Washing and drying down and feather pillows: Here’s how to do it

You can only wash a down or feather pillow at home if the care label permits it. It is essential to have enough space in the washing machine and, above all, to ensure the pillow is completely dry afterwards. This step-by-step guide will help you follow the instructions on the pillow and your appliances correctly.

1. Check the care label and the Pillows

Check the washing and drying symbols before you start. Check for any open seams or damage to the cover: a cover with a hole in it should not be put in the washing machine. Remove the pillowcase and also check its own care label. If the label is illegible or the filling is already badly damaged, check with the manufacturer or a specialist dry cleaner.

2. Leave space for the filling

The pillows must be able to move freely inside the drum. Do not add any other heavy items of laundry. It would be misleading to give a standard weight in kilograms for every machine: the actual drum capacity, the pillows’ dimensions and the manufacturer’s instructions are the decisive factors. A standard domestic washing machine is often not big enough for large duvets.

3. Apply the appropriate product sparingly

Use a detergent that the manufacturer states is suitable for down and follow the dosage instructions on the product and in your washing machine’s manual. Do not use fabric softener. You can find out which detergent is suitable and why mild detergent does not necessarily achieve the same results in the Guide Detergent for down.

Only select the temperature and programme permitted by the care label. An extra rinse cycle can help to remove any detergent residue. Only spin the laundry as permitted by the care label and your machine.

4. Dry thoroughly and gently

If the label states that tumble drying is permitted, adjust the temperature and programme to suit the pillows and the machine. The pillows need space in the drum. Pause the cycle to fluff it up and check the inside as well: just because the outside is dry doesn’t necessarily mean the inside is dry. If the filling still feels cool or clumpy, it needs to dry further. Do not put the pillows back on the bed until there is no residual moisture left.

Drying balls can help to loosen the clay, but are no substitute for monitoring the drying process. Always follow the instructions for use for balls and equipment.

Common mistakes and the better solution

Using too much washing powder, overfilling the drum and stopping the tumble dry too early are common problems. Direct sunlight isn’t the best option for down either; it’s better to air it gently in the shade. If your washing machine or tumble dryer seems too small, use a professional cleaning service. That way, the pillows won’t be subjected to rough handling simply because they just about fit in the drum.

Shake out your pillows after they have dried and check them again the next day. If there is still an unpleasant smell or dampness, do not use them yet. To look after your pillows between washes, it is often enough simply to air them out and shake them out regularly.