Learning “how to wash down pillows” can seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry, we’re here to guide you. Rest assured that with the right method, it’s a simple process that anyone can tackle. With this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, you’ll soon be able to clean your down pillows with confidence and ease, prolonging their life and freshness.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Verify If Your Pillow Is Machine Washable
Before you begin the process of washing your down pillows, you need to check if they are machine washable. Most down pillows can be washed in a machine, but it’s essential to verify this. Check the care tag usually located on the seam of the pillow. If machine washing is not recommended, you will need to opt for spot cleaning or professional cleaning services.
Step 2: Remove the Pillow Protector or Case
Next, remove any pillow protector or case from your down pillows. These items can usually be washed separately in a regular laundry cycle. What you should be left with is the actual down pillow, ready to be cleaned.
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Step 3: Inspect the Pillow for Damage
Inspect your down pillow for any tears or holes. You wouldn’t want the down or feathers escaping in the wash. If you find any damage, repair it before proceeding. You can sew small holes with needle and thread or consider professional repair for more significant damage.
Step 4: Load Pillows into Washing Machine
If you’ve confirmed your down pillows are machine washable and there’s no damage, you can load them into your washing machine. To keep the machine balanced, it’s best to wash two pillows at a time. If you only have one down pillow, balance the load with some bath towels.
Step 5: Use Gentle Cycle with Mild Detergent
Set your washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with warm water. Add a small amount of a mild or down-specific detergent. It’s crucial to avoid any bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the down filling.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
After the wash cycle completes, run an extra rinse cycle. This extra step ensures all detergent is thoroughly washed out of the down filling, which is critical for maintaining the loft and insulation properties of your down pillows.
Step 7: Dry Completely
Once your down pillows have been washed and rinsed, they need to be dried completely. You can tumble dry on low heat, adding clean, dry towels to speed up the process. For best results, add a few clean tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff the pillows as they dry. Ensure pillows are entirely dry before use to prevent mildew growth.
