Down pillows offer us luxurious comfort throughout the night and allow us to recover effectively. However, they accumulate dust, dirt, sweat and odors over time and should also be cleaned regularly. Learn how to wash your yellowed down pillows without wasting too much time or spending money.
Many people wonder if it is even possible to wash down pillows without damaging them. The good news is: yes, it is possible! In this guide we will explain step by step how you can clean them by hand or in the washing machine and keep them fluffy.
How often should you clean them?
Down pillows should generally be washed every six months. If you want to keep them clean longer and extend their lifespan, you can use an additional cushion protector and then machine wash it weekly. In this way you can prevent dirt from penetrating the down.
In the washing machine
A down pillow can be effectively cleaned in the washing machine with warm water and mild detergent on a gentle cycle. It is important to check it for cracks first so that the filling does not come out during the wash cycle. Also, make sure you always wash two pillows at the same time for best results. An additional rinse and spin cycle is also recommended to remove excess moisture.
There are a few things you should also keep in mind when drying. You want to make sure the down is completely dry to avoid mold growth. It is recommended to tumble dry the pillow at low temperature for about two to three hours. Also use dryer balls to keep the down from clumping. Once dry, shake the pillow to remove any lumps.
Tipp:When washing down pillows, avoid using hot water, bleach, and fabric softeners, which can damage the down and cause clumping.
Remove stubborn stains
If the stubborn stains still remain after washing in the washing machine, you can remove them with white vinegar.
Simply add 120ml of white vinegar to the drum, place the down pillows in it and start a gentle cycle. Wait 10 to 15 minutes until the water and vinegar are well mixed and stop the program. Allow the pillows to soak for about 30 minutes and finish the wash cycle. Add some mild detergent and start the wash cycle again. After washing, you can either tumble dry or air dry the pillows.
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Wash yellowed down pillows: By hand
If you want to hand wash your pillows, you should fill the sink or bathtub with warm water and add some mild detergent.
Submerge the pillows in the water, squeeze to remove the air, and allow the down and feathers to soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Drain the soapy water and rinse with clean water until no soap residue is visible.
Gently squeeze the down pillows to remove excess water and lay them flat on a large towel. Wrap them in it and gently squeeze them out again.
Allow them to air dry completely on a clean cloth. Shake occasionally to speed up the drying process and avoid lumps.
Squeeze them lightly to ensure they are dry before using them again. Make sure that if there are smells, the pillows are not properly dry.
Tipp:If you want to air dry your pillows, choose a warm day with good winds and low humidity.
Refresh between washes
To keep your pillows clean for longer, you can freshen them between washes. Simply put them in the dryer with a damp washcloth and 2-3 dryer balls and let them dry on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. This will make them fluffy and fresh again.
Care for down pillows properly
To extend the life of your high-quality pillows, you should not only wash them, but also care for them properly.
- Do not lie on the down pillow if your hair is wet. If your pillow accidentally gets wet, immediately put it in the dryer for a few minutes.
- If you wash the pillowcases weekly, don't forget the pillow's removable protective cover. Both should be cleaned regularly.
- When a down pillow is not in use, store it in a clean pillowcase in a dry place in the house.
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