Washing Goose Down Pillows and Maintaining Them for a Long Life

Let’s be honest, washing goose down pillows sounds scary. Nobody wants to end up with a soggy, lumpy mess. But here’s the good news: with a little patience and the right steps, you can clean your pillows at home and maintain their plush feel and fresh smell as the day you bought them. 

Fortunately, if you are wondering how to clean goose down pillows and if you can wash them, the answer is yes…and it needs to be done at least once a year.  

A Gentle Wash Routine That Works 

They are to clean and wash for. Before you start, always peek at the care label and be sure to remove any pillow protectors or pillowcases before washing your down pillows. 

Step 1: Spot-treat first 
Got makeup smudges or drool spots? Dab on a bit of mild, enzyme-free cleaners to a damp sponge or cloth and gently scrub the stain area in circular motions. 

Step 2: Choose the right wash 
Front-loading machines are best because they use a gentle cycle and low temperatures to prevent the damage to down filling. Use cold or warm water, delicate cycle, and a splash of mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softener, both of which can damage the fill. 

Step 3: Rinse twice 
Soaps love to cling.  An extra rinse cycle is recommended to ensure all soap residue is thoroughly removed. 

Getting All That Water Out 

This is where most people panic. Instead of squeezing or wringing (which breaks the feathers), let the machine do the heavy lifting. Run two extra spin cycles, to get all the water out from your goose down pillows at the end of the wash cycle. 

Drying: Slow and Steady Wins the Fluff 

Here’s the truth: drying down pillows takes time, but it’s worth it. 

Go low and slow: Toss them in the dryer on a low or air-dry setting. We swear by swear by tennis balls, which claim to speed up the drying process, reduce static cling, and soften goose down pillows.  

Fluff breaks: Every 20–30 minutes, pull them out, give them a good shake, and feel for damp spots. 

Bone dry is the goal: If you’re not 100% sure they’re dry, give them another 20 minutes or finish by laying them flat in a breezy spot. 

Mistakes to Avoid (a.k.a. Pillow Crimes) 

High heat = scorched feathers. 

Fabric softener = sad, heavy clumps. 

Wringing = broken down clusters. 

Putting them away damp = mildew city. 

Skipping a pillow protector = way more laundry than you need. 

Easy Between-Wash Refreshers 

You don’t need to wash down pillows every month. Instead: 

Spot-clean tiny stains with mild detergent and water. 

Let them breathe with a sunny (indirect) air-out. 

Give them a daily shake to keep the loft alive. 

Habits That Make Pillows Last Longer 

Think of this as pillow self-care: 

Always use a protector (and wash it more often than the pillow). 

Rotate and flip them weekly. 

Deep clean once or twice a year (more if you’re allergy-prone). 

Store them in breathable bags not vacuum-sealed ones. 

At Pillowpacker, we love the feel of premium down and we love keeping it that way. Follow this friendly routine for washing goose down pillows, give extra care to down pillow cleaning steps, and be patient when drying a down pillow. Your reward? A fresh, fluffy, sleep-better pillow that’s ready for countless cozy nights and every perfectly supported sigh. 

FAQ’s 

1. How often should I wash goose down pillows? 
Once or twice a year is plenty. If you have allergies or sweat a lot at night, give them an extra wash. 

2. Can I use a top-loading machine? 
You can, but it’s not ideal. Top-loaders with agitators can be rough on pillows. If that’s your only option, use the gentlest cycle possible. 

3. What if my pillow still smells damp? 
That’s your pillow begging for more drying time. Pop it back in the dryer on low, or finish with some fresh air. 

4. How do I know when it’s time to replace them? 
If your pillow won’t fluff back up, has a foul smell no matter how much you wash it, or just feels flat and unsupportive, it’s time to bid farewell.