Cleaning a down pillow properly involves gentle care to maintain its fluffiness and loft. A basic step-by-step process includes removing the pillowcase and protector, checking for stains and treating them, washing the pillow with a mild detergent in cool water on a gentle cycle, rinsing thoroughly, and drying on a low heat setting with dryer balls or tennis balls to help fluff the pillow. It’s essential to ensure the pillow is completely dry to prevent mildew.
Caring for Your Down Pillow
Down pillows provide luxurious comfort and can last a long time if cared for properly. Ensuring that your down pillow is clean helps in maintaining good hygiene and the pillow’s longevity. It is recommended to use pillow protectors under pillowcases and to launder both regularly. For the down pillow itself, it should be washed sparingly, ideally not more than twice a year, to preserve its natural oils and loftiness.
Preparation for Washing
Before you begin, remove any protective coverings and give your pillow a good shake to loosen any dust or debris. Check your pillow thoroughly for any rips or tears, as loose feathers or down may come out during washing and damage your washing machine.
Spot Cleaning Stains
If you notice any stains, you should spot clean them before a full wash. Use a small amount of mild detergent and warm water to gently clean the stained area. Press out the excess water with a clean towel, being careful not to rub or scrub as this could damage the delicate down feathers.
Our Top 5 Pillow Picks
Updated September 2026MFWW Cervical Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Best for neck pain. A dual-height ergonomic contour cradles your head and supports the neck, for back and side sleepers.
- Contour memory foam
- Dual-height design
- Cool breathable cover
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Standard, 2-Pack
Best value pair. Shredded foam you can adjust to your loft, with a cool-gel feel and no solid-block heat. Two pillows in one box.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Standard 2-pack
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best for the whole household. The same adjustable cooling foam in queen size, four to a set, so every bed in the house gets an upgrade.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Queen set of 4
Utopia Bedding Hotel Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best hotel-style set. Plush, cooling pillows made to suit side, back and stomach sleepers alike. A safe pick for guest rooms.
- Queen set of 4
- Cooling
- All sleep positions
- Hotel style
Zalmureta Goose Feather & Down Pillows, Queen, Set of 2
Best luxury pick. A three-chamber goose feather and down fill wrapped in a 100% cotton shell, for that five-star-hotel feel at home.
- Goose feather & down
- 3-chamber design
- 100% cotton shell
- Queen 2-pack
Machine Washing a Down Pillow
If your pillow’s care label indicates it is machine washable, washing the down pillow can proceed as follows:
Washing Process
1. **Select the Right Detergent:** Choose a mild, down-safe detergent or a gentle laundry soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach as they can break down the down fill.
2. **Setting the Machine:** Use a front-loading washing machine or a top-loading machine without an agitator, if possible, as this can be less harsh on the pillow. Set the machine to a delicate or gentle cycle with cool or warm water.
3. **Placing the Pillow in the Washer:** Wash one large pillow at a time or two smaller pillows together to maintain balance in the washer. Make sure there’s ample room for the pillow to move around.
4. **Rinsing Thoroughly:** Rinse the pillow at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed.
Drying Down Pillows
1. **Prep for Drying:** Gently press out any excess water with clean towels. Do not wring or twist the pillow.
2. **Adjust the Dryer Settings:** Set your dryer on a low heat setting. High heat can damage the down.
3. **Drying Aid:** Add clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer to help break up clumps of down and promote even drying.
4. **Check for Dryness:** Be patient as drying a down pillow can take several hours. It’s crucial to ensure it is thoroughly dry to the core to prevent mildew or clumping.
5. **Fluffing:** Remove the pillow periodically during the drying process to fluff it by hand, ensuring the down doesn’t clump together.
Hand Washing Down Pillows
If you prefer to avoid a machine or if the care instructions specify hand washing, you can follow these steps:
Hand Washing Steps
1. **Fill a Basin:** Use a large clean basin or bathtub. Fill it with lukewarm water and a capful of mild detergent.
2. **Submerge and Soak:** Gently submerge your down pillow in the water and gently squeeze the soapy water through it. Allow the pillow to soak for up to 30 minutes.
3. **Rinse with Fresh Water:** Drain the soapy water and squeeze out the excess. Then rinse the pillow with fresh water until the water runs clear and no suds remain.
4. **Press Water Out:** Carefully press out as much water as possible, roll the pillow in a dry towel to absorb extra moisture.
5. **Air Drying:** Place the pillow on a flat, clean surface, and flip it over periodically to ensure even drying. If possible, let it dry in a warm place with good air circulation or outside in the sunlight for natural freshening. Avoid direct, hot sunlight as it can damage the down.
General Maintenance and Care
To keep down pillows in top shape between washings, practice regular maintenance:
Daily Fluffing
Give your down pillow a good fluffing daily to maintain its shape and comfort. This encourages air circulation within the pillow, which can help prevent dust mites and other allergens from settling.
Using Pillow Protectors
Always use a high-quality pillow protector in addition to a pillowcase to shield the pillow from skin oils, sweat, and other contaminants.
Avoid Moisture Accumulation
Keep the pillow away from moisture to prevent the down from clumping or developing mildew. Never go to bed with wet hair if you use a down pillow.
Storage Tips
When storing down pillows, keep them in a breathable bag in a cool, dry place. Compressing down pillows in vacuum-sealed bags can damage the fill and reduce loft.
Refreshing Down Pillows
Between washings, you can freshen up your down pillow by placing it in the dryer on a no-heat, air-fluff cycle for 10 to 20 minutes.
Finishing Thoughts
A clean and fresh sleeping environment is essential for a peaceful slumber, and this includes clean bedding and pillows. While cleaning a down pillow requires a bit more care than synthetic fills, its superior comfort and longevity make the effort worthwhile. With proper maintenance, including occasional washing, daily fluffing, and using protective covers, your down pillow can give you many years of comfortable sleep. Remember to always check the manufacturer’s care label before cleaning and be patient and gentle in the washing and drying process to preserve the natural loft and softness of your down pillow.
