Pillows and duvets: how to take care of goose feathers and down
Real goose down is incredibly comfortable and warm, opening the door to a whole new world of softness. Here’s how to protect your pillows and duvets when washing them.
On colder days, there is truly nothing better than feeling cosy, safe and warm. Goose down will beckon you into a surprising realm of softness. Whether it be pillows or duvets, you’re probably in need of a few tips on how to spot good-quality goose down, and how to take care of it.
Goose down, natural comfort
Opting for real goose down means opting for quality. Goose down and feathers are subject to strict checks and certifications regarding animal cruelty and origin. The first thing you need to know is the difference between feathers and down.
Goose down is more valuable because it’s taken from the layer of feathers closest to the goose’s skin. Down allows geese to survive in a range of temperatures and has a natural insulating effect. Feathers are composed of a stem and several filaments. In order to spot high-quality goose down, look at the label to check the percentages of down and feathers.
Make sure you also check the filling power (i.e., the ratio between the filling’s weight and volume). The higher the ratio, the better the quality. A goose down duvet will guarantee you a more restful night’s sleep because it is hypoallergenic and breathable.
How to wash goose down
When it comes to washing your precious duvet, the key word is delicacy. Your washing machine will need a fairly big drum (10kg) to wash a goose down or feather duvet. Use a mild detergent to prevent fabrics from getting damaged, along with a delicate wash setting (temperature of 30/40°).
If your duvet is white, you can pre-treat it with bleach, but make sure to check the label first. To remove any soapy residues, you will need to put it through at least two rinse cycles. The SuperDrum washer-dryer by Haier boasts both practicality and high performance. In fact, it has a 601mm diameter basket (the largest on the market), a wash capacity of up to 10kg, a drying capacity of up to 6kg, and antibacterial properties (ABT®) that protect areas of the appliance most at risk of mould and bacteria.
Here are a few tips on how to wash your goose down pillows in the washing machine:
- Check for tears in the pillowcase
- Avoid placing just one pillow in the drum. Instead, try washing two to guarantee a more uniform wash.
- Use a mild detergent
- Set the temperature to a maximum of 30°C and start a gentle cycle with a double rinse phase.
Remember that sanitising bedding and pillows is very important. Thanks to recent innovations, our washing is sanitised to help protect our homes from germs, bacteria and allergens.
How to plump up goose down after washing
How do you return goose down to its original state after washing? To dry goose down jackets, set your dryer to a low temperature. Avoid putting other clothes in the drum. Choose a short cycle so that you can monitor the effect on the feathers.
You can also put special balls in your dryer to help restore softness and to plump up the feathers.
Once dry, tap the surface of your jacket until the feathers plump back up and return to their original lustre.
