Many housewives do not dare to clean soft bedding on their own, fearing to spoil them. In fact, everything is not so scary. We will talk about a few simple options on how to wash a feather pillow at home. Do not miss an important step - proper drying, on which the safety of the filler depends.
Washing by hand
At home, pillows can also be washed in an automatic machine, however, the manual method has one significant advantage - the fluff will be cleaned evenly, will not stray into one lump and will retain its shape. This rule especially applies to orthopedic pillows, each wash of which reduces the healing properties of this item.
In order to know how to clean a feather pillow at home, you must follow the following technology:
- Remove the filler, place it in a bowl of warm water, in which dilute the cleaning agent (a shaving of laundry soap will do).
- After two hours, remove the feathers, rinse well in clean water, wring out and spread on a flat surface for the final stage - drying. It is better if it is an outdoor place or a ventilated room. At the end, it remains to return the filler and stitch the product on a sewing machine. More details in the video below.
Washing in the washing machine
There are several features of washing pillows in the machine.
Important: if you still decide to wash a small pillow completely, stock up on special balls that will not allow fluff to stray into a lump. An alternative to such devices is a couple of tennis balls.
Feather pillows can be cleaned at home in several ways. It can be washed as a whole (a product of small size), and disassembled into several fragments. We recommend the latter as the most effective. Sequencing:
- Carefully open the pillowcase and remove the feather filler.
- Divide it into several bags (old unnecessary pillowcases that will need to be stitched so as not to spill the fluff are fine) and wash separately with the addition of a detergent for delicate washing.
- Set the machine to the normal mode with a spin speed of 1000 or, if provided by the manufacturer, to the "duvet" mode.
- After drying, place the filler in a new cover, which can be sewn from a new dense fabric.
Advice: Choose your detergent carefully. It should be delicate, without pronounced fragrances. You can also clean the feather pillow by adding ordinary baby soap to the compartment. Our recommendation is gel products that are quickly washed out during rinsing.
How to dry
This can be done in several ways:
- After machine washing in covers, spread the contents evenly, and then lay the pouches on the old unwanted fabric. Roll them tightly into rolls to get rid of excess moisture and speed up the drying process of the filler.
- To get rid of the moisture of the pillow, you can also use a dryer at a temperature of 30 ° C, a radiator, or take it out into the open air, hanging it on a rope. Pour the dried feather into a clean pillowcase, which you sew on a sewing machine for reliability.
It is interesting: sometimes it is useful for the feather filler to “take” sunbathing: ultraviolet rays ensure its disinfection.
Dry air cleaning
This type of cleaning of pillows is possible only in specialized dry cleaners. The bottom line is to use exclusively ultraviolet, vacuum and special lamps, as in the photo. No liquid detergents and no water, which weighs down down or feather quite a lot. This method is worth learning for those who do not have the opportunity or time to deal with bedding on their own.
Dry cleaning is suitable for pillows that have not been in use for too long and do not have difficult stains. This is a great way to remove dust.
Cleaning process:
- The entire filler is pulled out of the bedclothes and placed in a special device, in which it is exposed to ultraviolet radiation for about ten minutes.
- To return the fluff to its former splendor, it is processed in a vacuum, and after that it is returned to its original place.
- Such manipulations not only clean the pillows, but also have an antimicrobial effect on them through exposure to germicidal lamps.
At home, you can achieve at least a slightly approximate result by hanging a pillow in the cold in clear weather under the influence of the sun's rays. This is exactly what our grandmothers did.
Steam cleaning
Steam cleaning differs from dry cleaning by removing not only dust, but also thorough disinfection. The principle remains approximately the same: the filler is removed, processed and placed in the pillowcase. However, the processing in this case is carried out when exposed to a high temperature of 120 degrees. Then the pillow is thoroughly dried.
As a result of this treatment, broken particles of feathers and dust formed during operation are also removed. Another advantage of the method is that it can be used to remove dust mites and other microorganisms that settle in the bed.
How to properly care
Most hostesses opt for pillows with feather filling because of its softness and airiness. However, do not forget that materials of organic origin are subject to destruction after several years. Find out how to properly care for your sleepwear so that they last you as long as possible:
- Fluff your favorite pillow quite often, like every morning. This simple procedure will help maintain its elasticity and provide you with a comfortable sleep for many nights.
- Wash the product several times a year, as it is able to absorb sebum, sweat and other excretions of the human body very well. So you will save the pillow from an unpleasant smell and remove pathogens that have managed to settle in the filler.
