- 1). Enclose your down pillows in a zipper pillow protector to prevent skin and hair oils from penetrating the pillow covering and contaminating the down feathers. Skin and hair oil may cause the down to bunch up inside the pillow and stick together, flattening the pillows.
- 2). Shake out the pillows vigorously at least once a week to enhance the loft of the down. Another option is to place the pillows into the dryer and set the dryer to a no-heat fluff cycle for 10 to 15 minutes.
- 3). Hang the pillows from an outdoor clothesline with clothespins. Air out the pillows this way several times each year. The combination of fresh air and sunshine will restore and refresh the down.
- 4). Examine the pillows for rips and tears. If you find any, mend them before laundering or dry cleaning to prevent the down from escaping through the covering.
- 5). Check the care recommendations on the pillows for washing instructions. If the manufacturer recommends dry cleaning, dry clean the pillows once or twice a year. If the manufacturer allows machine washing, wash your pillows at least twice each year to keep them fluffy.
- 6). Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle with warm water. Add delicate laundry detergent and place two pillows in the washing machine at one time, one on each side of the machine to balance it. Start the washing machine and allow it to progress through the cycle. Use at least three or four additional rinses to ensure all the detergent rinses out of the down. After the spin cycle, remove as much water from the pillows as possible by squeezing them gently with your hands.
- 7). Transfer the pillows to the dryer and add two or three bath towels to help absorb moisture. Set the dryer to low heat and allow the pillows to dry completely. This may take two to three hours. Don't stop drying the pillows until you know that the down inside is completely dry. If you leave any moisture inside the down fill, mildew may occur.
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