In the wide world of pillows, you have your pick of materials. Choices span from cotton to memory foam—but feather and down pillows are always a classic. Known for their comfort and durability, they last longer than fiberfill and are apt at holding their shape. Ideally, yours will stand the test of time, so learning how to effectively wash feather pillows is an essential.

While you may think laundering feather pillows would ruin their puff and fluff, with the right techniques, you can wash your feather pillows without losing their softness or shape.

Whether you prefer the convenience of a washing machine or a more hands-on approach, the expert-led methods below will rid your favorite feathered pillow of dirt, dust, and sweat.

Feather Pillows 101

Feather and down pillows share a lot of traits. Both can be washed and dried easily to keep them nice and fluffy, though feathers are slightly more durable than softer down pillows. Down also requires extra drying time to prevent mildew and odors. For more detailed instructions on how to wash other types of pillows, see here.

To help maintain your feather and down pillows, give them a good shake and fluff them every morning to help redistribute the filling and prevent clumping, which also improves airflow and keeps them fresher. With the proper care, some high-quality feather pillows can last years. But even so, no pillow lasts forever. If yours no longer fluffs up or feels supportive, it may be time for a replacement.

How Often to Wash Feather Pillows

If something spills on your pillow, spot treat immediately. Blot—don’t rub—the area with a small amount of mild detergent and warm water. Let it dry completely before using it again. Otherwise, it’s typically recommended to wash feather pillows between every three months and twice a year.

“Regular washing helps maintain the loft of the pillow and the longevity of the down plume,” explains feather and down expert Neil Farmer. “Down is remarkably durable and easy to maintain with regular home washes.”

How to Wash Feather Pillows

Don’t lose sleep: The key to properly washing feather pillows is using the right water temperature, a mild detergent, and a careful drying process to prevent clumping and ensure your pillows stay fluffy.

Skip the Dry Cleaner: While machine or hand-washing is suitable for most feather and down pillows, dry cleaning is typically not recommended. According to Farmer, “dry cleaning strips down of its natural, protective oils.” If you send your pillows out to be washed, regular laundering is the better choice. 

To wash feather pillows at home, follow these steps for fresh, clean pillows with minimal hassle.

How to Machine-Wash Feather Pillows

If you’re looking for the simplest way to clean your feather pillows, machine washing is the way to go. “If you have a front-loading washer and a regular or large capacity dryer, then the only special equipment you’ll need for proper down pillow maintenance is a down-specific detergent,” says Farmer.

Materials Needed:

• Mild liquid detergent formulated for feathers and down
• Washing machine (front-loading or top-loading without an agitator)
• Optional: dryer and dryer balls or clean tennis balls

Instructions:

1. Before you begin, check the care label on your pillow to ensure it is machine washable. Note: It’s best to wash two pillows at the same time to maintain balance in the washer.
2. “You may want to saturate pillows and manually squeeze the air out before beginning a machine wash,” says Fisher. When ready to machine-wash, use a gentle cycle with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent.
3. Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap residue.
4. If machine-drying: Transfer pillows to the dryer and add dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help fluff and dry them. Dry on low heat, checking periodically to prevent overheating. (This may take a few cycles.)
5. If air-drying: Place pillows on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area, flipping occasionally,
6. Once completely dry, fluff by hand and enjoy your fresh, clean pillows.

How to Hand-Wash Feather Pillows

For those who prefer a more controlled and delicate cleaning method, hand washing is an excellent way to freshen up feather pillows without the use of a washing machine. This method helps protect the delicate feathers, prevents quill breakage, and allows for thorough yet gentle cleaning.

Materials Needed:

• Large basin or bathtub
• Mild liquid detergent formulated for feathers and down
• Warm water
• Towels
• Dryer or drying rack

Instructions:

1. Fill a large basin or tub with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
2. Submerge the pillow, gently squeezing it to distribute soap throughout.
3. Allow to soak for 15 minutes, occasionally agitating the water.
4. Drain the soapy water and refill with clean water, gently pressing the pillow to rinse. Repeat until no soap remains.
5. Gently press out excess water. Do not wring the pillow. Press the pillow between two towels to absorb more moisture.
6. Air dry on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area, flipping occasionally. You can also machine dry on low heat with dryer balls. “If your item feels clumpy or less lofty than it should be, it most likely needs more time in the dryer,” says Fisher.
7. To prevent mildew, ensure the pillow is completely dry before using.