- If it is necessary to process especially contaminated products, it is better to contact a dry cleaner and trust the professionals. They know how to clean stains of various origins.
If you follow all the subtleties of washing pillows at home, you will no longer need to spend money on buying new bedding. So you can extend the life of this household item and maintain your health. Good luck!
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Pillows are recommended to be cleaned about once every six months. If you ignore this rule, according to the study, after 2 years of use, about 1/3 of the organic filler will consist of skin particles, dust mites and their waste products.
website He will tell you how to clean any pillows at home, using the most common means for this.
General rules for cleaning pillows
- Before washing check the integrity of the cover in which the filler is packed. It is advisable to put 2 pillows in the drum (without pillowcases).
- Do not use chlorine bleach or loose detergents. Take 2-3 tennis balls, put them in clean socks, and then in the drum with pillows when washing and drying.
- Pillows are dried in a special or washing machine (if there is a drying option). They can also be dried in the sun if the temperature outside is at least 25 ° C.
- Cannot be washed: pillows with organic fillers such as buckwheat, rice, coconut fiber; memory foam pillows, orthopedic pillows.
Washing a feather pillow
- Machine wash you can those products that are filled with feathers or down of waterfowl(duck, goose, swan).
- If the machine has a duvet mode, turn it on.
- Use liquid wool detergents and non-chlorine bleach.
- Pillow sizes larger than 50×70 cm is not recommended to wash by yourself, as they will be difficult to dry at home.
Washing pillows filled with wool
- To vacuum the pillow, use a conventional (non-washing) vacuum cleaner.
- Use liquid detergents for cashmere or wool.
- When washing these pillows an extra rinse is a must.
Washing pillows with synthetic filling
- Place a heavy object in the center of the pillow and lift it up after a few seconds. If the product has a dent, it is not suitable for washing.
- Soak the pillow in warm water with detergent for 20-30 minutes.
- If the pillow is filled with holofiber, turn on the spin cycle no more than 500 revolutions. For all other synthetic fillers, spinning is not recommended.
Drying pillows
- After washing, place the pillows on a terry towel to soak up the water. Fluff the pillows well with your hands, spread the stray lumps with your fingers.
- When drying in the machine, turn on the minimum temperature setting and blowing air (if any).
- When drying in the open air, the product should be beaten and turned over regularly. Drying a feather pillow usually takes 2 days, synthetic and woolen pillows dry faster.
- If within 2 days the filler has not had time to dry, dry it using a hair dryer.
The pillow is one of the main elements of home bedding, it gives comfort, promotes relaxation, and allows the body to relax.
Any textile product requires care, and here we will look at how to clean feather pillows at home without resorting to expensive dry cleaners.
Despite the fact that today there are many other fillers, feather pillows remain in demand, because they have high wear resistance.
Feather pillow cleaning features
At home, you can’t clean the pen, except by washing. But in no case can a feather pillow be washed entirely, even if it fits easily into the drum of an automatic machine. The feather will gather in lumps, it will not be possible to dry it normally, and the pillow will not regain its former shape and will completely become unusable. The product for cleaning will have to be torn open and the filler removed from it.
So that the apartment does not turn into a chicken coop in a matter of minutes, it is better to open the cover and take out the pen in the bathroom. First you will need to sew a few gauze bags. Another lightweight thin fabric will do. Such bags will be needed for any washing, hand or machine. It is very important that they are sewn well, otherwise all the fluff will fly apart and it will not be possible to collect it.
When the feather gets wet, it becomes several times heavier, so it is better to disband the filler of even one medium pillow into 3-4 bags.
The pillow cover is machine washable or hand washable.
How to wash a feather pillow
The feather is an organic material, it cannot be treated with aggressive detergents with chlorine, bleaches. The best remedy is a special liquid detergent for delicate fabrics and wool. You can also wash the feather product in liquid soap or shampoo. It is better not to use ordinary washing powder.
Handwash
Consider how to wash feather pillows at home by hand.
- Carefully spread the breastplate, remove the feather and place it in the bags prepared in advance.
- Tie the bags carefully, or better, sew them up.
- Fill a basin with warm water (not higher than 40ºC), dilute the detergent in it.
- Dip one bag at a time into the soapy solution and wash the pen thoroughly.
- When you have washed all the bags, run a tub or other container of cold water and rinse all the bags. To rinse the detergent well, you will have to replace the cold water several times.
