Is it possible to effectively clean down and feather pillows using a carpet cleaning machine (not a true steam cleaner)? I have a top loading washer and cannot get these pillows to sink, so they do not get effectively washed in there. I refuse to go to a laundromat to use a front loading washer. I read a report on how other people's bacteria and germs are left behind in those washers, which then get picked up on your clothes. Yuck! I also want to avoid dry cleaning the pillows.
I was considering using the handheld attachment on our Bissell Proheat carpet cleaner to do this. I would use a mixture of water in vinegar instead of the solution one might use for carpets. Just wondering if anyone had attempted this, or has any idea whether it's a plausible idea or not?
By lostmymittens from Midwest
By Sally_Admin
12/30/2012
(sent via email)
This is a bad answer to cleaning feather pillows. I washed mine in a washing machine, the cases opened up and filled my machine with the feathers, had to get a new wash machine.
sady
How do I go about cleaning a down throw pillow?
By Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH
By Maryeileen
10/10/2011
It's a throw pillow, not a bed pillow, so I might try to wash it on the delicate cycle.
I'm cleaning out my mom's attic and found about 5-6 down pillows. The attic is closed up and hot and these pillows have been up there and unused for 15 or more years. Some feel really nice, none really look dirty.
I can see by the casing that a few were pillows made by my grandma that she handstuffed with beautiful, white, soft goose down maybe 40 years ago. My sister says to throw them out that they're too old and could have bugs or be filled with bacteria. Could that be? I would really love to try to wash these pillows and use them for my beds.
Are they too far gone to wash and use again? Could they be filled with bacteria, bugs or who knows what? I'd sure hate to waste them. Good down pillows are expensive.
By Ripley from Chicago, IL
By skf620
08/27/2010
Be very careful about putting old pillows in the wash machine. I would first put the pillows in an old pillow case and either sew or pin the pillow cases shut. (tightly!) If the covering is rotten on the pillows, you could have a real mess in your wash machine! I have washed many old pillows in my wash machine and haven't had any problems, but I just wanted to warn you!
I have quite a few pillows with down pillows which need to be cleaned. No idea how to do that. Please give me some advice. And Thanks in advance.
AskLiz
(04/24/2005)
By Ingrid
(04/24/2005)
By Karen
By Claudia
By Karen
How do you freshen feather pillows? I wash my children's pillows in the washing machine, but I can't do that with feather pillows.
Jen from Central Florida
Most sporting goods stores have down soap made specifically for washing sleeping bags and down filled clothes. It works just fine for down pillows, too. It is a mild antiseptic soap that does not remove the natural oils from the feathers. If you use regular detergents, the down becomes brittle.
Dry at low heat with small balls or kid's sneakers in cloth baggies. Ideal are the royal blue velvet baggies with a gold draw string, that Crown Royal Whiskey bottles come in. It is popular with fishermen, but you can easily make one with some left-over velvet. The feather bag for real goose down is usually a very thin but super tight duck weave, not a rip-stop weave, and is often quite fragile. Velvet does not hurt even the thinnest inner bags.
For sleeping bags or duvets it is best if you go to a big laundromat and use the biggest machine that they have. I spent a few winters in tents in the arctic, sleeping well in cozy down sleeping bags, and I learned to never allow harsh dry cleaning liquid or regular detergent to ruin good down. At -55 in an unheated tent you can sure tell the difference quickly! Have FUN! DearWebby (03/07/2009)
By DearWebby
Have you tried using the washer/dryer? I washed/dried my feather down comforter. My dog had slept on it, and it smelled enough that I was willing to risk it. When I took it out of the the cold wash; something looked wrong. I figured: I am already knee deep, I will just finish the job. I put it in the dryer, low heat. I untwisted it a few times in between the drying. When the dryer stopped It was like new! I laid it flat on the bed right away. Bright white, fluffy down comforter.
If your pillow is older and you are worried about fabric ripping: put 2 extra pillowcases on it, going against each other. (03/07/2009)
How do you clean feather pillows?
By Edward54 from Altoona PA
Read this for more details:
rei.com (04/24/2009)
By Cyinda
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Do you have a tip, recipe or craft to share?
Cleaning a Down Pillow