How do you machine wash a down pillow?

To machine wash a down pillow, you should use a gentle approach to protect the delicate down filling. Here's a detailed guide:

Preparing Your Down Pillow for Washing

Check for Tears: Before washing, inspect your pillow for any rips or tears. If you find any, repair them to prevent the down from escaping during the wash.
Choose the Right Detergent: Select a mild detergent specifically designed for down, or use a small amount of gentle liquid detergent. Using too much detergent can leave residue, causing clumping.

Load the Washing Machine: Place your down pillow into the washing machine. Avoid overcrowding the machine.
Set the Water Temperature: Use cool or warm water settings. Hot water can damage the down feathers.
Choose a Gentle Cycle: Always use the delicate cycle to protect the down fill from damage.
Detergent Amount: Use only a small amount of detergent to prevent residue.
Extra Rinse and Spin Cycle: Add an extra rinse and spin cycle to remove soap residue and excess water thoroughly, as per information provided.

Low Heat Drying: Place the pillow in the dryer on a low heat setting. Adding a few dryer balls can help keep the down from clumping.
Check and Fluff: During the drying process, periodically remove the pillow to check if it is completely dry. Fluff the pillow by hand to redistribute the down.

Here is a summary of the process in a table format:

Step	Action	Explanation
Preparation	Check for tears, choose mild detergent	Prevents damage and residue.
Washing	Load the machine, use cool/warm water, select delicate cycle, small amount of detergent, extra rinse & spin.	Protects the down, prevents clumping, ensures thorough cleaning.
Drying	Low heat drying, use dryer balls, check and fluff	Prevents heat damage, keeps down from clumping.

By following these steps, you can effectively machine wash your down pillow and keep it fresh and clean.