Q&A for How to Wash Feather Pillows

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Question

How can I get my pillows white again?

Safir Ali
Professional Dry Cleaner
Safir Ali is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hamper Dry Cleaning and Laundry, a startup in Houston, Texas reinventing the laundry industry. With over six years of experience launching and operating Hamper, Safir specializes in innovative ways to simplify dry cleaning using the experience from his family's business. Safir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas A&M University. Hamper offers 24/7 on-demand dry cleaning and laundry through delivery and kiosk services. Hamper has been featured on the Houston Rockets, Station Houston, the Houston Business Journal, BBVA, Yahoo Finance, and Innovation Map.

Safir Ali

Professional Dry Cleaner

Expert Answer

You can spot treat the stains using a solution of white vinegar and water. After you lift up most of the stains, just wash it as you normally would.

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Question

My feather pillows have tons of feathers that stick out, causing the pillows to be very uncomfortable. Will washing them improve this or are they just cheap and need to be discarded?

Community Answer

It's unlikely that washing the pillows will help with this problem, but adding a high-quality pillow protector would likely help keep the feathers in.

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Question

How do I in plump feathers in a washed small feather pillow?

Community Answer

You can try using a tennis ball in the air dry setting in the dryer.

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Question

Should I spin the pillow in the washer?

Community Answer

Yes. Consider an extra rinse cycle and high speed spin to remove as much water as possible before drying.

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Question

Can I put a feather pillow on the line instead of in the dryer?

Community Answer

Yes, but it will take several days to dry, even on sunny days. I wash my feather duvets every year and just wait until the weather is hot and hope for the best.

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Question

How do I clean the feathers out of the top load washing machine if the pillow comes apart during the wash cycle?

Community Answer

Scoop out what you can and then use a wet vacuum cleaner. Rewash the feathers in a large plastic tub.

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Question

Can I wash a plastic pillow protector?

Community Answer

You can wash a plastic pillow protector on a gentle cycle. Just make sure you don't put it in the dryer. It will melt.

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Question

What kind of pillows are shown in the "How to wash a feather pillow" section?

Community Answer

Duck down or goose feather, most likely. Both can be washed the same way.

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Question

How do I clean a feather pillow that is fragile and can't go into a washer or dryer?

Community Answer

Wash it with the pillow protector on. This essentially will become the new cover for the pillow. Alternatively you can have the cover replaced.

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Question

How do I wash feather pillows if they just fill with air and float to the top?

Community Answer

This is a common problem with top loading washing machines. Wash all pillows at a laundromat or friend's home where there's a front loading machine.

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Question

Should I use the new pod detergent with softener additive?

Community Answer

Fabric softeners can coat the feathers and possibly ruin their ‘loft’. Your best bet is a mild liquid softener that will clean without leaving any kind of residue.

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Question

How long does it take to dry?

Community Answer

Drying times vary, depending on the temperature the dryer is set on and how damp the pillow is when it’s put in the dryer. The dryer needs to be placed on a light or delicate cycle so it doesn’t damage the filling. It could take a few cycles, adding up to 3 or 4 hours.

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Question

Can I wash a very old feather pillow that as far as I know has never been washed?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as it's not leaking feathers. If it is, you can still wash it as long as it's in a good pillow protector. Use a front loader washing machine.

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Question

Can I use biological washing powder?

Community Answer

Avoid using enzyme cleaners, as these help break down proteins. Feathers are made of keratin, a protein, and so using an enzyme cleaner will damage and start to break down the feathers.

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Question

I don't have a dryer. What can I do?

Community Answer

Go to the laundromat. You have to ensure the pillow is completely dry. You don’t want to risk mildew or rot inside your pillow.

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