Cleaning feather pillows.

Anyone know a good way to clean old feather pillows at home?

We've had and used our two for a few years and never washed them (we do wash the pillow cases regularly). They are so used that the care instruction tag has worn off. These pillows are so comfortable and flat. I'm just thinking I should, at least, wash them twice a decade.

Hey Travis, besides a hot wash and good long run in a dryer, I have heard a few things anti-dust mite: Some people say sticking your pillow in the freezer, using wintergreen or eucalyptus oil, or just vacuuming it real good. And for all the little bits of dead skin etc, I imagine a good shake/beating outside might help (at least minimally).

The freezer will kill the mites and their eggs.
Be certain to thaw long before bedtime!

it is ok to wash feather pillows and comforters in the machine....But you want to be careful of the soap you use......you could use something like woolite that is very gentle, or just a small portion of your regular laundry soap. the goal is to clean the linens, but a harsh soap will remove the natural oils in the feathers that Make them fluffy. I use warm water in a gentle cycle and small amount of soap and some vinegar too.

Thank you. I make liquid laundry soap so it may work well.

I have clipped pillows and duvets to the clothes line.

And..... What is the method for homemade laundry soap.?

Tnks

Hi Jane,

I've used the following recipe for two years.

Combine 4 cups of water with 1 bar of grated Fels-Naptha laundry soap in a big pot. Heat up and stir until the soap is mostly dissolved. Add 1/2 cup Borax and 1 cup Washing Soda. Add all that to 2 gallons of water and stir. I put it into a pail and keep the pail covered and near the washing machine. I use about half a cup per load.

Jane Morel wrote:I have clipped pillows and duvets to the clothes line.

Officially jealous. In my climate, even on a sunny, summer day, I don't know that a feather pillow or duvet would dry without mildewing. Even though I prefer (and patiently, carefully) line dry most everything else, I'd rather avoid breathing in mold or mildew from my pillows so I use a dryer for them.