If you’ve recently splashed out and invested in a set of feather and down pillows, you may now be wondering if you can wash feather pillows, and if so, how.
In short, the answer is yes, you can wash feather pillows either by hand or in the washing machine, but there’s some important advice to follow before you do to ensure you protect your purchase.
That’s because when it comes to how to wash pillows, the pillow filling matters. And although a feather and down pillow has a lot to offer in terms of luxurious comfort, it is a pillow filling that requires a little more TLC than your average easy-care synthetic-filled pillow.
As such, I’ve rounded up a group of cleaning and bedding experts to shed light on how to wash a feather pillow for the best results, how long feather pillows take to dry, and even how to freshen up feather pillows without washing at all. Without further ado, let’s find out more.
Can you wash feather pillows?
'Yes, feather pillows can be washed, and it’s important to keep them clean,’ says Emma Beck, buying and merchandising manager at Bensons for Beds.
‘Lots of people assume that just washing the pillowcases is enough to keep our bedding fresh, meaning the pillows themselves often get neglected. But dirt, dead skin, and dust mites penetrate through the pillowcase, and after just two years, these unwanted extras can form one-third of a pillow’s weight. Yuck!.’
However, because feather and down fill is fragile, when it comes to how often you should wash your pillows, our experts do recommend washing a feather and down pillow less frequently than a polyester microfibre or hollowfibre pillow.
‘Regular washing should be avoided to ensure the filler remains at its best and most efficient,' explains Laura Burnett, buyer at Feather & Black. 'Over-washing can break down the naturally moisture-wicking oils found on the feathers and can cause them to become brittle and break.’
Figuring out how to choose the right pillow isn't easy, and if you've just found the best pillow for side sleeping or your dream feather and down pillow for back sleeping, the last thing you'll want to do is damage it
For this reason, Emma Beck advises we 'give feather pillows a wash every six months to keep them fresh. A cleaner pillow can improve your health, as dust mite build-up can heighten allergies.'
Although it's worth stating that if you do suffer from allergies, you might find that the best filling for a pillow is microfibre or hollowfibre, which can be washed at higher temperatures and more frequently.
Can you wash a feather pillow in the washing machine?
When it comes to *how* to wash a feather pillow, the answer lies in its care label, as not all feather pillows are constructed the same. Many can be washed in a washing machine, but some will advise handwashing, or state that they're dry clean only.
'When it comes to washing your feather and down pillows, always start by reading the care label carefully,' confirm Emily and Jonathan Attwood, founders of feather and down bedding brand scooms. 'Ensure you follow the instructions to wash them correctly without causing damage.'
'While some feather pillows may be labelled as hand wash only, most can be washed in a machine using a gentle cycle. If your machine isn't big enough to fit a pillow, then we'd advise going to a launderette to use a large-capacity washer.'
'Before placing the pillows into the machine, be sure to remove any pillowcases or protectors and check for any damage or rips to the pillows, which may result in the fillings escaping into your machine,' advises Emma Beck from Bensons for Beds.
'It’s also important to place two pillows in the wash at one time,' says Michael Forbes, lead product trainer at home appliance and laundry specialists AEG. 'This will balance the load and help to ensure a more thorough cleaning and drying process.'
'If you aren’t comfortable putting your pillows in the washing machine, you can also wash them by hand,' explains Emma, 'but check the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so, and remember to be gentle so as not to damage the delicate fillings.'
'Always use non-bio detergent, using a third of the usual amount to help prevent residue build up,' advise Emily and Jonathan from scooms, 'and set your wash temperature to 40 degrees for the best results.'
'Avoid using a fabric softener too, as this can impact the texture of the pillow,' adds Natasha Brook, cleaning and laundry expert at Dr. Beckmann. 'Use a gentle cycle and a pre-dosed treatment such as Dr. Beckmann’s Laundry Detergent Sheets to prevent coating the feathers, which can reduce their fluffiness.'
How long do feather pillows take to dry?
Once washed, how long do feather pillows take to dry? A while, is the answer, but it's important not to skip this stage. 'Drying is just as important a step as washing,' explains Natasha Brook. 'Feather pillows can take several hours to fully dry, and any remaining moisture may cause an unpleasant odour.'
'Once washed, you need to ensure your pillow is thoroughly dry to prevent mould, mildew and unpleasant odours,' agree Emily and Jonathan Attwood.
'Some feather pillows may be able to be popped into the tumble dryer, but again, do always check your manufacturer's care guidelines,' says Emma Beck. 'This will usually be on a low-heat or no-heat setting. A top tip for removing excess water from the pillows before placing them into the tumble dryer is to gently press them between two towels. Just be sure not to wring the pillows with your hands as this could damage the delicate feathers.'
'Tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls, which will help fluff the pillow and prevent clumping,' advises laundry expert Michael Forbes. If you don't have dryer ball, you can 'add a clean tennis ball into the drum to help fluff up the pillows and ensure the filling is spread evenly once dry,' suggests Emma Beck.
'If possible, dry your pillow on a low-heat setting and stop periodically to fluff it up by hand to help redistribute the feathers evenly,' advise Emily and Jonathan Attwood. You may need to use multiple drying cycles to ensure your pillow filling is completely dry.'
How do you freshen feather pillows without washing them?
There's no denying that whilst you can wash feather pillows, and they're one of the best pillows for recreating that hotel-luxe feeling at home, the process of cleaning them is a little more involved than with a synthetic-filled pillow.
This is particularly true if you're attempting to clean your feather pillow during the winter months when good line drying weather isn't on your side. So, can you freshen feather pillows without washing them?
First, 'consider using a pillow protector, which sits underneath your pillowcase, to protect your pillow from stains, dust mites, and allergens in the first place,' says Emma Beck. 'A pillow protector can be easily removed and washed when you change your bedding.'
‘We recommend always using a pillow protector which can be easily removed and washed regularly,' agrees Laura Burnett at Feather & Black. The good news is you can stock up on pillow protectors for as little as £5, and if that saves some laborious washing and protects your expensive feather and down pillow, I think that's money well spent.
Just £5, these synthetic M&S pillow protectors are an affordable way to protect your pillow and reduce the need for washing.
However, one of the big plus points of a feather and down pillow is its breathability; these cotton pillow protectors will ensure that cool sleep isn't compromised.
If your pillow is bigger (or smaller) than standard, then Soak & Sleep has a wide size range of pillow protectors.
Finally, 'to refresh your pillow between washes, sprinkle a little baking soda over it and leave for 30 minutes before vacuuming off,' suggest Emily and Jonathan Attwood. 'This helps to absorb any moisture and odours.'
'Or pop your pillow in the tumble dryer on a no-heat, air-only cycle with dryer balls to help air and fluff up the feather filling.'
All in all, I think that's plenty of solutions for keeping your feather pillow in tip-top condition.
When it comes to how often you should replace your pillows, experts advise every two years. But the better condition you can keep your feather pillows in, the longer they will last. And as a good quality feather and down pillow is an investment, this is one area where a little TLC every now and then could save you a lot of cash.
