Down Pillow Smells Like Poop? Trust The Answer

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Did you know that about a third of your life is spent sleeping? That being said, it’s safe to say that having a comfortable and durable pillow is important. Feather pillows are one of the most commonly used types of pillows today. But how long do they last? We searched to find the answer for you.

With proper care, feather pillows can last an estimated 5 to 10 years. However, it is worth noting that due to frequent use over the years, the springs will begin to compress and eventually settle. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the pillows every 12 to 24 months.

If you have allergy issues (particularly dust allergies) that can be made worse by feather pillows, consider replacing the pillow every six months to a year. Read on to learn more about feather pillows and their benefits.

The pros and cons of feather pillows

The popularity of feather pillows has skyrocketed over the past 10 years. And with the inclusion of goose and duck down (the insulating underfeathers of these birds), they have become a mainstay in many homes. One of the biggest advantages of feather pillows, besides their longevity, is their fluffiness and softness.

Although they can have varying degrees of fill (a measure of the pillow’s firmness), most are softer than other pillow fill materials such as memory foam, fiberfill, and even some cotton pillows. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of feather pillows.

advantages

Very durable and at least 20% longer lasting than other pillows that have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years

Can be easily shaped or adjusted for extra support and comfort

Extremely soft and comfortable as a neck pillow

Provide medium support for side and back sleepers

Feathers are light and breathable materials

Has natural insulating properties and can prevent heat retention

Machine washable and easy maintenance requirements

Disadvantages

May cause back pain for stomach sleepers or people who need more support

Must be constantly loosened up and adapted

Can be more expensive than other types of pillows

Quills can puncture pillowcases and cause discomfort

Can cause allergic reactions

New pillows may have a wild smell before washing

The longevity of feather pillows compared to other filling materials

Cotton: Many cotton pillows come with warranties and are known to last anywhere from one to three years.

Memory Foam: Most memory foam pillows typically last between 18 and 36 months.

Microfiber/Polyfill: Polyfill pillows, also known as “synthetic-filled” pillows, can last anywhere from six months to two years.

Water: A relatively new type of pillow, water pillows typically last around 1 to 3 years (most come with warranties).

Latex: Latex pillows can last two to five years.

Buckwheat: A less common option, buckwheat has been known to last well over five years with proper care.

Wool: Natural wool pillows are known to last around one to three years, while synthetic pillows can last one to two years.

Can old feather pillows make you sick?

Feather pillows, like any other type of pillow, can harbor harmful bacteria if used for long periods without washing. However, they are more likely to encourage the reproduction of dust mites than anything else. And while you may not see any signs of buildup on the pillow’s surface, they can become breeding grounds for various types of harmful toxins, mold spores, and bacteria. While some people are allergic to feather pillows in general, feather pillows that have never been cleaned or have been exposed to moisture for a long time can be particularly harmful.

Maintenance tips to reduce the chance of getting sick from a feather pillow:

Wash your feather pillows every 3 months (if they are machine washable).

Change/wash your pillowcases and sheets every week.

Maintain a room humidity of no more than 50% to avoid mold in the pillow.

Be sure to dry your feather pillow thoroughly after washing.

Replace your feather pillow at least once a year, or sooner if the feathers become worn or dirty in any way.

How do you freshen up feather pillows?

Due to frequent use, feather pillows can lose their freshness after a few weeks or months. However, there is a way to freshen up the pillow without taking it to the dry cleaner. Before applying water to your feather pillow, always check the care instructions on the label. Below we’ve outlined a few ways you can refresh your feather pillows in no time.

Machine wash them

Most feather pillows can be thrown in the washing machine. However, it is important to properly balance the washing machine so that the pillows can be thoroughly cleaned. Be sure to only put two regular-size pillows or one king-size pillow in the washing machine at a time. Set the temperature to the “Hot Water” setting and use the “Gentle” program (or “Gentle” program) and add enough detergent for about a quarter of a normal load.

