How to Clean a Down Pillow

Down pillows and other down-filled items sustain damage with every washing. For this reason, you'll need to take great care when cleaning your down pillows. They must be washed gently and cannot stand up to heavy agitation or strong soaps and detergents. However, don't let this discourage you. If you know the proper techniques, you can clean a down pillow and keep it looking as good as new.

Things You'll Need

• Zippered pillow case
• Woolite or other gentle detergent
• Washer and dryer

Instructions

1. Place the down pillow inside a zippered pillow case to prevent feathers from falling out, and zip securely. If a zippered pillow case is not available, place the down pillow in a regular pillow case and tie the top tightly.

2. Set the washing machine to the gentle or delicate cycle. Add Woolite or another very gentle laundry detergent according to the manufacturer's directions. Use cold water only for best results.

3. Place the protected down pillow into the washing machine once it has filled about half way with water. Allow the pillow to go through the entire cycle and then remove it from the machine.

4. Remove the down pillow from its protective pillow case and place it in the sun to dry for several hours. Make sure it is dried all the way through before bringing it back inside. If this is not possible, place the pillow in the dryer and set it to air dry.

5. Fluff the down pillow with your hands once it is completely dried, and put it inside a clean pillow case. Return the pillow to your bed or linen closet. Repeat once every few months to keep the down pillow in the best shape possible.

Tips & Warnings

• If your down pillow is very fragile and you fear it will be damaged in the washing machine, you can wash it by hand while inside the protective pillow case. Place it in a bathtub of cool water mixed with Woolite and agitate with your hands. Follow the remaining steps for drying.