How to Steam Clean Feather Pillows

Feather pillows can generally be cleaned by washing in a conventional washing machine and thorough drying in a clothes dryer. However not all allergens, such as dust mites, will be killed by this process. In addition, washing and drying consumes a great deal of energy and there is a risk of mold formation if dampness remains in the pillow.

With dry steam or steam vapor cleaners, a significant percentage of dust mites are killed without putting pillows out of service for long periods of time and without consuming nearly as much fuel in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Rented or purchased vapor steam cleaner
• Water

Instructions

Cleaning a Pillow with a Dry or Vapor Steam Cleaner

1. Assemble the cleaner following the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Fill the water tank with ordinary tap water.

3. Attach to the steam head any upholstery attachment with which the unit comes equipped.

4. Plug in the unit and wait until sufficient vapor pressure allows smooth operation of the unit according to the manufacturer's directions

5. Run the steam head evenly over the surface of your feather pillow working in overlapping strokes from right to left until one entire surface of the pillow has been steamed.

6. Turn the pillow over and repeat the process on the other side.

Continue the Process in Your Dryer

1. Place the clean pillow in your clothes dryer with one or more tennis balls to fluff the feathers. Tumble dry on high heat for about 30 minutes to remove any remaining moisture.

2. Launder the sheets and pillow cases.

3. Steam clean the mattress in order drastically to slow the increase of the dust mite population in your bedding.

Tips & Warnings

• Dust mites feed on flakes of human skin and inevitably breed in bedding, including mattresses and pillows. Regular vacuuming and cleaning can sufficiently slow the development of dust mites to make your bedding nearly allergen-free.

• Steam scalds. Be sure to keep your hands and face away from the steam nozzle of your dry steam machine.

• Unlike quasi steam cleaners that clean using heated water, dry steam cleaners leave relatively moisture behind because they clean with vapor alone which evaporates quickly. Nevertheless, the vapor that is driven into your pillow under pressure contains some degree of moisture which should be removed from your pillows in order to inhibit the growth of unhealthy mold and mildew.

References

• Study Shows Simple Steps Can Reduce Dust Mite Allergens in Bedrooms
• Steam Vapor: Use Dry Steam Vapor for Healthier Carpet, Upholstery
• Vapor Steam Cleaning and Cleaners