Removing Natural Down or Feather Odor

"How long will my down pillows have an odor?" Anyone who has bought a down or feather blend pillow knows that natural down products can also come with a natural odor. 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.

How do bedding manufacturers differ?

The majority of bedding manufacturers have their own unique techniques for cleaning down fill, and their methods go above and beyond government standards. The remainder of bedding manufacturers report their cleaning processes are applied domestically or opt to purchase pre-cleaned down fills.

DOWNLITE is set apart as a manufacturer because our down is 75%+ in down content. Our hotel bedding is processed within the United States and domestically integrated into numerous bedding items, including the most popular pillows and comforters. DOWNLITE's special cleansing process is uniquely called RestAssured™. This measure certifies that our fills are not only treated in compliance with required US standards but exceed them by 3-4 times. Although we process all our fills, occasionally the filling material might become compromised by exposure to moisture or heat, resulting in ‘natural’ odors. DOWNLITE proudly stands behind all of its products. Once made aware of an existing ‘odor’ in a product, we take immediate measures to research, remedy, or replace; removing substandard fills from the market.

What can you do if the product smells bad?

It helps to first understand that the occasional unpleasant odor you detect is caused by the remnant oils of down fill in the clusters or small feathers being exposed to prolonged humidity and/or heat. Duck fill is more likely to emit odors, as duck down and duck feathers have higher oil content.

To remedy this odor, you can simply wash the 'smelly' down bedding with a teaspoon of liquid Dawn® or similar degreaser soap. Be sure you dry the items thoroughly, ensuring you have removed all moisture, typically 2 to 3 drying cycles. To learn more, visit our informational website at beddingcare.com.

An additional simple way to immediately add a fresh smell is to your down bedding: insert a dryer sheet. Place the dryer sheet into the protector or pillowcase. Just be sure to sleep on the side farthest away from the dryer sheet. The scent from the dryer sheet could be too powerful if you sleep on the same side where you insert it.

Looking for the pillows, comforters, and bedding used at luxury hotels nationwide?

Downlite bedding supplies thousands of hotels, resorts, cruise lines, bed and breakfasts, and home rental properties nationwide. Search for your favorite hotel using our hotel bedding finder, and browse our best-selling hotel pillows and hotel comforters today.

Downlite Bedding is family-owned and operated. All our products are proudly assembled in the USA and eligible for free shipping throughout the contiguous United States. Contact us and speak with a bedding expert today.