Due to the high cost of feather/down pillows, which some people prefer because they can "punch" them into shape, there has been a resurgence of renovation of old feather pillows and even old feather beds. If old and badly soiled, feathers can be removed from ticking and washed separately in a pillowcase with open end sewed shut.

Some drycleaners or commercial laundries have purchased machines which will clean old feather pillows and remove broken bits of feather and dust; they will put the clean feather into new ticking. It may take up to 4 old feather/down pillows to make 3 new clean, fluffy ones. Check locally to see if this special service is available. It will give you better results than trying to wash and restore old feather yourself.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus with references from Mary Ellen Delsipee and Isabel Jones, previous Extension Specialists.



MSU 2003