Quick Ways to Stop Feathers Leaking From Pillows

Finding stray feathers poking out of your pillows can be annoying. Not only does it look unsightly, but it also reduces the comfort and support the pillows provide. Fortunately, there are some simple techniques you can use to keep feathers from escaping pillows.

With just a bit of effort, you can stop feathers from leaking out and keep your pillows plump and cozy for longer.

Why Do Feathers Come Out of Pillows?

Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand the root causes of feather leakage. Here are some of the main reasons you may see feathers escaping from your pillows:

• Lower thread count fabric - Pillows made with a low thread count shell are more likely to allow feathers to poke through tiny holes in the weave.
• Insufficient fill - If a pillow isn't filled enough, there's extra room for the feathers to move around and eventually poke out.
• Washing and drying - Frequent washing and machine drying can damage the pillow shell over time, enabling feathers to escape.
• Fluffing and moving - Routine fluffing and moving pillows around can shift feathers so they find their way out.
• Age and use - Older pillows tend to lose feathers more easily as the fabric slowly wears out.

While some feather loss is inevitable, there are many steps you can take to dramatically slow down the process and keep your pillows from shedding prematurely.

Tips to Reduce Feather Loss from Existing Pillows

If your current pillows are already leaking feathers, don't throw them out just yet. Try these handy tips to reduce feather loss and extend the life of your existing pillows:

• Add extra pillow stuffing - Overfill pillows slightly to cut down on excess room for feathers to escape.
• Use a pillow protector - Adding a protector creates an extra barrier to keep feathers contained inside.
• Wash gently by hand - Skip the machine and wash pillows gently by hand, then air dry to avoid damage.
• Store flat - Don't store pillows upright compressed against a wall or headboard.
• Handle with care - Avoid rough handling that can push feathers through the shell over time.

Taking steps to care for your existing pillows properly can go a long way towards minimizing feather loss and leakage.

How to Choose New Pillows That Won't Leak

When it's time to invest in new pillows, choose ones made to prevent feathers from escaping in the first place. Here's what to look for:

• Higher thread count - Opt for a thread count over 200 to ensure a tight weave.
• 100% cotton shell - All-cotton pillow shells hold up better than cheaper synthetics.
• Inner chambers - Multi-chamber construction helps keep fill in place.
• Reputable brand - Stick to quality brands known for durability.

Paying a little extra for higher-end pillows made with feather-locking construction can save you the headache of constant feather loss down the road.

Stop Existing Feather Leaks for Good

For pillows that persist in losing their feathers no matter what you try, you can take more drastic measures to put an end to the problem once and for all:

• Add extra stuffing - Seriously overfill to pack feathers tightly together inside.
• Use two pillow protectors - Double up for added feather-blocking power.
• Hand wash gently - Agitate and wash by hand, never machine wash.
• Patch holes - Sew closed any visible holes or thin spots where feathers emerge.
• Retire pillows - Toss persistently leaky pillows and replace with better quality.

With extra TLC and strategic use of pillow protectors, even the leakiest pillows can be salvaged for extended use.

What To Do If Nothing Stops the Feathers

Sometimes a pillow reaches the point where nothing stems the endless flow of feathers. When all else fails:

• Add extra stuffing - Really pack those feathers in tight.
• Use two pillow protectors - Layer them up for maximum feather blocking.
• Wash gently - Hand wash and air dry to prevent damage.
• Consider replacement - Severe feather loss usually means a new pillow is needed.

While you can mitigate some loss, badly shredded and damaged pillows likely need to be replaced for a long-term solution. Get a quality, high thread count pillow made to contain feathers.

Other Useful Tips for Preventing Feather Leakage

Here are a few more handy pointers to stop pillows from spewing their feather filling:

• Fluff daily - Regular fluffing keeps fill evenly distributed.
• Use a pillow comb - These specialty combs help smooth and contain fill.
• Zippered pillow protector - The zipper seals feathers in tightly.
• Avoid machine drying - Line dry pillows to prevent damage from extreme heat.
• Little or no bleach - Bleach weakens fabrics causing feather loss.

With some basic care and maintenance, your pillows should keep their feathers from escaping prematurely.

Know When It's Time to Replace a Leaky Pillow

If you've tried all the tricks but are still seeing significant daily feather loss, your pillow may be too far gone. Some signs it's time to replace a pillow:

• Visible holes, thinning fabric or damaged seams
• Lumpy, misshapen appearance
• Flat, pancaked design with little loft
• Must be fluffed multiple times per day
• Constant feathers emerging daily

While it's tempting to keep using a flattened, misshapen pillow, investing in a quality replacement can improve sleep and stop annoying feather loss.

DIY Pillow Protectors

Don't want to spend money on a pillow protector? Make your own using fabric from an old sheet or tight-weave cotton:

1. Measure pillow length and width.
2. Cut fabric 4-6 inches wider/longer than measurements.
3. Sew together with 1/2 inch seam allowance.
4. Fold over raw edges twice and stitch down.
5. Place pillow inside protector through envelope-style opening.

For a zippered protector, simply sew a zipper into one side before stitching the edges closed. Custom DIY pillow protectors keep feathers in without breaking the bank.

Remove Escaped Feathers

Use these tips to easily remove feathers that have already escaped pillows:

• Vacuum feathers - Use hose attachment to vacuum up feathers.
• Feather duster - Gently brush feathers into duster to collect them.
• Wash pillows - Machine wash pillows with towels to capture loose feathers.
• New fill - Remove all fill and replace with new to eliminate feathers.

Prompt removal of escaped feathers can help contain the problem and stop additional feather loss.