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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
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Bedroom Cleaning
How to Clean a Down Pillow Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 References
Using the Washing Machine
|
Washing the Pillow by Hand
|
Maintaining Down Pillows
|
Tips
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 43,799 times.
Down pillows are made from the soft feathers on the underside of a goose. Unfortunately, over time these pillows are susceptible to dirt, dust, and grime. While it may seem complicated, cleaning your down pillow is easy. You can clean your pillow in the washing machine or you can hand wash your pillow. Washing your pillow every couple of months will keep your down pillow looking good and smelling fresh.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Using the Washing Machine
1 Remove the pillow protector. If you use a pillow protector for your down pillow, you'll want to remove it and wash it separately. You can typically wash your cover with the rest of your clothes if it's made of cotton. If the cover is made of a delicate material like silk you'll want to run it through a separate, delicate wash.
If the cover is made of silk, make sure to air dry the cover instead of putting it in your dryer or it may shrink or get damaged.
2 Set your washing machine to a delicate cycle. Set your washing machine to the woolen or delicate setting. Select cold or warm water to prevent pillow shrinkage. Use the highest possible spin speed to remove as much moisture as you can out of the pillow.[1]XResearch source If you have the option, adjust the settings so that there are two rinse cycles.[2]XResearch source
Running the pillows through two rinse cycles will fully remove all the detergent from the pillows.
Exposing your down pillow to hot water can cause it to shrink.
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3 Add a mild detergent to the machine. If you have a top loading machine, add a cup (236.58 ml) of laundry detergent to the machine and run the cycle for 30 seconds. This should allow the detergent and water to mix together before you put your pillows in it. If you have a front load machine, pour a cup (236.58 ml) of laundry detergent into the detergent dispenser on the top of the machine.[3]XResearch source
You can also add a 1/2 cup (118.294 ml) of oxygenated bleach to your laundry machine to make your pillows even whiter.
4 Place the pillows in your washing machine. If you have a top loading machine, press down on the pillows and get them fully saturated with water. If you have a front loading machine, you'll have to place the pillows in the machine before you start the cycle.[4]XResearch source
Add two pillows to keep top load washing machines balanced.
Down pillows are buoyant and will float in the water if you have a top loading machine. Getting them fully saturated before starting the cycle will prevent this.
5 Close the lid and run the cycle. Close the door on the washer and allow it to run through the cycle. If your laundry machine only has a single rinse cycle available, run it through two full washes to ensure that all of the detergent is rinsed from the pillow.[5]XResearch source
6 Press excess water out of the pillows. Once the cycle is completed, your pillows will be saturated with water. Press down on them with a terry cloth to absorb the excess water.[6]XResearch source
You'll want to do this inside your washer machine, or else water will get everywhere.
Do not wring or twist the pillow because you can destroy the feathers.
7 Dry the pillows in the dryer with 2 tennis balls. Set your dryer to the tumble setting with no added heat. Tennis balls will help fluff your pillows while they dry. If your pillows are not dry by the end of the cycle, run another dryer cycle until they are free of moisture. [7]XResearch source
If you prefer, you can toss a dryer sheet in with your pillow to make it smell fresh!
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Washing the Pillow by Hand
1 Remove the pillow protector. Before you can wash the pillow, you'll have to remove the pillow protector. Slip the pillow out or unzip the protector to reveal the down pillow.[8]XResearch source
2 Fill your bathtub with warm water. Run the water until it becomes warm and then plug up the drain. If you don't have a bathtub, you can use a plastic bin or sink as long as it's large enough for your pillow.
3 Add detergent to the water. Use a mild, pH neutral detergent. Dump a cup (236.58 ml) of the detergent into your water. Mix the water together until suds start to form.[9]XResearch source
pH neutral detergents include Soak, Eucalan, and Tide.[10]XResearch source
4 Dip and rub your pillow in the water. Submerge your pillow under the water and start to massage it in the soap. Continue to shake and massage the pillow until the detergent seeps into it. Get the pillow fully saturated and soapy. Continue agitating and rubbing stained or dirty areas of the pillow.
5 Rinse the pillow under the faucet. Drain the tub and rinse the pillow until all of the suds and detergents have been removed from it. Make sure that the pillow is totally free of detergent before drying it.[11]XResearch source
6 Press on the pillow to get rid of some moisture. Press down on the pillow with a terry cloth to soak up some of the initial moisture. Do not ring the pillow because you can damage the feathers.[12]XResearch source
7 Hang the pillow to let it air dry. Hang the pillow on a clothesline or a hook and allow it to dry. You can also a hairdryer to speed up the drying process.
Mold can form on damp or wet pillows.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Maintaining Down Pillows
1 Fluff your pillows regularly. When you wake up in the morning, you should turn the pillow over and fluff it. This will help your down pillows retain their shape. It will also remove dirt or dust that's built up on the pillow.[13]XResearch source
You may occasionally want to fluff and freshen your pillow in the dryer. Put your pillow into the dryer along with 3 tennis balls, a fabric softener sheet, and a wet wash cloth. Run the dryer on a low setting for 20 minutes.
