How to Wash Feather Pillows

Introduction to Feather Pillows

Feather pillows are an affordable and luxurious addition to any bedding ensemble. Transform your bed with the plush, down-like comfort of feather pillows while enjoying their excellent support. As with any type of pillow, routine maintenance is necessary to keep these items looking and feeling their best.

As its name implies, a feather pillow consists of feathers encapsulated in a cover. The cover may be made from synthetic fibres or goosedown; natural down typically has greater insulative properties but synthetic material can provide just as much support as down pillows. Both types may also be combined. Feather pillows are more malleable than traditional foam models, offering softness and comfort when compressed but will retain their shape after being repositioned or fluffed.

When shopping for feather pillows, you should compare fill power ratings — not the actual measurement of feathers — which designate the quality of a particular model; higher numbers mean better insulation and support (for instance: 700+). Be sure to check the warranty and cleaning instructions on a product before making your purchase to ensure that your new acquisition receives proper care.

Benefits of Washing Feather Pillows

When done properly, washing feather pillows can have multiple benefits. Firstly, it can help to improve their comfort levels by bringing back their shape and restoring fluffiness, as well as refreshing the feel of the pillowcases. Doing so will also increase their healthfulness, as the pillows can effectively be rid of dust mites, dirt particles and other common causes of allergies. Furthermore, washing feather pillows can increase the length of time that they provide a comfortable sleep surface - regular cleaning helps to keep them free from soil and oil build-up that can occur with daily use. Finally, this allows users to get even more out of an already high-quality product. Follow the steps in this guide to ensure that all benefits are achieved with every wash.

Choosing the Right Detergent

Selecting the right detergent is key to successfully washing feather pillows without damage. Regular liquid laundry detergents or powders work fine, but use one that is labelled as mild, gentle or liquids specially formulated for hand washing. Run your washer on warm rinse water at least once after washing and never use hot water. Something labelled biodegradable or all-natural is a good choice for those who want to ensure household products will not harm the environment. If you have certain sensitivities, look for hypoallergenic detergents that are free from dyes and perfumes. For best results, use only the amount of detergent suggested by the manufacturer. Too much soap can leave residue on feathers and reduce the loft of a pillow over time.

Preparing the Pillow for Washing

Before you start the washing process, it's important to prepare the feather pillow for cleaning. Some simple steps you can take to help ensure your pillows are ready for washing include:

- Remove dust, dirt, and other debris from the pillow by gently brushing the feathers with a soft cloth or lint roller. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner as this may cause feathers to break off and enter small crevices in the pillow.

- Take any pillows with removable covers off of their casing and set them aside before washing. It’s also a good idea to inspect them for signs of wear or damage and repair any damages if possible.

- Pre-treat any stains on the pillowcase or feather pillow with a gentle laundry detergent before washing to help remove any discolouration that had been caused by dirt or grease buildup over time.

Washing and Drying the Pillow

Washing feather pillows is an easy process, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Investing in a front-load or HE washing machine is the safest and most reliable option when it comes to dealing with down and feather pillows, as top-loading machines can be too rough and may cause the pillow to be damaged by agitation. Depending on your washer model, you may need to reduce the load size and wash volume settings, as feather pillows need more space than most items when agitating and rinsing.

To start washing the pillow, select a “Delicate” cycle with cold water and add a mild detergent. Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach-based products; natural fabric softeners can also be used if preferred. If your machine has an extra rinse option, use it after the first rinse cycle so that all of the detergent residues are thoroughly washed away (strips of old towels or cheesecloth should be added for cushioning).

Once washing is complete, shake off as much excess water from the pillow as possible before transferring it to the dryer. Place two clean tennis balls into the dryer along with your feather pillow; this will help fluff up the filling during drying. As with washing, run your dryer at low heat — in some instances without heat — and keep checking back every 10 minutes until everything is completely dry. For larger pillows, you might want to consider allowing them to air dry on a rack or hanging from a line outdoors instead of relying purely on machine drying processes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

It’s important to wash feather pillows regularly, but some issues can arise that can cause difficulty. It’s important to understand what those issues may be and how to troubleshoot them.

Unevenly washed spots: If you find unevenly washed spots on your feather pillow, this could mean that the water temperature was not the same in all parts of the washer, or the volume of water didn’t match the amount of detergent used. You should always make sure that there is enough detergent for the amount of water being used, and use a low-sudsing detergent for best results.

Clumped feathers: Pillows filled with feathers will naturally clump during washing as some feathers sticking out from beneath one another across all sides during the cycle. To fix this you should spread out those clumps evenly in a dryer on a medium or gentle heat. Another way to help prevent this is to stop your machine mid-cycle for several minutes and break up any potential clumps by hand inside the machine before completing the washing process.

Stains: When dealing with stains on feather pillows, it’s important not to scrub too hard as this could damage or tear down your pillow’s material if done too vigorously — instead try blotting away at any stains while applying soap directly to them until they disappear.  To thoroughly clean them, add a cup of vinegar or baking soda to your machine when washing so they are gently eliminated without causing any damage to your item.

Storing and Caring for Feather Pillows

Storing and Caring for Feather Pillows

Taking good care of your feather pillows will not only help them to last longer, but it will also ensure they remain comfortable and supportive. Storing your pillows correctly and using the proper cleaning methods can help to keep them fresh and hygienic. Below is a guide to help you keep your feather pillows in the best condition:

Storage:

-Store feather pillows in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or any other source of heat.

-If you are not using them immediately, store your feather pillows in a bag or pillowcase to keep dust mites out.

-Avoid using plastic bags or containers as this can cause the pillow's feathers to become matted.

Cleaning:

-Do not put feather pillows in the washing machine unless it specifically states that you can do so on the label.

-Machine washing can be hard on feathers, shrink the fabric of the pillow, as well as cause discolouration or weaken dyes used on coloured fabrics.  

-Do not use bleach or any harsh chemicals on feathers - use a mild detergent instead and spot clean when necessary.

Conclusion

Feather pillows must be maintained and cared for properly to ensure optimal comfort and longevity. By consistently following the steps for cleaning, drying, and storing your pillow, you can keep it looking and feeling like new. To maintain a hygienic sleep environment, it is recommended that feather pillows be washed every six months. If more frequent cleaning is needed due to mould or allergens in the air, consider using a vacuum with a HEPA filter along with a steam cleaner when safely possible. Additionally, proper maintenance can help prevent lumpy or flattened feathers from forming over time. With the proper care and maintenance, your feather pillow will provide comfort for years to come.