How to wash your goose down pillow
We recommend washing our goose down and feather pillows in a large drum washing machine every 6 to 12 months following the washing instructions below.
Pillows can absorb moisture from body oils and sweat, which may soak into the natural down and feather filling causing it to clump or the casing to stain. Changing your pillowcase regularly will help to prevent this. If you notice any staining or that the loft of your pillow has decreased, then it's time to wash your pillow.
How to care for your goose down pillow
Do:
- Give your goose down pillow a good shake each morning and evening to plump up the down and feather filling.
- Stand your pillow up against the headboard each morning and open the window to allow air to circulate in the filling.
- Make sure your pillowcase is made of a breathable material like 100% cotton or linen as these will allow the down to breathe.
- Change your pillowcase once a week or more often if needed.
- Wash your pillow every 6-12 months and dry carefully.
- Replace your goose down pillow every one to two years for peak support.
Don't:
- Use a tight pillowcase or pillow protector as this will squash and flatten the down filling.
- Use a synthetic or thick pillow protector with our goose down pillows. Synthetic materials prevent air from circulating in the down filling causing it to lose loft.
- Dry clean your goose down pillow as the dry cleaning chemicals could damage the down and feather filling.
See our guide to How often should you change your pillows?
How to wash your goose down pillow:
- Wash your goose down and feather pillow in a large drum washing machine once every 6 to 12 months at 40° using a small amount of non-bio detergent.
- Tumble dry carefully on a low heat setting.
- Shake the down pillow several times during the drying process so that the down filling doesn't stick together and clump.
- Dryer balls like scooms Wool Tumble Dryer Balls or even clean tennis balls will help to keep the down fluffy as it dries.
- Make sure your goose down pillow filling is completely dry before you place it in your pillowcase. (Pillows take longer to dry than a normal clothes load.)
Also in Pillows
How to choose a pillow?
Choose the best pillow by considering the pillow filling, the support the pillow offers, the size and any important accreditations, along with your favoured sleeping position.
The biggest pillow buying mistakes
Our guide to the most common pillow buying mistakes and how you can avoid them. A good pillow is essential for a restful night's sleep and overall well-being.
What size is a standard pillow?
A standard size pillow in the UK is 50cm x 75cm (20” x 30”). Here's the scooms guide to pillow sizes in the UK:
How many pillows should you sleep with?
You should sleep on only one pillow. The right pillow should help your body maintain the ideal sleeping position throughout the night, keeping your head, neck and spine in neutral alignment.
