Some think washing feather pillows will ruin the comfort and integrity of the filling, which isn’t true.

Never wring or twist the pillow throughout the cleaning process since it can cause clumping of the filling.

Also, patch up any potential tears or openings in seams before washing the pillow.

Someone washing feather bed pillows

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Add a fiber-filled pillow or white towels if you don’t have two feather pillows.

Tip

Before you begin washing, examine the cover of the pillow.

The fabric covering should be tightly woven to keep filling contained during washing.

Materials for washing feather bed pillows

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Mend any worn or ripped seams.

Drying time will vary depending on the size of the pillows.

double-check they’re thoroughly dry before placing them back on the bed.

Two white pillows in a washer

The Spruce / Michele Lee

To double-check that the pillow is bone dry, squeeze it all over for any clumps still trapping moisture.

Residual moisture can lead to fungal growth.

The rule-of-thumb recommendation is to wash them at least every six months.

Someone using an HE detergent

The Spruce / Michele Lee

You decide whether you want to wash new pillows before you use them.

However, pillows are prone to turning yellow due to body oil, sweat, and dust buildup.

Flip the pillow halfway through, then wash and dry it as usual.

Control panel of a washing machine

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Storing Feather Bed Pillows

Feather pillows need to breathe.

Protect them from dirt and dust by storing them in pillow covers instead of plastic bags or bins.

Keep them in a cool, dry spot like a linen closet.

Someone loading pillows in a dryer

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Never put a pillow in its pillowcase until you’re positive it’s bone dry.

Feather pillows can last five to 10 years on average when properly cared for with a protective cover.

But this can vary based on use and the quality of the pillow.

Two pillows and dryer balls in a dryer

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Feather bed pillows can be filled with down clusters, feathers, or a blend.

fluffing the pillows while unloading the dryer

The Spruce / Michele Lee