Why does my feather pillow smell after I've washed it?

Question

I keep airing it in case it's damp but it's not helping, any ideas?

Answer 1

Duck and goose down pillows can be washed without any problem. I do it all the time with mine. The trick rests in properly drying the pillow. Put it in a tumble drier (on a low setting) and toss a tennis ball in with it. The tennis ball will help keep the feathers moving within the case, separating them as the pillow tumbles about in the drier. It's a rather noisy process with the tennis ball bouncing around in the dryer but it definitely works a treat. My Danish grandmother taught me this trick, so it's tried and tested over several generations.

Answer 2

You could try to wash the pillow againg (without using fabric softener!), and then tumble-dry it at a low temperature until it's completely dry.
It probably smells now, because it dried too slowly - it's very hard to get the pillow dry just by hanging it to dry because the feathers tend to cling together.

Answer 3

I had a goose feather quilt that i washed and it stank afterwards. The smell will always be there now , throw your pillow out i had to bin my quilt !

Answer 4

I dont think your supposed to wash a feather pillow...get a new pillow....probably has mildew.

Answer 5

How old is the pillow?
Are you washing it as per manufacturers instructions?
Buy a new one if it's getting old

Answer 6

i dont think you should wash a feather pillow

Answer 7

Have you let it dry properly might still have some dampness in it.

Answer 8

it is possible that they are duck feathers and they shouldnt be washed try having them dry cleaned

Answer 9

Get a new pillow, if it has mold spores in it now, you'll just get unwell.

Answer 10

Its smell heat or fat .