How to Strip Feather Pillows: A Complete Guide to Deep Cleaning

Feather pillows offer unmatched comfort and support, but over time they tend to trap sweat, oils, and even soap residue that regular washes can’t fully eliminate.

If your feather pillows are looking yellowed, feeling flat, or carrying a persistent odor, it’s time for a refresh. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to strip feather pillows properly—without damaging the fill—so you can breathe easier and sleep better.

Can You Strip Feather Pillows?

Yes, feather pillows can be stripped—but with extra care. Unlike synthetic pillows, feather fill is delicate and prone to clumping or damage when exposed to high heat or aggressive agitation.

When to Strip Feather Pillows:

• After several months of regular use

• If they feel heavy, flattened, or musty

• When allergy symptoms increase

• After illness or seasonal changes

Stripping Benefits for Feather Fill:

• Removes body oils and sweat from the core

• Flushes out detergent and fabric softener residue

• Restores loft and bounce

• Reduces allergens like dust mites and dander

How to Strip Feather Pillows

Feather pillows require a gentler approach. Whether you’re using a traditional soak method or a natural solution, the process focuses on deep-cleaning without overhandling the delicate feathers.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/4 cup borax

• 1/4 cup washing soda

• 1/2 cup free-and-clear liquid laundry detergent

• Clean bathtub or large plastic tote

• Hot water (not boiling)

Instructions:

1. Fill your bathtub (or large bin) with hot water—enough to fully cover your pillows.

2. Add borax, washing soda, and detergent. Stir until fully dissolved.

3. Submerge one or two feather pillows completely.

4. Soak for 4–6 hours, flipping halfway through.

5. Agitate gently every hour by pressing the pillows lightly under the water.

6. Drain the water and rinse the pillows thoroughly.

7. Place the pillows in a washing machine for a cold rinse and gentle spin cycle.

8. Dry on low or no heat with dryer balls, and stop frequently to fluff.

We stripped our feather pillows last spring before guests came to stay—and the transformation was incredible. Paired with our Puffy Cloud Mattress, the entire room felt like it belonged in a high-end hotel: fresh, clean, and ready for deep sleep.

How to Strip Feather Pillows Without Borax

If you’d rather avoid borax, here’s an effective alternative that’s gentler but still powerful.

Borax-Free Pillow Stripping Mix:

• 1/2 cup baking soda

• 1/2 cup washing soda

• 1/2 cup fragrance-free laundry detergent

Borax-Free Steps:

1. Add hot water to your bin and dissolve all ingredients.

2. Add pillows and press down to soak fully.

3. Let soak for 4–5 hours, flipping and gently pressing halfway through.

4. Rinse and spin as usual.

5. Dry on low with dryer balls, pausing to fluff every 30 minutes.

We use this method on our older feather pillows that have been through a lot—especially after winter colds or when the pets sneak onto the bed. With the Puffy Lux Mattress underneath, it’s a clean-sleep reset that makes everything feel fresh again.

How Long to Strip Feather Pillows

Tips for Timing:

• Plan a day when you can monitor progress.

• If short on time, a 3-hour soak can still yield results.

• Always prioritize thorough drying to prevent feather clumping.

How Often Should You Strip Feather Pillows?

• Every 4–6 months for most households

• Monthly if you deal with allergies or night sweats

• Anytime pillows develop noticeable odors

Drying Feather Pillows the Right Way

Drying is just as important as the strip itself:

• Use low heat only to avoid feather damage

• Include dryer balls or clean tennis balls to fluff evenly

• Stop every 30–40 minutes to fluff and flip

• Finish air drying near a fan if feathers feel damp in the core

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to strip feather pillows helps you maintain a fresher, healthier sleep space year-round.

From restoring loft to eliminating allergens, this deep-cleaning process is well worth the effort—especially when your bedding is a sanctuary.

Whether you opt for a borax-based soak or go natural with baking soda, just remember to treat feather fill gently and dry thoroughly.