Are you struggling with an unpleasant odor coming from your beloved goose down pillow? Whether it's feather pillows or down pillows, some goose down pillows can emit a stinging smell when you open them from the package. Yes, I know that feeling—it's sort of a musty/pungent scent that would suffocate me. But worry not! We've got you covered with effective solutions to banish that unwanted smell. In this guide, we'll explore easy methods to refresh your pillow and bring back its freshness.
Why Does a Down Pillow Smell Bad?
If you notice the awful smell starts from the beginning, even though you may love how it looks or feels (that’s why you bought it in the first place), it sometimes means it's normal. Why? New down pillows may have a distinct odor due to the cleaning and treatment processes. For example, during the manufacturing process, down feathers may be treated with chemicals to remove impurities and enhance their fluffiness. That’s why we always carefully deal with our down feathers and cherry-pick the best down.
Another factor is the ratio of feathers to down. The more feathers there are, the stronger the smell. We always use 90% to 95% of the best-selected goose down in our pillows, and that’s why our clients love our pillows and never complain about this smell. So, next time when you buy a pillow, check their feather and down ratio.
Check out Dreamvelvet's goose down pillows, top notch goose down for your sleep!
For most goose down pillows, the smell goes away within a few days. This odor is natural and is the scent of wet down.
Is there any way to remove the smell quickly?
You can speed up the process by allowing the pillow to air out in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors if the weather permits. If the odor persists or is particularly strong, you might try using odor absorbers like baking soda or activated charcoal, or simply give the pillow more time to air out.
If the smell cannot be removed even after you have washed it, then you probably need to consider returning it, as this may indicate poor quality. No pillow should smell like that even after you’ve tried cleaning it. A good goose down pillow can have a certain smell, but it should dissipate after you've aired it out.
However, goose down pillows can sometimes develop unpleasant smells due to various reasons, such as prolonged use, moisture buildup, or exposure to external elements.
Let’s find out some practical tips on how to remove the unpleasant smell from your goose down pillow.
Why Do Goose Down Pillows Stink After Cleaning?
New goose down pillows are recommended to be washed before using, but you need to pay attention to the cleaning process. Some may find that the goose down pillows still stink like a “wet dog” and, even after drying them for hours, they remain smelly.
Why does this happen?
This is due to improper cleaning methods. If you put them in the dryer, make sure they are dried thoroughly, and don’t take them out prematurely. Always use dryer balls, or tennis balls, to ensure the down in the pillows is fully dried.
Now let’s check out our 8 practical tips on how to refresh your goose down pillows.
8 Tips on Refreshing Your Goose Down Pillow
1. Sunlight and Fresh Air
One of the simplest and most effective ways to remove odors from your goose down pillow is to expose it to sunlight and fresh air. Find a sunny spot in your home or outdoors and lay the pillow flat for a few hours.
The sunlight helps to kill bacteria and mold while the fresh air aids in eliminating trapped odors. It is often suggested for newly bought down pillows. As we discussed earlier, new goose down pillows can have a special smell due to the manufacturing or packaging process. Sunlight and fresh air help a lot. However, don’t always put your down pillows in the sun, as this may ultimately damage your pillow and cause them to turn yellow.
2. Baking Soda
If the sunlight doesn’t work, try baking soda. Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to absorbing odors.
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface of your pillow and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
Then, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove the baking soda.
This method helps neutralize odors and leaves your pillow smelling fresh.
3. Essential Oils
Harness the natural scent-eliminating properties of essential oils to freshen up your goose down pillow.
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or tea tree oil, to a small spray bottle filled with water.
Lightly mist the pillow with the solution and allow it to air dry.
Not only will this method eliminate odors, but it will also impart a pleasant fragrance to your pillow even enhancing your sleep.
4. Fluff and Beat
Give your pillow a good fluffing and beating to help dislodge any trapped odors and restore its loftiness.
Take your pillow outdoors and gently shake it to loosen up the down clusters.
Then, use your hands or a pillow fluffer to fluff the pillow and distribute the down evenly.
This method improves airflow within the pillow, preventing musty odors from lingering. However, it works better with our first tip. And always remember, you need to fluff and beat your goose down pillow regularly, maybe once a month or more, depending on the quality of the pillow. To maintain the softness and fluffy state, we usually tell our customers to fluff our pillows every month.
5. Wash and Dry
One of the most effective ways to remove the down feather smell is by washing your pillows. Nowadays you can machine wash most down pillows.
Use hot water and mild detergent to thoroughly clean them, ensuring all odors are washed away.
But always avoid using fabric softener or bleach, as they can damage the fibers and affect the quality of your bedding.
Then put your wet pillows into dryer. Here keep in mind, don’t keep your pillows wet for too long. Always quickly put the pillows in dryer and use dryer balls or tennis balls to ensure they are dried evenly.
6. Use a Steamer
Another method to combat the smell of down feathers is by using a steamer. Choose a steam cleaner with high heat, low noise, and strong suction power. Then steam your feather or down pillows to eliminate odors effectively.
Steam can help to kill bacteria and mold spores that may reduce the unpleasant odor. The high temperature of the steam can penetrate into the feathers and fabric, effectively sanitizing the pillow. Also sometimes the smell can come from moisture, or some pets like cat or dog smell, making the pillows stink. This can be alleviated by using your steamer. simply hold the steamer nozzle a few inches away from the pillow and steam the entire surface evenly. Remember, allow the pillow to air dry completely before using it again.
7. Store Down Feather in a Dry Place
After washing and drying your down feathers, store them in a dry, dark place to maintain their loftiness and prevent them from developing odors.
Use an airtight container or plastic bag to protect them from sunlight and humidity, which can flatten the feathers and compromise their quality over time.
Extra tips for preventing down pillows from odor
1. Use a Pillow Protector
Get a pillow protector made of breathable, moisture-resistant material like cotton or polyester. This thin layer acts as a barrier between your pillow and potential sources of odor, such as sweat, body oils, and spills. Pillow protectors are easy to remove and machine washable, making them an effective way to keep your pillow fresh and clean. Simply slip the protector over your pillow before adding your pillowcase for an extra layer of defense against odors. And we strongly suggest to do so especially for some pet owners. You never know how your pets would do to your pillows.
2. Regularly Air Out Your Pillow
Allow your down pillow to breathe by airing it out regularly. Every morning, fluff up your pillow and place it in a well-ventilated area, such as near an open window or on a balcony, for a few hours. This allows any trapped odors to dissipate and helps to maintain the freshness of your pillow. Additionally, consider rotating and flipping your pillow occasionally to ensure even airflow and prevent the buildup of odors in specific areas.
3. Vacuum Your Pillows
Use a handheld vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently vacuum your pillows on a regular basis. This helps to remove dust, dirt, and debris that can accumulate on the surface of your pillows and contribute to odors. Pay special attention to seams and crevices where dirt and dust may be hiding. Vacuuming your pillows once a month or as needed can help to keep them clean and fresh between washings. Additionally, consider using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and ensure thorough cleaning. This also prevent your pillow from getting odor in the future!
Conclusion
By following these simple yet effective methods, you can say goodbye to unpleasant odors in your feather bedding and enjoy a fresh and comfortable sleep environment.
Regular washing, steaming, and proper storage will help preserve the quality of your bedding and ensure a restful night's sleep for years to come. However, if you want to avoid these troubles in the first place, then get yourself a good and quality down pillow! You can always rely on our best goose down pillows as these are all made from our own factory and the goose down from our own farm. That’s why we can offer you the best quality down pillow at affordable prices!