- At the end, rinse the pen in a solution of fabric softener (optional, but desirable).
- After rinsing, wring out the bags, but in no case twist them.
- Lay the bags out on a dryer or hang them on a line.
On a note!In order for the pen to dry quickly and well, it is better to dry it in the air under the sun. Every hour during drying, it is necessary to shake the feathers in the bags, so they dry out faster.
Washing machine
To clean the feather pillows on your own in the washing machine, the filler is also laid out in small bags that must be securely sealed.
- Load the pen pouches into the drum of the machine.
- Fill the detergent and softener containers.
- Select a program for washing delicate fabrics or wool.
- Set the spin speed to the lowest, otherwise the fluff may deteriorate.
- It is recommended to set a double rinse.
- Start the machine and after the end of the cycle hang the bags to dry.
On a note! Feathers take a long time to dry. You can dry the bags near the heaters, but not too close to them.
When the feathers are dry, carefully place them in a clean pillowcase and sew it up. Clean pillow ready for further use.
The following tips will help extend the life of your pillow and keep it clean longer.
- Every day when you make your bed, lightly fluff your pillow, otherwise the feather will clump.
- Use a double breastplate.
- Change pillowcases every week.
- Do not go to bed with a wet or even slightly damp head. Moisture is absorbed inside otherwise mold can start in the feathers.
- In the summer, periodically take out pillows in the sun, dry for 3-4 hours, then shake well.
- In winter, dry the product by the battery every 2-3 weeks.
- When putting away a pillow for storage, it must be packed in a moisture-proof cover.
Now you know how to clean feather pillows at home and you can do it yourself. It is better to wash the pen in the summer, when it is warm and sunny outside, so that the filler breathes quickly and well. If you follow the rules for caring for the product, then it is enough to clean it once a year. You can give the pillow to dry cleaning, where specialists will do everything for you.
Washing feather pillows is a laborious task, but at the same time quite simple. The main thing is to understand the meaning of the purity of feathers.
And you should clean the feathers regularly, to be more precise - every six months! Yes, you can do this in a dry cleaner, laundry or a special pillow restoration salon, but ... It is much better to organize this process yourself, especially if you have free time and no free money.
Before choosing where to clean pillows, you should understand how they are cleaned in specialized establishments. For example, dry cleaners. And it goes like this:
- Feathers are processed in an organic solvent that effectively removes dirt, dust mites, germs and odors. This is a plus! But there is a minus - the same solvent can damage feathers.
- After cleaning, the feathers are pressed, dried and aired. These processes are also fraught with trouble. So with forced drying, the feathers dry out, and therefore become smaller. So the pillow is thinner.
Feathers are processed in an organic solvent
After cleaning, the feathers are pressed, dried and aired.
All this can be avoided by cleaning the pillow at home. But we have not yet reached home cleaning. First, let's look at the next option, no less popular among urban residents. This is dry cleaning, also called air cleaning, and is done in pillow restoration shops.
Feathers are sent to a special machine, where, with the help of a powerful air stream, they are cleaned of dust, dirt, debris and fluffed up. Simultaneously with this process, the destruction of ticks occurs, which is facilitated by an ultraviolet lamp. Next, clean feathers are distributed over new breastplates and sewn up. As a result, the client receives a lush and soft product. However, the question remains - how effectively was the pen cleaned during this procedure? No one gives a 100% guarantee, because there was no wet treatment, and this makes one doubt the maximum disposal of dirt.
In addition, in order to reduce the cost of the service, the client is offered cheaper and thinner bed covers - made of chintz or satin. After a short time, feathers will begin to climb out of them, while tingling the owner of the pillow during rest or sleep. It's not very pleasant. Yes, and wasteful. Therefore, it is better to choose teak - it is denser.
Now we have come to the answer to the question of how to clean a feather pillow at home? It does not matter why you chose this particular option - because of the doubts about the quality of dry cleaning services, the lack of them within walking distance or the high cost, you have chosen the best option available. Yes, troublesome, but effective and with a 100% guarantee for an effective end result.
It should be noted that the washing itself does not cause any particular inconvenience. It is more difficult to dry the contents of the pillow. And it must be done very, very well. And given the fact that pillows, especially those made at home, contain not only feathers, but also bird fluff, then cleaning should take place in several stages, between which it is necessary to take temporary breaks or intervals.
cleaning should take place in several stages
If the pillow was bought in a store, then the first thing to do is to find out which bird it was made from. This can be found in the information on the label. You can wash only feathers and down of waterfowl! Chicken feathers and down are not washable. It is better to immediately throw the pillows in the trash and not torturing yourself or the product.
