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Why do new feather pillows smell?

Author

James Craig

Published Jan 17, 2026

Feather pillows may smell a bit even when they're brand new. Whether they've been used or kept in storage, the pillows hold in odors from sweat, pet hair, cigarette smoke -- you name it. Remove those funky odors by giving the pillows a dose of fresh air and a trip through the washing machine.

How do you get the smell out of feather pillows?

Add a tiny amount of low-sudsing detergent (1 to 2 teaspoons) or use a half-cup of vinegar and ¼ of a cup of baking soda to whiten and deodorize the pillows. Vinegar has antibacterial qualities which can remove smells from the feathers.

How do you get the smell out of new pillows?

Baking Soda Solution Baking soda — the same type used to deodorize a refrigerator — also helps de-fume memory foam. After airing out the memory foam, sprinkle baking soda all over the mattress, topper or pillow and allow it to sit for an hour or so. Vacuum away the baking soda with an upholstery brush attachment.

Should I wash new feather pillows?

Washing down and feather pillows is easy. In fact, it reinvigorates them to be as fluffy as when they were new, unlike synthetic pillows. Down and feather pillows fit in any size washing machine and they come out of the wash beautifully.

Why does my feather duvet smell?

If the moisture is left in the duvet or pillow, it combines with proteins and natural oils present inside the feather which makes an ideal environment for fungus to grow. These fungal spores grow better with moisture and develop a stinky smell which eventually gets worse.

16 related questions found

How do you get the smell out of a new feather duvet?

Add a mild laundry detergent to the water, and spread out the duvet once you load it into the machine. You can add tennis balls or wool balls to keep the filling from clumping. Add a natural odor removing product, like Fresh Wave Laundry Booster, to eliminate lingering smells from everyday use.

How do you freshen feather pillows without washing them?

Simply put your down pillows in the dryer with a damp washcloth, three dryer balls, and your favorite fabric softener sheet. Tumble dry on low heat for 15-20 minutes for fluffy and refreshed pillows for your bedroom.

Why do down pillows smell?

Most often, the odor is due to the effects of heat, humidity, or moisture on the down for a prolonged period. Despite natural down bedding possessing an odor, know that all bedding manufacturers are required to meet certain specific industry standards of cleanliness before distribution and selling.

Can you air dry feather pillows?

Drying: Down or feather pillows can be dried on the no-heat air-dry setting in your dryer, or air-dried naturally. Keep two fresh tennis balls (or tennis balls tucked in socks) inside the dryer with the pillows to reduce clumping.

Why do pillows turn yellow?

Pillows turn yellow because of sweat. There are other reasons why a pillow may start to turn yellow including falling asleep with wet hair, lotions and oils on the skin, and moisture. When moisture or sweat remains on the pillow for long periods of time, the pillow will turn yellow.

Are new pillows supposed to smell?

Odor is completely normal on brand-new pillows, especially if they were in sealed plastic bags. Allow new pillows to air out for several days before using them if the odor bothers you. Most of the odor dissipates on its own over time.

Will memory foam smell go away?

Memory foam mattresses or sleeping pillows you get right out of the box might first introduce itself with an unpleasant odor. This is resolved with time and ventilation. In a room where the air can vent out (i.e. air conditioning, open windows), the smell will go away naturally in three to seven days.

Why does my pillow smell musty?

Pillows stashed away in a non-breathable material such as plastic, or left in a humid, dark environment for a while, may develop a musty smell. This odor indicates the presence of mildew and sometimes mold.

Why do my pillows smell after washing?

The reason why for instance pillows develop an unpleasant smell after they have been washed and dried, might be that the down and feathers have not been dried completely. In this case it is advisable to wash them again and dry them thoroughly until they are completely dry.

How do you wash a feather pillow without a dryer?

“washing your down or down/feather pillows in hot water will kill the dust mites in your pillows” “washing your down and down/feather pillows in hot water will remove the dirt and dead skin cells in the fill and kill the bacteria.”

How long does it take a feather pillow to dry?

How To Dry Down Pillows. Be certain to dry your pillow(s) very thoroughly so they don't mold or mildew. It will take about 2-3 hours (or longer) to completely dry 2 standard size pillows. Use a large dryer on low to medium heat.

How do you dry a wet feather pillow?

How to Dry a Feather Pillow

  1. Inspect the pillow for weak seams prior to washing. ...
  2. Place up to two pillows in the dryer with two tennis balls. ...
  3. Dry the pillows on a low-heat gentle or delicate cycle for up to six hours or until the down is completely dry.

How do you get the musty smell out of pillows?

If your pillow smells, add half a cup of baking soda into the wash. If your pillow is musty, moldy or has mildew, throw in some vinegar into the wash cycle.

How long should feather pillows last?

Down and Feather: Since these pillows can be washed regularly (we recommend every 6 months) and the fill is so durable, they easily can last 5-10 years, or more. Synthetic: A good rule of thumb with synthetic is 1-2 years depending on the quality of materials and usage.

How do you sanitize new pillows?

Spot clean with a damp towel. You can deep clean it every few months by submerging the pillow in the bathtub. Use warm water and detergent. Let it sit for a few minutes, then squeeze the water out.

Does putting a pillows in the Sun work?

Pillows. Using the sun is a great way to freshen all kinds of pillows. It can help to kill any dust mites on them, as well as deodorize any smells from sweat or body odors. Doing this on a windy day helps to fluff them as well.

Does Hungarian goose down smell?

Due to its tangled and fluffy form, down can also trap some particles of organic matter. These particles are responsible for some smells you may encounter with goose down. Yes, Hungarian goose down can have farm or poultry aromas if it is not treated properly.

Does goose down smell when wet?

Goose down makes your jacket or clothing warm, soft and comfortable. But when the goose down becomes wet it can cause your clothing to smell. The stale, musty smell isn't something you want to walk around with or have transfer to other clothing.

Why does my Ikea pillow smell?

Memory foam is manufactured using polyurethane and several other chemicals, so it isn't surprising that it emits a chemical odor. This “off gassing” of volatile organic compounds is a common and well-documented property of memory foam pillows and mattresses.