If you have stains that can cause odors, like coffee stains or other soiled areas, be sure to use a stain treatment before tossing them in the washing machine. Also, choose an extra rinse cycle to remove any detergent from the pillows. After washing, you can put them in the dryer or air dry.

Buy Tide Detergent on Amazon.

Throw them in the dryer

You can also freshen up feather pillows by tossing them in the dryer with either a damp cloth or a few damp fabric softener towels. Be sure to set the dryer to either “no heat” or “low heat”. If you have dryer balls, throw them in as well to prevent clumping and fluff up the pillows again.

If the pillows are not suitable for dryer use, you can dry them with a few large body tiles and press firmly to squeeze out excess water (being careful not to twist or wring them). Next, lay them outside or on a flat surface in the laundry room to dry (make sure you turn them over every 30 minutes).

Check out these dryer balls on Amazon.

Hand wash them

If you have a front-loading washing machine, you can also hand wash your feather pillows. To do this, simply fill your bathtub (after cleaning it) with about five to six gallons of water (so the water level is about 8 inches and the pillows are completely submerged) and toss in a small amount of detergent (maybe a quarter Cup). Gently move and knead the pillows with your hands for about five minutes, then let them soak for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Then drain the tub and press the pillows firmly onto the surface of the tub to squeeze out excess water. Next, fill the tub with warm water so that it completely covers the pillows and agitate them again to rinse out the detergent. Finally, toss the pillows with a few dryer balls in the dryer on a “low heat” or “no heat” (or “fine”) for about 15 to 20 minutes.

What can I do with old feather pillows?

Feather pillows can wear out over time, just like any other household item. But there are ways to reuse your feather pillows if you don’t want to throw them away. Let’s look at some of them.

Make pet beds

If you’re handy with a needle and thread, why not make your pet their own bed pillow? Take your old feather pillows, remove the filling, and then use them to make soft and plush pillows for your furry friends. Please note that it is helpful to have a firm support on the bed, e.g. B. a piece of cardboard or a rubber pad to help the pillow bed keep its shape.

Buy rubber sheets on Amazon.

Create body pillows

Body pillows can add great comfort to your sleeping pattern if you are someone who suffers from back or knee pain, or if you are pregnant. To make a body pillow, all you have to do is buy case material, sew it together, and then stuff it with your old feather pillows—and boom, you just saved about $30!

Check out this sewing kit on Amazon.

Re-stuff old toys

You can also use the feathers to re-stuff old toys. If you have stuffed animals around the house that are torn, set them aside and use your old quill filling to refill them. You can also use them to craft whole new toys. We caution against using this for pet toys as it would be pretty messy to clean up once ripped apart.

recycle them

If your feather pillows are free of stains like oil, grease, and blood, you can recycle them. Many textile recycling companies offer drop-off and even collection services for your old fabrics.

Fill in your garden bed

Bird feathers are biodegradable, which means you can also use them to fill your garden bed and save a few extra bucks on compost.

Use for packaging material

Old feather pillows also make great packaging material for shipping fragile items. Why spend money on bubble wrap when you can take some of those old pillows that are stored in the attic and reuse them? The insulating property of the feathers can also help to store household items in the basement or attic during the colder months.

Create draft excluders

Speaking of colder seasons, you can also use the old feathers from your cushions to create effective draft excluders for your doors. Simply stuff the feathers into an old sock, an unused pillowcase (make sure to roll it up) or create your own stopper with some needle and thread. With an average-sized feather pillow, you can create three to four draft excluders to keep your home warm (and save on energy bills). You can also use old tights or leggings as pads (or buy them online for under $5).

Check out these leggings on Amazon.

pack things

Feather pillows can last a long time if properly cleaned and cared for. Looking for more pillow tips and advice? Check out some of our other posts:

How do you clean pillows without a zipper?

3 reasons to add cushions to your accent chairs

How to get the smell out of goose down clothes

Hunker may receive compensation through affiliate links in this story.

This is how you know when your pillow is

Needs to be replaced

When a pillow wears out, it no longer provides the support you need for a restful night’s sleep. Depending on the quality and type of material used to fill the pillow, it may take anywhere from 1 to 10 years or more to replace. Just like your mattress, it’s important to replace your pillows when they reach the end of their lifespan. Here are a few guidelines to help you know when it’s time.

The service life depends on the material and quality

Down and Feather: Because these pillows can be washed regularly (we recommend every 6 months) and the filling is so durable, they can easily last 5-10 years or more.

Synthetic: A good rule of thumb for synthetics is 1-2 years depending on the quality of the materials and usage.

Foam: It is difficult to give a length of time for the lifespan of a foam pillow as it depends on the quality of the foam and usage. These two factors make the foam harder over time. It’s a matter of taste when it’s too hard.

If the pillows are flat or hard, you’re ready for a new one

Down and Feather: Since down and feathers can be washed and dried to rejuvenate and fluff them up, try this first. When your pillow stops fluffing after washing, it’s time to replace the pillow.

Synthetic: Watch out for lumps in an alternative down pillow, this is a sign of a loss of bulk and conformability. With a traditional synthetic pillow, flatness or lumpiness are good indicators. When a synthetic pillow goes flat, it’s time to replace it because the synthetic fibers don’t puff up like natural down and feathers do.

Foam: These pillows become too hard and lose their ability to conform.

If in doubt, the folding test will tell you when the time has come

Do you wash it yourself or pay a professional? Is one way better than the other? No one can agree – some say it’s laundry, others claim it’s dry cleaning.

Most likely, both methods are acceptable, but only if done correctly. Some down comforter manufacturers have strict guidelines that insist that down comforters should be dry cleaned and not machine washed. Therefore, it’s important to check care labels and tags before putting a down comforter in a washing machine. Others claim that improperly dry cleaning the comforter and removing essential oils from the goose down is too easy.

Probably the safest way is to hire a professional cleaner who has experience cleaning. They are listed in telephone books and on the Internet. If there isn’t a local cleaner who can handle a comforter, you can even send it in the mail for cleaning.

Wash yourself

Your down comforter can be dry cleaned, but washing with water and gentle cleaning solutions specifically formulated for down is preferred. This type of mild cleaning solution can be found wherever camping gear and accessories are sold.

One comforter retailer recommends washing them every five years, but only if necessary. Frequent or improper washing can damage the down tufts, stripping them of their natural oils and breaking them. Laundering can also cause your down comforter to shrink by about 3% to 5%.

Others say it’s great that the duvet absorbs sweat and oils from your body. Body oils flatten and eventually ruin the down. This is why your down comforter gets so flat and dirty near the top — it comes from the natural body oils on your face and hands, and should be washed often enough to remove the oils before they create an unpleasant odor. They advocate washing with a mild detergent solution.

On the other hand, buying or making a duvet cover by sewing a few sheets together will prevent dirt and oils from penetrating past the cover, which can be easily and frequently washed.

At home or at the laundromat?

Some people say they have no problem using their own washing machines to wash a comforter, while others say that washing your comforter at home can damage both the comforter and your washer or dryer. These machines are not designed to handle bulky items that become heavy when soaked. It is safest to use a commercial front loading washing machine.

The cleaning process

Check for tears, tears and openings in seams. Weak or torn areas must be repaired before washing, otherwise the weakened or torn area may become worse and you will lose the down filling. Repair tears with a fine needle and matching colored yarn. Close open seams with a simple chain stitch. Spot treat stains before washing. Set the washing machine to delicates and warm water. Allow the washing machine to stir for a minute or two. After the water and mild detergent have been thoroughly mixed, place the down duvet loosely in the washing machine. It is best to use a detergent specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash. Put a clean pair of white canvas tennis shoes, without laces, in the washing machine to help distribute the down evenly. They also help with the washing process. If your washing machine has an additional rinse function, set this setting to the “On” position. If not, simply rinse again before the final spin. If you don’t want to risk damaging your machine, pull out the duvet and gently squeeze the water out of it. Once you’ve extracted most of the water, you can try spinning. After washing, while the down is wet, you can smell a pungent odor. This is natural with all down products and will disappear once the down items are completely dry. Put the quilt in the dryer on the lowest setting along with a pair of clean, white, laceless canvas athletic shoes—or stuff a tennis ball or two in a clean white sock and put it in the dryer with your quilt to seal separate and fluff up the tufts of down as they dry. Make sure the duvet has plenty of room to toss and fluff as it dries. Periodically remove the comforter from the dryer and work out any clumps of down. The entire drying process can take a few hours, but slow drying of the down comforter prevents the cover from getting too hot. Commercial dryers can get very hot and burn your down comforter, so take it out and regularly fluff it while drying and check for overheating. It takes more than 3 hours to dry a down comforter with a large commercial dryer on medium heat. You can complete the process before the duvet is completely dry by hanging it outside to dry in the sun. Be sure to dry the item very thoroughly to avoid mold. Mold can ruin a down comforter, so make sure it’s completely dry before storing it away. Don’t store it in plastic. Instead, wrap it in cotton so it can breathe. Store the comforter in a dry and well-ventilated closet or room when not in use to avoid mold growth. Make sure you don’t put it away for at least a month after cleaning, it might still be damp and moldy inside.

Dry cleaning of a down comforter

If your down comforter isn’t overly dirty, consider using a home dry cleaning kit like Dryel to dry clean your down comforter. These household cleaning products work in the dryer and are said to provide satisfactory results on par with professional dry cleaning. The kits are available in most supermarket car washes. They usually work by placing a special dryer sheet with the dry cleaning liquid in the dryer with the item; the heat of the dryer releases the chemicals.

To ensure your down comforter stays nice and fluffy for years, it’s a good idea not to lie or sit on the comforter. Tufts of down are strong, but if repeatedly crushed, they will eventually break, causing your comforter to lose its ability to retain warmth.

Down and feather pillows are terms that are often used interchangeably. However, they are not one and the same and it is important to know the difference when choosing which pillow to rest your head on each night.

Down pillows are made from feathers taken from the breasts and belly of geese and ducks. These feathers do not contain spines and are valued for their superior softness. Down pillows last longer than feather pillows and do not compact as easily.

Feather pillows are a cheaper alternative to down. Feathers from the backs and wings of ducks and geese are used as fill, and are usually mixed with some down to add extra softness. These feathers contain spikes, so over time you might find the occasional feather puncture. Go ahead and pull it out – it’s very satisfying.

Down products are easy to clean, which is good news for fans of the luxury pillows made from it. They’re so easy to clean and maintain, which adds to the many reasons we love down comforters so much. This natural pillow filling is not only great for the plush, soft support it provides, but also for being super easy to care for.

The best and easiest thing to know about learning how to clean down pillows is that they can be cleaned right in your washing machine, making it so easy and quick.

How to wash down pillows and feather pillows

Can you wash a down pillow? Peacock Alley luxury bedding experts hear this question often. And the answer is – yes! Washing your luxury pillows actually revitalizes them and can restore them to their original fluffiness. Because most down and feather pillows fit in a regular household washing machine, caring for them is a breeze. Here’s how:

Remove Covers – Before washing your down pillows, be sure to remove any pillowcases or covers they may have.

Check Pillows – Check your feather pillows for any obvious rips or tears that could cause the feather filling to escape during the wash cycle. Before washing, mend them with a needle and thread.

Balance Things – When washing down pillows, it’s important to wash two pillows at a time as this will help balance the wash tub and allow for better performance. Be sure to load the pillows vertically so they don’t get disturbed by the agitator in the washing machine. Front-loading, non-agitator washers work best, but any washer will work as long as the pillows fit properly.

Best Gentle – When washing down pillows, choose a low-sudsing detergent to avoid soap scum and clumping of the feathers. Also, be sure to use less detergent than usual and set your washing machine on the gentle cycle to protect the feather filling.

Water Temperature – While hot water is best for killing dust mites that may live in your down pillows, it can also damage the feathers. If this is a problem, use warm or cold water when washing the pillows instead.

Rinse and repeat – It’s a good idea to use an extra rinse and spin cycle when washing pillows. This will remove excess moisture and soap residue on the feather filling.

Can you dry a feather or down pillow in the dryer?

Yes! Easy to care for, feather or goose down pillows can be tumble dried and become gorgeous with a few simple tips.

Remove excess water from down pillows by placing the pillow between two towels and pressing on it. This will force the water out of the pillow, which will be soaked up by the towels. Be careful not to twist or wring the pillows as this can damage the down feathers.

Place the feather pillows in the dryer and use a gentle cycle such as the low heat or no heat setting. While the no-heat setting can take several cycles to get the job done, it’s the safest way to dry feather pillows. If you choose the low temperature setting for faster drying, be careful, even this seemingly harmless setting can damage the feather filling.

Check pillows often and remove them from the dryer to fluff them up between cycles. Beating the pillows will help break up any clumps of down inside and allow for better drying.

Using dryer balls when washing pillows is a great idea. It helps keep the pillows fluffy.

After drying, fluff the feather pillows and massage any clumps to remove them. Hold the down pillow by the corners and also shake it to remove clumps of feathers.

How to refresh a down pillow

Between washes, it’s a good idea to refresh down and feather pillows. Simply put your down pillows in the dryer with a damp washcloth, three dryer balls, and your favorite fabric softener sheet. Tumble dry on low heat for 15-20 minutes for fluffy and refreshed pillows for your bedroom.

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How to wash feather pillows and other pillow care instructions.

by David Smith

The first and most important answer is, YOU DON’T. You should NOT wash your feather pillow unless it is an emergency.

CONTENTS:

If your pillow “smells” when you receive it, EMAIL us IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT wash your pillow with the expectation that this will fix the problem. Email [email protected] so we can help.

Only in emergencies! Otherwise don’t do it.

As a designer and manufacturer of luxury down bedding, I am amazed at how many videos there are on how to wash a feather pillow. The venerable Martha Stewart also wrote a “how to” about it. If she knew what we know about feathers and what happens in a pillow case with prolonged use, she wouldn’t recommend washing your pillow. In fact, before washing a feather pillow, she would recommend that you throw it away after a period of continued use.

Let’s say you just bought a brand new feather pillow. Finally, after months of searching, you’ve found what you’re hoping will be the answer to all your pillow needs. Its magical. It solves your neck problems and fits perfectly in all those little nooks and crannies of your shoulder and neck that have been bothering you for years.

Maybe you bought a second feather pillow for your husband after the first feather pillow solved so many of your neck problems, thinking it might help stop your husband from snoring. This happens all the time.

But then the unspeakable happens. The cat urinates on the pillow. You’ve had it less than a month. What can you do? By the way, this is considered an emergency.

If your cat pees on your pillow, wash it and do it quickly.

1. Take the pillow out of the pillowcase and protector

2. Put the pillow in the washing machine, but do not use detergent

3. Set the washing machine to “delicate cycle” or “delicate cycle”.

4. Then put in the dryer on low heat

5. Put a bath towel in the dryer

6. Listen for the end of the drying cycle

7. Immediately start a second drying cycle

8. Make sure the pillow is completely dry

Feathers are pretty incredible. Nature created the feather to perform many functions, one of which is to keep the water away from the tufts of down, which actually trap the air and keep the bird from freezing to death during the cold winter months. So nature added just a touch of natural oils to help the feathers drain water to keep the bird dry.

However, if you only wash your feather pillow with detergent a few times a year, repeated washing will remove this microscopic oil. Removing the natural oils from the feathers makes them brittle and more likely to break while you sleep. When brittle springs break, they tend to be very sharp, increasing the number of springs you will bump.

All in all, please do not wash your feather pillow with detergent. You should only wash your pillow if it is an “emergency”. And if you need to wash it, just wash it with water and no detergent.

The exception to this rule is My Green Fills, which are specifically designed to take care of pillows without adding unnecessary chemicals and without destroying the pillow’s integrity. AT LAST!

Something can go wrong during drying. You cannot overdry your pillow. But if you don’t get the pillow completely dry, that is, to the core and not just “to the touch,” it will mold and mildew and ruin it.

How do you know when it’s dry?

You will not. You just have to trust that two (2) maybe (3) fifty minute dry cycles will do.

How do you know if it hasn’t dried completely?

It smells very quickly of mold and mold stains.

Before drying the pillow…

* Is the pillow as dry as it could be after just spinning dry?

* Now check the pillow for loose threads.

* Check the labels to see how well they’ve held up through the wash.

Let’s dry the pillow.

* Set your dryer to low heat.

* If you have a bath towel, put that in the dryer as well. (tennis balls do not work)

* Listen for the end of the drying cycle. (This is where things go horribly wrong!)

NOTE: The pillow will NOT be completely dry after the first drying cycle. You have to understand that. Assume it is NOT DRY after the first cycle and start the second drying cycle IMMEDIATELY. If you don’t IMMEDIATELY start another cycle and leave the pillow “wet” in the dryer, it will mold and mildew and ruin the pillow.

There are three (3) things that will destroy a pillow aside from cat pee, two of which you can deal with.

1) The first is compression. Compression cycles are what we would call you “sleeping” on the pillow. Obviously, since you bought the pillow to sleep on, this problem is difficult to deal with. But the next two can be handled with a simple pillow protector and pillowcase.

2) Body Oil, everyone is different and everyone has different body chemistry. Some of us have oily hair while some of us have dry hair and oily scalps. In any case, these oils can leach into the pillowcase over time if not handled properly.

3) moisture. If you’re a night bather and don’t dry your hair completely, the moisture from your hair will eventually contribute to soiling your pillow and eventually get to the feathers as well.

Great, what do you recommend?

1) Always use a pillow protector (protectors have zippers)

2) Always use a pillowcase.

3) Night bathers, make sure your hair is completely dry before you do it and maybe wait until morning to apply all your lotions and moisturizers.

As for the oils from your skin and hair, your best defense is the previously recommended pillow protectors and pillowcases.

Feather pillows like to be fluffed up. Not necessarily in a dryer, but by hand as part of your nightly ritual. Once compressed, feather pillows typically do not return to their pillow shape. However, fluffing your pillow can help reorganize the feathers in the pillow so it offers more support after returning to bed.

How often should I replace my feather pillow?

Technically if it is no longer supported. When it no longer provides the support you need to keep you comfortable while you sleep, or when you wake up with a neck pain or discomfort, it may be time to replace your feather pillow.

How long should my feather pillow last?

Assuming you don’t wash it unnecessarily, it should last 7 – 10 years, but your mileage may vary. If you’re a pillow wiper or pillow folder, your pillow won’t last as long. As you fold and crumple your pillow, the stem of the feather breaks into smaller and smaller “bits” that are sharp and can increase the number of times you get bitten by your pillow.

Walking into a Bed Bath & and Beyond expecting to find the perfect pillow is a more daunting task than you might realize. First of all, with the exception of one or two branded indicators, almost every pillow looks the same at face value. And secondly, how do you know that the pillow you are looking at is made from natural, organic or non-toxic ingredients?

Every day you encounter irritants that can damage your lungs. Some are obvious, like dust mites, smoking, or car exhaust. But did you know that even the linens in your home can seriously affect your breathing?

Advertising Policy The Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit, academic medical center. Advertising on our website supports our mission. We do not endorse any non-Cleveland Clinic product or service. politics

Feather bed lung is an inflammatory reaction to goose or duck feathers in bedding. It is a form of lung disease called hypersensitivity pneumonitis and is one of many diseases that fall under the heading of interstitial lung disease.

Feather bed lung is your body’s response to long-term exposure to environmental irritants in bedding, such as: B. Feathers that create an inflammatory response in your lungs. In response, tiny air sacs in your lungs become inflamed. If you’re having symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain — and you’re sleeping with down comforters — it’s important to work with your doctor to identify all possible causes. Your bedding could be to blame.

Bedding may seem like an unlikely culprit for your breathing problems, but lung specialist Daniel Culver, DO, says otherwise.

“We never cease to be amazed by some of the things in some people’s environment that cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis,” he says. Feather bed lung is a type of larger disease called bird breeder’s lung, one of the most common forms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Attention bird keepers: feathers and droppings can also cause pneumonia. Arts and crafts materials, such as feathers, can also cause irritation.

“Diagnosing featherbed lung is challenging and interesting, and every patient has the potential to throw you a curveball,” says Dr. culver.

Reduce your risk

Since you spend almost a third of your life in your bed, it’s important to keep your linens irritation-free. Reactions to bedding containing goose or other feathers are a common source of feather bedding, hence the name! When you react to bedding like down bedding, sometimes the best way to address the issue is with a few simple lifestyle changes.

Get checked out by a doctor. If you suspect you’re reacting to down bedding, Dr. Culver an examination by a doctor. “Before you set up your favorite down pillow, you should see a pulmonologist first,” he explains. “If you are diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, I would consider alternative beds.” If you have to give up, don’t worry. There are many down alternatives that offer just as much warmth and comfort without being irritating.

If you suspect you’re reacting to down bedding, Dr. Culver an examination by a doctor. “Before you set up your favorite down pillow, you should see a pulmonologist first,” he explains. “If you are diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, I would consider alternative beds.” If you have to give up, don’t worry. There are many down alternatives that offer just as much warmth and comfort without being irritating. do your laundry Wash all bedding, including blankets, sheets, and comforters, in hot water once a week. This will kill any allergens like dust mites that can irritate your respiratory system.

There are no hard and fast rules for determining your risk of feather bed lung disease, says Dr. culver. Many factors play a role, from the intensity of exposure to the amount of time you live with feathery irritants. You can also live with an irritant for some time before the condition actually develops.

Ultimately, most interstitial lung diseases are rare, says Dr. culver.

“A lot comes down to genetics and having the right environmental irritants to cause the problems.” says dr culver.

For throw pillows or even bed pillows that are stored in a dusty area without a pillowcase, regular dry cleaning methods will help keep them dust-free. Over time, a pillow that hasn’t been dusted or vacuumed will look and smell like it’s dirty and the dust will be harder to remove. According to ​Good Housekeeping​, you can vacuum the pillows with an upholstery brush attachment, or use a crevice tool to get into corners and creases, such as under the hood. B. along piping or decorative strips. A lint roller picks up pet hair and small, loose fabric fibers. Wearing a rubber glove, wipe the pillow with your gloved hand to ball it up and remove pet hair without a lint roller.

Do you wash it yourself or pay a professional? Is one way better than the other? No one can agree – some say it’s laundry, others claim it’s dry cleaning.

Most likely, both methods are acceptable, but only if done correctly. Some down comforter manufacturers have strict guidelines that insist that down comforters should be dry cleaned and not machine washed. Therefore, it’s important to check care labels and tags before putting a down comforter in a washing machine. Others claim that improperly dry cleaning the comforter and removing essential oils from the goose down is too easy.

Probably the safest way is to hire a professional cleaner who has experience cleaning. They are listed in telephone books and on the Internet. If there isn’t a local cleaner who can handle a comforter, you can even send it in the mail for cleaning.

Wash yourself

Your down comforter can be dry cleaned, but washing with water and gentle cleaning solutions specifically formulated for down is preferred. This type of mild cleaning solution can be found wherever camping gear and accessories are sold.

One comforter retailer recommends washing them every five years, but only if necessary. Frequent or improper washing can damage the down tufts, stripping them of their natural oils and breaking them. Laundering can also cause your down comforter to shrink by about 3% to 5%.

Others say it’s great that the duvet absorbs sweat and oils from your body. Body oils flatten and eventually ruin the down. This is why your down comforter gets so flat and dirty near the top — it comes from the natural body oils on your face and hands, and should be washed often enough to remove the oils before they create an unpleasant odor. They advocate washing with a mild detergent solution.

On the other hand, buying or making a duvet cover by sewing a few sheets together will prevent dirt and oils from penetrating past the cover, which can be easily and frequently washed.

At home or at the laundromat?

Some people say they have no problem using their own washing machines to wash a comforter, while others say that washing your comforter at home can damage both the comforter and your washer or dryer. These machines are not designed to handle bulky items that become heavy when soaked. It is safest to use a commercial front loading washing machine.

The cleaning process

Check for tears, tears and openings in seams. Weak or torn areas must be repaired before washing, otherwise the weakened or torn area may become worse and you will lose the down filling. Repair tears with a fine needle and matching colored yarn. Close open seams with a simple chain stitch. Spot treat stains before washing. Set the washing machine to delicates and warm water. Allow the washing machine to stir for a minute or two. After the water and mild detergent have been thoroughly mixed, place the down duvet loosely in the washing machine. It is best to use a detergent specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash. Put a clean pair of white canvas tennis shoes, without laces, in the washing machine to help distribute the down evenly. They also help with the washing process. If your washing machine has an additional rinse function, set this setting to the “On” position. If not, simply rinse again before the final spin. If you don’t want to risk damaging your machine, pull out the duvet and gently squeeze the water out of it. Once you’ve extracted most of the water, you can try spinning. After washing, while the down is wet, you can smell a pungent odor. This is natural with all down products and will disappear once the down items are completely dry. Put the quilt in the dryer on the lowest setting along with a pair of clean, white, laceless canvas athletic shoes—or stuff a tennis ball or two in a clean white sock and put it in the dryer with your quilt to seal separate and fluff up the tufts of down as they dry. Make sure the duvet has plenty of room to toss and fluff as it dries. Periodically remove the comforter from the dryer and work out any clumps of down. The entire drying process can take a few hours, but slow drying of the down comforter prevents the cover from getting too hot. Commercial dryers can get very hot and burn your down comforter, so take it out and regularly fluff it while drying and check for overheating. It takes more than 3 hours to dry a down comforter with a large commercial dryer on medium heat. You can complete the process before the duvet is completely dry by hanging it outside to dry in the sun. Be sure to dry the item very thoroughly to avoid mold. Mold can ruin a down comforter, so make sure it’s completely dry before storing it away. Don’t store it in plastic. Instead, wrap it in cotton so it can breathe. Store the comforter in a dry and well-ventilated closet or room when not in use to avoid mold growth. Make sure you don’t put it away for at least a month after cleaning, it might still be damp and moldy inside.

Dry cleaning of a down comforter

If your down comforter isn’t overly dirty, consider using a home dry cleaning kit like Dryel to dry clean your down comforter. These household cleaning products work in the dryer and are said to provide satisfactory results on par with professional dry cleaning. The kits are available in most supermarket car washes. They usually work by placing a special dryer sheet with the dry cleaning liquid in the dryer with the item; the heat of the dryer releases the chemicals.

To ensure your down comforter stays nice and fluffy for years, it’s a good idea not to lie or sit on the comforter. Tufts of down are strong, but if repeatedly crushed, they will eventually break, causing your comforter to lose its ability to retain warmth.