2 Use a protective cover. A pillow cover can help protect your down pillow from dust mites, dirt, and oils. If you use a protective cover over your pillows regularly, you'll have to clean them less often.[14]XResearch source
3 Air your pillows out regularly. Every few months you should air out your pillows. On a sunny, clear day, place your pillows on a clothesline or on a table outside. Fluff the pillows and turn them over after an hour. This will remove musty smells from your pillows and will dry out any moisture in them.
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Tips
Make sure your pillows are fully dry before you put them back on your bed, as mold and mildew can grow in a damp pillow. To check that they're dry, feel the pillow for clumps of wet feathers. You can also hand fluff the pillow and feel for damp spots. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Things You'll Need
Washing machine
Mild Laundry detergent
Oxygenated bleach (optional)
Bathtub
Water
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Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 43,799 times. 32 votes - 90% Co-authors: 8Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 43,799 Categories: Bedroom Cleaning
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Co-authors: 8Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 43,79990% of readers found this article helpful. 32 votes - 90% Click a star to add your vote
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How toWash a Down Jacket by Hand 
How toWash a Microbead Pillow 
How to Wash a Neck Pillow: Cleaning Tips & Tricks 
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Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 43,799 times. 32 votes - 90% Co-authors: 8 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 43,799 Categories: Bedroom Cleaning 
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1 Remove the pillow protector. If you use a pillow protector for your down pillow, you'll want to remove it and wash it separately. You can typically wash your cover with the rest of your clothes if it's made of cotton. If the cover is made of a delicate material like silk you'll want to run it through a separate, delicate wash. 
2 Set your washing machine to a delicate cycle. Set your washing machine to the woolen or delicate setting. Select cold or warm water to prevent pillow shrinkage. Use the highest possible spin speed to remove as much moisture as you can out of the pillow.[1] If you have the option, adjust the settings so that there are two rinse cycles.[2] 
3 Add a mild detergent to the machine. If you have a top loading machine, add a cup (236.58 ml) of laundry detergent to the machine and run the cycle for 30 seconds. This should allow the detergent and water to mix together before you put your pillows in it. If you have a front load machine, pour a cup (236.58 ml) of laundry detergent into the detergent dispenser on the top of the machine.[3] 
4 Place the pillows in your washing machine. If you have a top loading machine, press down on the pillows and get them fully saturated with water. If you have a front loading machine, you'll have to place the pillows in the machine before you start the cycle.[4] 
5 Close the lid and run the cycle. Close the door on the washer and allow it to run through the cycle. If your laundry machine only has a single rinse cycle available, run it through two full washes to ensure that all of the detergent is rinsed from the pillow.[5] 
6 Press excess water out of the pillows. Once the cycle is completed, your pillows will be saturated with water. Press down on them with a terry cloth to absorb the excess water.[6] 
7 Dry the pillows in the dryer with 2 tennis balls. Set your dryer to the tumble setting with no added heat. Tennis balls will help fluff your pillows while they dry. If your pillows are not dry by the end of the cycle, run another dryer cycle until they are free of moisture. [7] 
1 Remove the pillow protector. Before you can wash the pillow, you'll have to remove the pillow protector. Slip the pillow out or unzip the protector to reveal the down pillow.[8] 
2 Fill your bathtub with warm water. Run the water until it becomes warm and then plug up the drain. If you don't have a bathtub, you can use a plastic bin or sink as long as it's large enough for your pillow. 
3 Add detergent to the water. Use a mild, pH neutral detergent. Dump a cup (236.58 ml) of the detergent into your water. Mix the water together until suds start to form.[9] 
4 Dip and rub your pillow in the water. Submerge your pillow under the water and start to massage it in the soap. Continue to shake and massage the pillow until the detergent seeps into it. Get the pillow fully saturated and soapy. Continue agitating and rubbing stained or dirty areas of the pillow. 
5 Rinse the pillow under the faucet. Drain the tub and rinse the pillow until all of the suds and detergents have been removed from it. Make sure that the pillow is totally free of detergent before drying it.[11] 
6 Press on the pillow to get rid of some moisture. Press down on the pillow with a terry cloth to soak up some of the initial moisture. Do not ring the pillow because you can damage the feathers.[12] 
7 Hang the pillow to let it air dry. Hang the pillow on a clothesline or a hook and allow it to dry. You can also a hairdryer to speed up the drying process. 
1 Fluff your pillows regularly. When you wake up in the morning, you should turn the pillow over and fluff it. This will help your down pillows retain their shape. It will also remove dirt or dust that's built up on the pillow.[13] 
2 Use a protective cover. A pillow cover can help protect your down pillow from dust mites, dirt, and oils. If you use a protective cover over your pillows regularly, you'll have to clean them less often.[14] 
3 Air your pillows out regularly. Every few months you should air out your pillows. On a sunny, clear day, place your pillows on a clothesline or on a table outside. Fluff the pillows and turn them over after an hour. This will remove musty smells from your pillows and will dry out any moisture in them. Advertisement