If you’re like most people, you probably didn’t know that there’s a specific way to wash feather pillows. Many people throw them in the washing machine with their other laundry and hope for the best.
Unfortunately, this can damage your feather pillows and make them less comfortable to sleep on. In this guide, I’ll teach you how to wash your feather pillows properly so they stay in good condition for years to come.
When Should You Wash Your Feather Pillows?
There are so many bloggers talking about how to wash feather pillows, but you should only wash your feather pillow when needed. It’s very accurate that people sweat at night, and feather pillows tend to become more allergic with age and become more contaminated.
When frequently using feather pillows, they begin to compress over time because of the continuous use. So the moment you wash them, you will be damaging the feather filling, and that’s why it’s well recommended to replace them after 6 to 12 months.
When you purchase a feather pillow, it will serve you well and solve your sleeping problems. And because it’s doing you justice, you will buy another one for your family.
But if you accidentally pour food on them, or your pets urinate on your pillow, and you haven’t used your pads for that long. It would be best if you washed your stained pillows quickly.
How to Wash Your Feather Pillows – Step-by-Step Guide
These steps will guide you well on washing your pillows correctly and avoiding any damage.
Remove the feather pillow covers.
Before anything, you first need to take out any pillow covers or protectors from your pillow. Taking out the covering will ensure your pillow gets a good wash.
Overlook your pillow
This is a step you shouldn’t skip, and this will allow you to find any damage like tears on your feather pillow. And if you find that kind of damage, repair it by stitching before washing. This will help your feather filling stay intact when in the washing machine.
Put the pillow inside the washer and use soap with no additives
- Never overload your washing machine, and always put two pillows at a time to balance your load.
- Next, set the cold water temperature, and add two tablespoons of gentle soap detergent.
- Set a gentle cycle or a delicate cycle
- When the washing cycle is done, rinse your pillow, and you can rinse again to ensure all the soap is out.
- Next, place your pillows on the dryer and fluff them. Place your cushion on dry, set medium heat, and add tennis balls to fluff your feather pillows. The tennis helps your pillow not to clump up.
- Continue the process of drying and fluffing until they are well and scorched.
READ ALSO: How to Clean Throw Pillows – Step-by-Step Guide
What Detergents Should You Use on Your Feather Pillows?
When washing your feather pillows, you have to be specific with the detergents you need to use. Feather pillows have their natural oils, and the oils give feather fillings to their structural bodies.
Most washing detergents have chemicals, and it’s easy for the chemicals to dissolve the natural oils of the feathers.
When the feather oil is dissolved because of the chemicals, the feather structure of the pillows loses its function, and it starts to clump up.
So the best thing to do if you want the best for your feather pillows is to avoid using chemical detergents. And if you must wash using detergents, use a gentle soap with no additives.
How to Dry Feather Pillows?
To dry feathers pillows is very easy, but also you have to be very patient with the drying process because it will take some time. And if you have patience with the drying process, the outcome will be good.
- The first thing is to set your dryer on low heat or no heat – In the low heating process, you need to be careful because it may cause damage to your feather pillows. And if you set no heat, it’s always the safest process of drying your pillow, but you need to have patience because it takes multiple cycles.
- Placing dry clean clothes or towels on the drying machine will help faster the drying process. So, if you want your pillows to dry quickly, consider placing dry towels inside.
- In the drying process, your pillow might clump up, and you may fluff them between the cycle. Beating the pillow will help break the filling clumps and fluff your pillow.
- If you have tennis balls, you may place them inside the dryer. It’s also good to fluff your pillow during the drying process.
- Always use the dry test method – this method helps you ensure that your pillow is well dry. So in between the drying process, remove and hand fluff your pillow because your pad might still be damp.
Suppose you notice these signs of clumping or odor. That’s a clear sign that your feather pillows are still wet. You have to consider returning your cushions to dry again. If you ignore returning them to the dryer, they may get mold and mildew, ruining your pillow.
How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Feather Pillows?
When we talk about improving the lifespan of our pillow, it’s good to know it depends on us. Maintaining your pillow proves that it might last for a long or short period.
So, here’s what you have to do to improve your feather pillows’ lifespan:
1. Always dry your pillow and hair thoroughly before using your pad
Before sleeping on your pillow, ensure that your hair is dry or your pillow is well scorched. The pad will absorb the moisture and start smelling awful if you sleep with damp hair. Moreover, the foul odor will attract bacteria and mold.
2. Consider using a pillow protector
A pillow protector provides a barrier from all dust and contaminants. The good thing about a protector is that it minimizes wear and tears from your pets, and your pillow will last for a long time.
How often should pillows be replaced pillows?
If your pillow does not necessarily support your body and you wake up with pain in your shoulder, neck, and back or any discomfort, you must consider replacing your pillows.
Moreover, if your pillow is worn out when you fold it and can’t return to its original shape, you must consider replacing it.
Conclusion
Maintaining a feather pillow is quite challenging because feather pillows are very soft and need delicate care.
You need to know how to dry feather pillows and which detergents to use. I hope this guide will be of help.