by Quick answer: Wash two down pillows at once on a gentle, cool-to-warm cycle with a small amount of mild, low-sudsing detergent and an extra rinse. Then dry on low or no heat with clean dryer balls or tennis balls, and make sure they're completely dry before use.
By the MattressNut editorial team · Updated June 2026
Washing Down Pillows Explained
Good news: down and feather pillows are machine-washable, and washing actually reinvigorates them and restores fluffiness. The whole process works as long as you use a gentle cycle, little detergent, and dry them thoroughly. Aim to wash down pillows at least once a year to clear out dust mites, sweat, and oils.
One caution: this applies to down and feather fill only. Memory foam pillows should never go in a washing machine.
Step by Step
- Check the care label. Manufacturer instructions always take priority over general advice.
- Remove covers and inspect. Take off pillowcases and protectors, and check for rips or tears that could leak feathers. Repair any with a needle and thread first.
- Wash two at a time. Two pillows balance the washer tub. If you only have one, add a towel or blanket to balance the load.
- Use the right machine. Front-loaders without agitators are ideal. In a top-loader with an agitator, stand the pillows vertically to reduce damage.
- Add a little mild detergent. Use a small amount of low-sudsing detergent to avoid residue and clumping.
- Select delicate and cool/warm water. Hot water can damage feathers, so use warm or cool on the gentle cycle.
- Run an extra rinse and spin. This removes leftover soap and excess water.
Drying: The Critical Part
Drying thoroughly matters most, because trapped moisture causes mold and a musty smell. Dry down and feather pillows on no heat or low heat (an air-fluff setting is safest), and toss in a few clean dryer balls or tennis balls to break up clumps. Fluff between cycles. Run multiple cycles if needed, or finish on a clothesline, and don't use them until they're fully dry.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Never wring down pillows by hand to squeeze out water, as it can damage the fill. Skip regular bleach too; down can't take it, though a color-safe bleach is okay if you need extra brightening. And resist overloading on detergent, which is the most common cause of stiff, clumpy results.
The Saatva Angle
Even well-washed down pillows lose loft eventually. If folding a pillow in half and releasing it doesn't spring back, the fill is spent and it's time to replace it rather than keep rewashing. Clean bedding pairs best with a clean, supportive sleep setup overall, mattress and pillows alike.
Bottom Line
Down pillows clean up beautifully in the machine: two at a time, gentle cycle, mild detergent, extra rinse, then a thorough low-heat dry with dryer balls. Get them fully dry and they'll come out fluffier than before.
Bottom line: Machine-wash down pillows two at a time on gentle with mild detergent, then dry fully on low heat with dryer balls to restore loft.
Related: our full Saatva mattress review.