar to remove the yellow color on the pillow. This yellow color is actually due to moisture and oil buildup. You can then run another delicate cycle.
- To remove odors: All you just need to do is to add half a cup of baking soda. Keep in mind to not mix this step with the other step in removing yellow stains as this might cause a chemical reaction. Make sure to run them on different delicate cycles.
- To remove mildew and mold: You can add half a cup of vinegar. This can get rid of the bacteria and also disinfect the pillow for future use.
- To enhance smell: You can use your favorite essential oil to the last cycle in order to add a unique scent to your pillow. Lavender oil is a good choice as it promotes good sleep.
Step Six: Rinse
After doing a couple of cycles that include the removal of stains, odors, etc., let it run to its last cycle, which is the rinsing one. Ensure that there are no suds left when you check the pillows.
Take out one pillow at a time and push on it using a towel to get rid of excess water. Do this step to all pillows and remember not to wring or squeeze them.
Step Seven: Load in the Dryer
Put them to the dryer and use a delicate cycle. Make sure that it is set on a no-heat setting or a low-heat setting.
In between cycles, make sure to fluff the pillow so that the feathers inside can dry at the same time. The low settings may result in a longer time, but this is the small price to pay so as not to destroy your pillows.
Step Eight: Add Dryer Balls or Towel
You can add dryer balls into the dryer to make the pillow fluffier and softer. If you do not have that, you can just put in a dry towel so that it can absorb some of the wetness. Just be sure to occasionally take it out if it becomes too damp so as not to affect the drying of the pillows.
Step Nine: Fluff the Pillow
Take out your pillows and fluff them out again to make sure the feathers are distributed evenly.
Step Ten: Cover with a Pillowcase
Cover them with pillowcases once they are completely dry. Never put pillowcases on damp pillows as this might lead to it smelling bad and this can attract bacteria, which will defeat the purpose of cleaning it in the first place.
Final Words
Those are the easiest steps on how to wash feather pillows. Just be sure to do the safeguards that we gave you, and you will not lose your way. Also, just be patient as both the washing and drying times really take a long time.