Only waterfowl feathers and down can be washed
What is the reason for such categoricalness? In the hygroscopicity of a chicken feather, which absorbs moisture and dries poorly, and after that it instantly turns into dust. Pillows with chicken feathers inside are best taken to a pillow restoration workshop and air-cleaned. However, this is not all the nuances. You should choose the workshop where the disinfection of the filler is carried out by means of an ultraviolet lamp, and not hot steam. It also negatively affects chicken feathers, like water.
Now back to cleaning and washing. Many people ask the question - is it possible to wash not the contents, but the entire pillow? It is possible, but ... The pillow becomes so heavy that it cannot be washed by hand - you have to rip it open and get the contents. Washing in the machine is prohibited. Yes, and such washing will not give the expected results. It will get rid of only part of the dust and dust mites. The rest will only aggravate the situation, as they will contribute to gluing and knocking down feathers into lumps that cannot be broken. The result is a pillow thrown into a landfill.
Machine wash not allowed
How to wash a feather pillow at home effectively? We bring you detailed instructions!
Washing pillows by hand step by step
So, let's start walking on the path to purity:
- The first step to a perfectly clean pillow is making a soapy solution. To do this, you need a basin with warm water, a bar of laundry soap "Soviet hardened", that is - 72%, grated on a coarse grater and a teaspoon of ammonia.
- This is followed by the most bloodthirsty procedure - ripping up the bedclothes. Do not stop, even if you feel terribly sorry for the product, because your grandmother sewed it with her own hands. Just imagine how old he is and how much dirt has accumulated in him during this time. Cut alive - do not regret! Finished? Then send the feathers in small portions to the prepared soap solution. You should not dump all the contents at once, as you risk turning the bathroom into a chicken coop, and there will be only one chicken in it. Joke!
- What's next? You can rest. At least you have two or three hours at your disposal, for which the feathers remain soaked in water.
- After the feathers should be lightly rubbed between the palms and rinsed. In the latter, an ordinary colander or sieve will help you, as well as clean running water from the tap.
- Washed feathers are folded in small portions into gauze bags, which should be sewn in advance, folding the material in several layers.
- The tightly sewn bags with wet contents are placed in the machine and wrung out in a gentle or minimal mode. This procedure can be excluded, but then the fluff will dry much longer and run the risk of stinking.
- Final drying is best done in the sun. It is advisable to choose a well-ventilated place. In the process, shake and turn the bags regularly, at least three times a day. From this point it becomes clear that it is best to clean in the warm season.
- The last stage is washing the bedclothes or preparing a new one, into which the dried contents are folded and tightly sewn up.
The first step to a perfectly clean pillow is making a soapy solution.
This is followed by the most bloodthirsty procedure - ripping up the breastplate
send the feathers in small portions to the prepared soap solution
feathers remain soaked in water
feathers should be lightly rubbed between the palms and rinsed
Washed feathers are folded in small portions into gauze bags.
The tightly sewn bags with wet contents are placed in the machine and wrung out on a gentle or minimum mode.
The last step is washing the bedclothes or preparing a new one.
If you are frightened by the laboriousness of the manual method of washing the pillow, you can try to do it in a washing machine. However, this is possible under one condition - the presence of a special cover, without which there is a risk of rupture of the breastplate due to strong drum revolutions. As a result, you can be left not only without a pillow, but also without a typewriter, since the feather will clog the pump and filter.
gauze should be folded not in two, but in three or four layers
Washing in a washing machine can be done in the same gauze bags, distributing feathers in equal proportions. It should be noted - in a small amount. Important! Bags must be of good quality. To do this, gauze should be folded not in two, but in three or four layers, and then carefully stitched. If the bags break, again, the machine will suffer.
Washing is completed by rinsing and spinning. After that, the bags can be hung on the balcony and periodically shaken and turned over with the other side to the sun. They can also be laid out on a horizontal surface, especially if it is warmed by the sun. Turning and breaking lumps should be regular. The result of all the operations done is stuffing the bedclothes with clean contents and sewing them up with dense threads.
That's all. Clean pillows are guaranteed to you, as well as sweet cloudless dreams. There simply cannot be others, especially after the effort and work expended. Rest fully, with pleasure and health benefits!