How to clean feather pillows? – We made it easy for you
The moment that you start using feather pillows, you will realize that it can be a bit fragile and would need your utmost care. Most people assume that these pillows cannot be used at home. Martha Stewart’s pillows are different, though. They do not prohibit gentle machine washing or hand washing. You need to learn strong how to wash feather pillows if you want to use your feather pillows for a long time.
Benefits of Martha Stewart Feather Pillows
- What is the advantage of using Martha Stewart pillows over all the other feather pillows? The frequency of when you should wash your pillows is just one of them.
- Martha Stewart feather pillows can provide enough firmness to support the head, neck, and shoulders. A feather pillow is not a soft pillow, so this is recommended more for people who like pillows with medium firmness.
The pillow will return to its normal shape after being used. You can also fluff it up, depending on the height that you want.
- Martha Stewart’s collection may need to be washed every six months so you can care for it properly. Washing will get rid of potential sweat, saliva, and other fluids that may have gotten to your pillow.
- Using feather pillows can be ideal for you, but you need to know how to keep them clean. While you are at it, make sure to keep your bedding clean too.
How to Wash Feather Pillows in the Washing Machine
Washing the feather pillows for the first time can be daunting, especially when you are used to foam pillows. As long as you would follow this guide, your pillows will be fine.
Your washing machine will be handy when you are trying to keep your feather pillow clean. These are the steps that you have to follow:
Step 1: Remove the pillowcase from the pillow
Step 2: Inspect the pillow to see if there are some holes wherein the feathers may spew out.
Step 3: Dissolve a small amount of a liquid detergent of your choice in warm water.
Step 4: Once you are sure that the liquid detergent is fully dissolved, place your feather pillows.
Step 5: Choose a gentle cycle on your washing machine.
Step 6: Allow the rinse cycle to become thorough in getting rid of the detergent from your washing machine. If you need to do it twice, then do it.
Step 7: Once you are sure that the pillow is fully rinsed, you would need to make sure that it will become dry.
Washing Pillows with Your Hands
Hand-washing your pillow is also another option that you can do. You need to wash your pillow in a tub, or if you have a rather large basin, this can be ideal too. It will depend on the size of the Martha Stewart pillow that you have.
Some tips to remember:
- Use a low-sudsing soap. The milder the soap, the better.
- Squelch the water from time to time.
- Do not wring the water from the pillow, or you may ruin the feathers inside the pillow.
Drying Your Feather Pillows
Now that you have washed the feather pillows, you need to know how you can make it drier. One option is to tumble dry it in your dryer with some dry towels. The towels can be useful in getting rid of excess moisture.
Other tips to remember are the following:
- Put a tennis ball placed inside clean cotton socks so that the feathers can remain fluffy.
- Keep watch when you are trying to dry your feather pillows. When you make the pillow too dry, you may ruin it forever.
- Remove the pillow once dry.
- If you expose the feather pillows to high heat, the feathers will clump together. The overall texture of the feather pillows will also change.
- For dry-cleaning feather pillows, you may choose to bring your pillow to a professional laundry shop. Do not forget that you are drying your pillows as too much exposure to heat might change their texture.
How to Prevent Washing Your Pillows Often
What is one of the reasons why you need to wash your pillows often? It is due to the things that you may expose them. For example, you may be drinking your favorite drink, but you accidentally spilled it on your pillow.
The situation will require you to clean your pillow immediately.
There are certain things that you can do so that you can minimize the number of times that you have to wash your pillows:
- Always have a pillowcase that will act as a protective cover. Cleaning pillowcases is easier as compared to cleaning feather pillows.
- Consider covers that are made with tightly woven Cambric. Cambric will lessen the chances of dust mites and other allergens penetrating your pillow. Take note that allergens can cause eczema, asthma, and severe allergy attacks.
- Choose pillowcases that come in designs that you find appealing. Not only will the pillowcase become decorative, but it will also do its duty of protecting your pillow.
Some Tips for the Upkeep of Feather Pillows
- People may not like feather pillows because they seem to require more maintenance as compared to other pillows.
- Feather pillows may be luxurious, but there are still some things you can do to help pillows retain their shape.
- Fluff and air out your pillows every day if you can.
- You may need to shake your pillow from time to time to ensure that the feathers will be spread widely inside the main pillowcase.
- Allow the pillow to be exposed to the rays of the sun from time to time. Exposure to the sun’s rays is the best way to kill possible bacteria and germs. Some germs may have already penetrated your pillow without your knowledge.
- You can read other tips that can aid you in cleaning your pillow the best way if you are using other feather pillow brands.
Cleaning Weathered and Yellowed Feather Pillows
- Your body excretes natural oil that will creep into your pillow. It does not matter what pillow cover or pillowcase you use; it is bound to happen. The oil will cause the pillow to have a yellowish color, which can be very unappealing.
It can also make your pillow look dirty. There is a process that you can do that can bring new life to your feather pillows. How to clean old feather pillows? Check out the procedure to follow below.
- Use a laundry detergent that also comes with whitening properties. Another option is to have a separate laundry detergent from a natural bleaching tool. Avoid detergents that are too harsh for the feathers of the pillow.
- Dip the pillow in hot water to get rid of the stubborn stains on your old pillow.
- Place a cupful of laundry detergent with the whitening properties directly on the washer.
- Do the process that was mentioned earlier regarding washing your pillow with the help of a machine.
- The detergent that you will choose will make a massive difference in how successful you will be in reviving your old feather pillows. Properly drying your pillows after cleaning will make a difference too.
Remember to Replace Your Feather Pillows
Like all things, pillows are not expected to last forever. Feather pillows will start to lose their shape and will begin to become discolored. Even if you take good care of your pillows, they will start to lose their benefits after 10 years.
When you think about it, 10 years are already enough for you to maximize the use of your feather pillows.
You will know if your pillow needs replacement when there are already dents, bumps, and uneven surfaces. Even if you place your pillow on an even surface like your bed, the texture of the pillow may remain the same.
The feathers of the pillow may also feel dull and flat. Even if you try to fluff your pillow, the feathers will not become fluffy anymore.
The moment that you detect that your pillow seems to have a specific smell, you may need to replace it. Mold and mildew are signs that your pillow has already served its course.
Look at your pillows and be honest. Do you need to throw them away? Throw the pillows that you do not need anymore or find some ways to recycle the pillows if possible.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this will help you maintain your Martha Stewart feather pillows for about six months or so. Washing a feather pillow every half a year may help lengthen the time.
Feathers need to be kept clean so that they can naturally last for a more extended period. An expert may recommend not to use a harsh detergent to prevent ruining your feather pillows.
Clean goose feather pillows will be delightful to use whenever you sleep instead of dirty ones.
Further Reading…
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