How to Clean a Down Pillow

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Down pillows are made from the soft feathers on the underside of a goose. Unfortunately, over time these pillows are susceptible to dirt, dust, and grime. While it may seem complicated, cleaning your down pillow is easy. You can clean your pillow in the washing machine or you can hand wash your pillow. Washing your pillow every couple of months will keep your down pillow looking good and smelling fresh.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using the Washing Machine

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you use a pillow protector for your down pillow, you'll want to remove it and wash it separately. You can typically wash your cover with the rest of your clothes if it's made of cotton. If the cover is made of a delicate material like silk you'll want to run it through a separate, delicate wash.
    • If the cover is made of silk, make sure to air dry the cover instead of putting it in your dryer or it may shrink or get damaged.
  2. Set your washing machine to the woolen or delicate setting. Select cold or warm water to prevent pillow shrinkage. Use the highest possible spin speed to remove as much moisture as you can out of the pillow. [1] If you have the option, adjust the settings so that there are two rinse cycles. [2]
    • Running the pillows through two rinse cycles will fully remove all the detergent from the pillows.
    • Exposing your down pillow to hot water can cause it to shrink.
    Advertisement
  3. If you have a top loading machine, add a cup (236.58 ml) of laundry detergent to the machine and run the cycle for 30 seconds. This should allow the detergent and water to mix together before you put your pillows in it. If you have a front load machine, pour a cup (236.58 ml) of laundry detergent into the detergent dispenser on the top of the machine. [3]
    • You can also add a 1/2 cup (118.294 ml) of oxygenated bleach to your laundry machine to make your pillows even whiter.
  4. If you have a top loading machine, press down on the pillows and get them fully saturated with water. If you have a front loading machine, you'll have to place the pillows in the machine before you start the cycle. [4]
    • Add two pillows to keep top load washing machines balanced.
    • Down pillows are buoyant and will float in the water if you have a top loading machine. Getting them fully saturated before starting the cycle will prevent this.
  5. Close the door on the washer and allow it to run through the cycle. If your laundry machine only has a single rinse cycle available, run it through two full washes to ensure that all of the detergent is rinsed from the pillow. [5]
  6. Once the cycle is completed, your pillows will be saturated with water. Press down on them with a terry cloth to absorb the excess water. [6]
    • You'll want to do this inside your washer machine, or else water will get everywhere.
    • Do not wring or twist the pillow because you can destroy the feathers.
  7. Set your dryer to the tumble setting with no added heat. Tennis balls will help fluff your pillows while they dry. If your pillows are not dry by the end of the cycle, run another dryer cycle until they are free of moisture. [7]
    • If you prefer, you can toss a dryer sheet in with your pillow to make it smell fresh!
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Washing the Pillow by Hand

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before you can wash the pillow, you'll have to remove the pillow protector. Slip the pillow out or unzip the protector to reveal the down pillow. [8]
  2. Run the water until it becomes warm and then plug up the drain. If you don't have a bathtub, you can use a plastic bin or sink as long as it's large enough for your pillow.
  3. Use a mild, pH neutral detergent. Dump a cup (236.58 ml) of the detergent into your water. Mix the water together until suds start to form. [9]
    • pH neutral detergents include Soak, Eucalan, and Tide. [10]
  4. Submerge your pillow under the water and start to massage it in the soap. Continue to shake and massage the pillow until the detergent seeps into it. Get the pillow fully saturated and soapy. Continue agitating and rubbing stained or dirty areas of the pillow.
  5. Drain the tub and rinse the pillow until all of the suds and detergents have been removed from it. Make sure that the pillow is totally free of detergent before drying it. [11]
  6. Press down on the pillow with a terry cloth to soak up some of the initial moisture. Do not ring the pillow because you can damage the feathers. [12]
  7. Hang the pillow on a clothesline or a hook and allow it to dry. You can also a hairdryer to speed up the drying process.
    • Mold can form on damp or wet pillows.
    8. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining Down Pillows

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you wake up in the morning, you should turn the pillow over and fluff it. This will help your down pillows retain their shape. It will also remove dirt or dust that's built up on the pillow. [13]
    • You may occasionally want to fluff and freshen your pillow in the dryer. Put your pillow into the dryer along with 3 tennis balls, a fabric softener sheet, and a wet wash cloth. Run the dryer on a low setting for 20 minutes.
  2. A pillow cover can help protect your down pillow from dust mites, dirt, and oils. If you use a protective cover over your pillows regularly, you'll have to clean them less often. [14]
  3. Every few months you should air out your pillows. On a sunny, clear day, place your pillows on a clothesline or on a table outside. Fluff the pillows and turn them over after an hour. This will remove musty smells from your pillows and will dry out any moisture in them.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Make sure your pillows are fully dry before you put them back on your bed, as mold and mildew can grow in a damp pillow. To check that they're dry, feel the pillow for clumps of wet feathers. You can also hand fluff the pillow and feel for damp spots.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Washing machine
      • Mild Laundry detergent
      • Oxygenated bleach (optional)
      • Bathtub
      • Water

      You Might Also Like

      The Easiest Way to Clean Your Room from Top to Bottom
      How to
      Clean and Deodorize Your Mattress with Baking Soda
      How to
      Get Cat Urine Out of a Mattress
      How to
      Measure Bed Size
      Super Messy Bedroom? Easy, Stress-Free Ways to Clean Up
      9 Simple Habits to Keep Your Room Clean (& How to Do a Deep Clean)
      How to
      Block Off Under the Bed
      How to
      Clean Your Room (Teens)
      How to
      Clean Underneath a Low Bed
      How to
      Make Your Bedroom Smell Good
      How to
      Clean Your Room Quickly and Efficiently
      How to
      Clean and Organize Your Room
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.pacificcoast.com/blog/care-tips/how-to-wash-down-pillows.html
      2. ↑ https://www.thelaundress.com/Clean-Talk-Blog/Content/how-to-wash-a-down-pillow.html
      3. ↑ https://housewifehowtos.com/do-laundry/how-to-wash-pillows-and-how-often/
      4. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a19468/clean-bed-pillows/
      5. ↑ http://www.practicallyfunctional.com/how-to-wash-pillows-in-washing-machine/
      6. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-wash-a-pillow-42606
      7. ↑ http://www.practicallyfunctional.com/how-to-wash-pillows-in-washing-machine/
      8. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-wash-a-pillow-42606
      9. ↑ http://www.vsb-info.ch/en/tips-und-info/care-tips/
      1. ↑ http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-detergent-for-hand-washing-clothes/
      2. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-wash-a-pillow-42606
      3. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-wash-a-pillow-42606
      4. ↑ http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Clean-a-Goose-Down-Pillow-/10000000178705952/g.html
      5. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/linens/wash-and-dry-down-filled-items/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 40,953 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement