How Long Should I Keep a Feather Pillow?
Feather pillows can last for at least five or six years if you take care of them properly. Contrary to popular belief, it is really not that hard to protect and clean your feather pillows to ensure they will provide many years of comfort. Here are a few guidelines for protecting and cleaning your feather pillows so they will last as long as possible.
The longevity of a feather pillow will in part depend upon what type of feathers it is stuffed with. A pillow filled with all down will last longer that one with regular duck, goose or chicken feathers. Down feathers are actually shaped like round clusters that are easily fluffed back up into their original shape. Regular feathers tend to lie flat after a while and eventually will not provide a lot of comfort. So, even though down feather pillows are more expensive, you will get your money’s worth in the long run since they will last longer.
To promote longevity, use both a pillow protector and a pillowcase over your feather pillow. This will help keep the natural oils from your skin away from the pillow. And, since the pillow will not get as dirty, you will not need to wash it as often to keep it clean. Wash your feather pillows on the gentle cycle using a front loading machine, if possible. Don’t use too much laundry detergent and if you have time, run them through the rinse cycle a couple times. Make sure that you dry the pillows thoroughly, to avoid any build up of mildew.
A daily fluffing of your pillows will also help them to retain their loft over the years. You could also throw them in the dryer for a few minutes during any humid times of the year to freshen them up and remove any excess moisture. Follow these tips and the manufacturers cleaning guidelines and your feather pillows should last you a long time.