How to Clean Down Pillows

Clean Down Pillows

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Down pillows are an investment in luxurious comfort, but they won't stay luxurious for long if you don't take care of them. Wash them once or twice a year, taking special steps to maintain their natural softness and fluffiness.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Non-bleach detergent or down wash
Tennis balls
Clean sock

Step1

Check your pillows for slits or tears in the covers. Make sure the fabric is strong enough to stand up to washing.

Step2

Take your pillows to a facility with front-loading commercial washers.

Step3

Load pillows into front-loading washer with a small amount of non-bleach detergent or down wash. Le Blanc Down Wash costs around $25 for an economy-sized 64 oz. bottle.

Step4

Set machine for a second rinse, if available, or re-rinse manually once the wash cycle is complete.

Step5

Place pillows in dryer. Add a tennis ball or two in a clean sock to aid in fluffing.

Step6

Stop dryer periodically to remove pillows and fluff by hand. Use your fingers to separate clumps. Make sure pillows are overheating.

Step7

Put your clean pillows in a pillow protector to prolong their life.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure pillows have enough room in the dryer to toss around as they dry.
It takes a long time to dry down pillows completely--as long as three hours for two pillows in a commercial dryer on medium heat. If your patience runs out or your pillows come out of the dryer with a musty smell, set them in the sun for a couple of hours.
The pungent odor you may notice on your pillows when they are wet is natural and will go away when they dry.
If you don't dry your pillows thoroughly, they may mildew.
The harsh chemicals of regular dry cleaning can break dodwn your pillows' filling. If you want to have them professionally cleaned, take them to someone who advertises down cleaning as a specialty.