Dr. Barry Jarvis
Down pillows deliver unbeatable plush comfort. But like any pillow, down fills up with allergens, body oils and dirt over time. To keep your down pillows fresh and fluffy, periodic washing is essential. Read on for a complete guide to properly cleaning down-filled bed pillows.
Why Wash Down Pillows
Though pricey, down pillows should still be washed occasionally. Here’s why:
Remove Allergens
Down traps dust mites, pet dander and other allergens that build up. Regular washes sanitize.
Eliminate Odors
Sweat, body oils and drool cause down to retain odors over time. A wash restores freshness.
Remove Soil
Environmental dirt and grime accumulate in down. Cleaning removes these impurities.
Restore Loft
Washing revitalizes compressed, matted down so it regains fluffiness.
Kill Microbes
Hot washes kill bacteria, mold spores and mites harboring in pillows.
Follow Warranty
Most quality down pillow brands require regular professional cleaning to maintain the warranty.
While a hassle, properly washing down extends its lifespan and keeps it freshly hygienic.
How Often To Wash Down
Wash down pillows approximately every 6 months to 1 year. Those indicators signal it’s time:
- Musty, sour or ammonia-like odors
- Visible yellowing or stains
- Loss of height and fluff
- Increase in allergy symptoms
- Last washing was over a year ago
Washing too frequently also damages down. Follow the 6 to 12 month guide for ideal cleaning timing.
Down Pillow Fill Power
Higher fill power down requires extra care. Dense tightly packed clusters are harder to dry fully. Target wash cycles to fill power:
- 400 to 600 fill power: every 12 months
- 600 to 800 fill power: every 9 months
- Over 800 fill power: every 6 months
Higher maintenance is worth the sublime comfort of quality down.
Preparing Down Pillows for Washing
Before wet washing, certain steps prepare down bedding:
- Strip off pillowcases
- Close zippered covers
- Check for holes or leaks
- Treat any stubborn stains
- Read manufacturer’s care label
- Have two clean pillowcases on hand
Proper prep prevents down clump loss and allows thorough cleaning.
How to Wash Down Pillows
With the right techniques, down can be washed at home safely:
Supplies Needed
Mild detergent, sanitizer, large machine, two pillowcases, tennis balls, dryer balls
Load
Place each pillow in a separate pillowcase and tie ends closed. Load into large capacity machines only. Wash two pillows maximum per cycle.
Settings
Set washer temperature to low or medium. Choose gentle/delicate cycle. Maximum spin speed of 700 RPM. No agitator cycle preferred.
Wash
Add mild detergent. Run through complete wash and rinse cycle. Repeat cycles as needed for heavily soiled down.
Dry
Move pillows to dryer in same pillowcases. Add tennis balls and dryer balls to break up interior clumps. Tumble dry low heat only, adding extra cycles until fully dried.
Final Steps
Promptly remove pillows once dry. Put freshly washed pillowcases on. Fluff gently and allow to fully expand.
With the right process, down pillows can be refreshed at home. But take care to prevent damage.
Drying Down Pillows Correctly
Drying requires meticulous care to avoid damage:
- Only use low, delicate heat setting
- Add tennis balls and dryer balls to separate clumped down
- Check frequently to monitor drying progress
- Add additional drying cycles if moisture remains
- Never use medium or high heat settings
- Immediately remove pillows once fully dried
Improper drying causes irreparable clumping and ruins the loft of fine down. Patience prevents waste.
When to Professionally Clean Down
Consider professional dry cleaning for:
- High 700+ fill power down
- Stubborn odor issues
- Older or delicate down requiring special handling
- Repeated failed home wash attempts
- Concerns over proper drying or sanitization
- Covered under manufacturer’s warranty stipulating professional cleaning
While pricier, professionals have commercial equipment better equipped to handle high-maintenance down. Let the cost of replacing damaged down pillows guide your choice between DIY and expert cleaning.
How Much Does Professional Down Cleaning Cost?
Expect to invest $15 to $50+ per down-filled item needing professional cleaning. Factors impacting price:
- Pillow size and weight
- Level of cleaning required
- Local labor rates
Receive an upfront quote. Reputable cleaners stand behind their work if not satisfactory.
How to Clean a Down Pillow at Home
Step-by-step instructions to wash down bed pillows at home:
1. Strip Pillow
Remove pillow from case, closure covers from shell. Check for holes or leaks.
2. Pretreat Stains
Gently dab stubborn stains using a delicate stain remover. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
3. Prepare Cases
Place washed, dried pillowcases over each pillow. Tie ends tight.
4. Load Machine
Gently place pillows separately into large capacity washer.
5. Wash
Use mild detergent on delicate cycle in cool or lukewarm water. Select second rinse.
6. Dry
Transfer pillowcases to dryer immediately. Use extra low heat only. Add dryer balls.
7. Fluff and Re-Cover
Remove promptly once dried. Massage into shape and re-cover with fresh cases.
With the proper steps, down can be safely revitalized at home.
Warning Signs You Improperly Washed Down
Be mindful of these red flags signaling washing problems:
- Lumpy interior filling
- Loss of loft and depressions
- Mildew smell
- Stiff, crunchy texture
- Cover leakage points
- Sluggish drying time
Don’t force or overdry compromised down. Improper technique cannot be undone.
FAQs About Washing Down Pillows
Below are some commonly asked questions about cleaning down bedding:
Can you put down pillows in the washing machine?
Yes, down pillows can be machine washed at home if using the right settings, cycles and drying methods. Take care to prevent inner down clumping.
Do you have to dry clean down pillows?
Most down pillows can be washed at home unless they are very high 700+ fill power or need special handling. Check manufacturer guidance.
How often should you wash down pillows?
Every 6 to 12 months, wash down pillows to refresh fibers and kill dust mites. More frequently risks damage.
Why does my down pillow smell after washing?
Incomplete drying leads to moist areas prone to mildew. Be sure pillows are 100% dry before removing from the dryer.
Can down pillows go in the dryer?
Yes, dry down pillows on the lowest temperature setting only. Use dryer balls to fluff down and check frequently to prevent overdrying.
Do you wash down pillows with tennis balls?
Yes, adding a couple tennis balls to the dryer helps break up clumped down interior filling and speeds drying.
Maintaining Fresh, Clean Down Pillows
Caring for down properly makes it last:
- Wash covers every 2-3 months
- Wash pillows every 6-12 months
- Dry thoroughly and immediately after washing
- Sun occasionally to naturally deodorize
- Follow all label care instructions
- Fluff and reshape down daily
The investment needed to acquire quality down pillows makes proper maintenance paramount. With regular cleaning and informed care, down delivers dreamy comfort for years on end.
Originally posted on September 20, 2023 @ 2:56 am
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
