How To Wash Feather Pillows By Hand

Feather pillows are the popular choice of bedding for someone who desires a comfortable and luxurious sleeping experience.

However, feather pillows also require special attention for cleaning and maintenance.

This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to properly clean your feather pillows by hand. It will also describe how to ensure that your pillows are completely dry after hand washing them.

But before moving ahead you should make sure whether your pillow needs a wash or not.

When To Wash a Pillow

Knowing when to wash a feather pillow can be very helpful as unnecessary washing of the feather pillow can wick away the natural oils present in it and will ultimately destroy the pillow.

According to the experts, a feather pillow should go for a wash every six months, or when the pillow loses its puffiness and has visible stains or marks on it.

You can check the puffiness of a pillow by folding it in half and squishing it — if the pillow pop open nicely it means the pillow is in a good state otherwise, you can take it for a wash. 

Also, don’t forget to read the care instructions on the label of the pillow and follow them closely to ensure that you don’t damage your pillow while cleaning it. 

Materials Required To Wash a Pillow

To properly wash your feather pillow by hand, you will need to gather up some essential materials listed below.

1. Large basin or bathtub — This will be for dipping the pillow. 

2. Mild detergent — Use a mild detergent for delicate feathers.

3. Towel — You will need a towel for drying the pillow.

4. White vinegar — Use vinegar to get rid of bad odor.

5. Water — Use hot water for washing and soaking the pillow.

With these supplies at hand, you are ready to move ahead in the process!

How To Prepare The Pillow For Washing

There are a few simple steps you must follow prior to washing, to ensure the pillow gets proper cleaning. 

1. Remove the pillowcase and protector from the pillow to properly clean the dirt or grimes that has deposited over time. 

2. Look for any loose feathers that have come out of the fabric. Carefully remove these with your hands and make sure to repair the fabric if there is any tear.

Following these simple steps will ensure your pillow is properly prepared for thorough cleaning.

How To Wash Feather Pillows By Hand

1. Take a bathtub

Fill the bathtub or basin with cold water 

2. Add Detergent

Add a capful of gentle detergent and white vinegar to the water and mix it up.

3. Soak the pillow

Put the pillow in the water and gently agitate the feathers by squeezing and pressing them against the bottom of the tub or basin. Allow the pillow to soak for 10-15 minutes before draining out the sudsy water. 

4. Rinse the pillow

Drain the water and refill it with clean cold water for rinsing. Repeat the process until all the detergent residue is removed from the pillow’s feathers.

How To Dry The Feather Pillows

1. Remove the excess water from the pillows by squeezing them.

2. Wrap the pillow in the dry towel and press it with your hands to remove the water even more. Also, make sure to squash the liquid out of the areas where feathers have clumped together.

3. If you have a dryer put the pillow inside it, throw some dryer balls, and set it on medium heat. In case you don’t have a dryer, put the pillow flat on top of a dry towel and allow it to air-dry naturally, in a well-ventilated area. 

Be sure to flip and break the clumps of feathers apart every half an hour to ensure even drying. Once the pillow gets a little fluffy, push its corners inside to get the wet feathers out of the edges. Also, feel through the pillow and break the clumps if there are any.

Precautions To Be Taken

1. Use Pillow Protector 

Pillow protectors are a simple and effective way to keep dust and mites away from your feather pillows. It helps you prevent discoloration or staining and increases the longevity of your pillows.

2. Avoid Overloading The Basin

While washing the pillow in a bathtub or basin it is important to not overload it either with water or too many pillows otherwise the pillows would not get properly cleaned. Plus, overloaded basins can also cause damage to the feathers, so better avoid it.

3. Avoid Ringing Out The Pillows Too Hard

While it is important to squeeze out pillows to get rid of excess water but make sure to avoid ringing it very hard as it may damage the feather, and make your pillow less fluffy over time. 

4. Frequency Of Washing

Washing pillows regularly removes away dust, mites, and bad odor from the pillow but you should also not overdo it. It is advisable to wash your feather pillows once every six months and replace them after every two years.

Conclusion

Washing feather pillows by hand is possible with little extra effort. Taking the steps and dedicating an afternoon can make all the difference in maintaining your pillow’s quality and fluffiness. Doing so every six months can also ensure that your pillow remains free from dust, mites, bacteria, sweat, and other allergens, keeping you healthy for years to come.

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