How to Clean Down Pillows

by Everyday Edits

3 Materials

2 Hours

Easy

My sister got me hooked on down pillows. It was after I noticed the poly-foam-filled pillows in the wash cycle. When the pillows were immersed in water the pillow fill resembled the underside of the carpet pad of a twenty-five-year-old, damp basement carpet.

With that visual in my head that cannot be undone, I was done with those mystery fill pillows.

Hometalk Recommends!

Keep your pillows fresh and clean with this best selling fabric cleaning spray that Amazon reviewers swear by!

Because my sister and I talk about everything from Schitt's Creek to down pillows she shared with me how to clean down pillows. Gather up your pillows and get ready for an assembly line set up to wash.

HOW TO CLEAN DOWN PILLOWS

1. COLLECT YOUR PILLOWS IN PAIRS

2. REMOVE THE DECORATIVE PILLOW COVER

3. IF YOU HAVE A WORN DOWN PILLOW (FEATHERS POKING OUT) STICK YOUR PILLOW INTO A PLAIN PILLOWCASE.

4. TURN YOUR WASHING MACHINE TO THE GENTLE/SLOW CYCLE.

5. ADD 2 PILLOWS PER WASH WITH PILLOWS ON OPPOSITE ENDS TO BALANCE THE WASHING MACHINE.

6. ADD POWDER DETERGENT. DO NOT USE LAUNDRY PODS. LAUNDRY PODS CAN ATTACH TO PILLOWS LIKE LEECHES.

7. WHEN TRANSFERRING TO THE DRYER ADD A TENNIS BALL TO THE DRYER

(IT WILL BE LOUD, BUT IT HELPS TO DRY THE PILLOWS). I TURN MY HEAT ON HIGH TO DRY THE DOWN.

TIPS

** It kills me not to add a little bleach but apparently it strips the oils from the feathers. With that said, I may add a smidge.

** In the summer I love to dry my pillows between two white towels outside. A breeze is an added bonus!

** Check and clear your lint trap on your dryer.

That's it. It does take longer between the wash and dry cycle so it feels like an all-day gig.

I break my pillows into sizes and wash the sleep pillows on one day and the square down pillows for another day. The square pillows get a lot of use during the holidays.

Enjoyed the project?

You can do it! Saved to your projects

Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this project?

Ask a Question

3 of 28 questions

Wa76523311 on Feb 04, 2023

What if you have a front opening washer?

3
Becky on Feb 05, 2023

I wish that I was not allergic to down. Why would this same method not work for defeathered pillows?

4
Fro112683820 on Jan 14, 2025

Who can adjust anything on their HE (high efficiency) washing machine? Our options are gone. My HE washer and dryer use the same water level, same drying temp, same short cycle for everything. HE washers do not get clothes clean, and dryers do not dry them. Isn't it time Americans revolted against this?

9

Comments

Join the conversation

2 of 119 comments

Tjw12996811 on Feb 18, 2026

I add a dishwasher pod and borax with my detergent

Like Reply
Mim111561829 on Feb 18, 2026

I have had one of these washers for over thirteen years & I love it. I wash my pillows at least once a year & knock on wood have had no problems at all. They don’t smell or half wash, they come out looking brand new

Like Reply
Em on Feb 18, 2026

You did not mention you have to MAKE SURE THE ENTIRE CONTENT is dry.
feather pillows can absolutely get moldy inside if they’re not dried well after washing. Feather and down fillings are naturally porous and absorb moisture easily, and even a small amount of trapped water can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.
Mold thrives in warm, damp, dark conditions — exactly what the inside of a slightly wet feather pillow provides. If moisture remains in the filling, it can lead to: Musty odors and visible discoloration (yellow, green, or black spots)
Health risks such as allergic reactions, asthma triggers, and respiratory irritation
Bacterial growth and dust mite infestations, which can worsen indoor air quality
Even if you wash the pillow in hot water to kill spores, residual moisture inside the filling can allow mold to regrow if not fully removed .This is why thorough drying is essential — it’s the most effective way to prevent mold from returning.
Best drying practices for feather pillows
Machine dry on low-to-medium heat until the core feels bone-dry (often 60–90 minutes).
Air dry in a well-ventilated area, flipping the pillow halfway through.
Sun dry if possible, as UV light has antimicrobial properties.
Press the center to check for dampness; if it still feels cool or damp, keep drying.
If you notice a musty smell or visible mold after washing, treat the pillow with vinegar or baking soda, then dry it completely before using again
In short, not drying feather pillows well after washing is a common cause of mold growth — and it’s a simple step you can take to keep your pillow fresh, healthy, and free from mold.

Like Reply Flagged comment