5 STEPS TO PROPERLY CARE FOR FEATHER PILLOWS
How to wash pillows at home to get them clean and fluffy again?
Feather pillows that have been in use for years tend to compress, and yellow stains and streaks may appear on them. Here are 5 tips on how to care for your feather products to keep them fluffy and hygienic for a long time.
First: If there is no dryer in the household, it is advisable not to attempt washing feather pillows at home and instead take them to a laundromat. In the past, feather pillows were washed at home, but then the pillows were taken apart, the feathers were washed separately in a large basin, and spread out to dry in the sun. Nowadays, hardly anyone would bother to undertake such a task.
Second: If there is a dryer at home, feather pillows can be washed there. Before washing, make sure that the outer fabric is intact, has not become brittle, and can withstand washing. Yellow stains and streaks on pillows are usually from sweat. Old stains may not come out completely in the wash, but at least the pillow will be free of dust mites after washing.
Third: If the pillow has stains, start by removing them. A good tool for this is gall soap, both in solid and gel form. Rub the solid soap onto the moistened pillow. Dilute the liquid gall soap with water and rub it thoroughly onto the pillow with a clean sponge. Dilution is essential because water helps the gel absorb into the fabric and loosen stains. Let the detergent work for 15-20 minutes. You can also use a special detergent designed for washing feathers.
Fourth: Put the pillow in the washing machine and select a wash program with water at least 60 degrees Celsius. Dust mites perish at this temperature. If the outer fabric allows, you can wash the pillow at a higher temperature. You can use your favorite laundry detergent or gall soap as a detergent in the machine. Under no circumstances should you use a fabric softener when washing pillows, as it destroys the feathers!
Fifth: When the washing machine has completed its cycle, put the pillow in the dryer with 3 to 5 tennis balls and let it dry completely. If the pillow remains damp, bacteria will thrive, and dust mites will return. Tennis balls help fluff up the pillow again. A good time to wash feather products is during sunny summer days and air and fluff them up in fresh air. This way you can ensure a fresh and comfortable, fluffy product.
