Stinky Couch Pillows... Help!!

Yep, you can't wash feather pillows that I know of. Did they have labels saying they were machine washable?

I would bet that the feathers deep in the pillow did not ever dry thoroughly and now are mildewed. You're just not going to get rid of that with vinegar (or my other big favorite, baking soda).

If you love the covers, I would cut them open, throw out all the feathers, get the covers properly cleaned (that might mean dry cleaning) and re-stuff them with foam or something else. If you're good a sewing, see if you can make them into removable covers by putting zippers in them so you can clean them.

If you're convinced there's no mildew or mold you could try spreading dry baking soda on them and leaving them to sit in the sun, then vacuuming out all the baking soda. But I suspect they're moldy in the center and the feathers are not going to lose that smell.

Spray them until they're soaked with pure white vinegar and then allow them to air outside all day until they're dry.

Pillows filled with feathers cannot be successfully washed at home. A dry cleaner would open the pillow and clean the feathers and cover separately. Most times they will replace the feathers.

I agree with Leigh. The only way to rescue the pillow is to remove the feathers and fill the pillow with something else. Once feathers are wet they do not recover unless they were treated before putting them in the pillow. I don't know if feathers can even be treated to make them washable. Feathers really stink when wet.

We can wash down comforters and coats because the down is thin between two layers and thus is quickly dried. A pillow is thickly packed with no way for the heat to reach the core causing them to mold. Quality down pillows have the down encased in a light weight fabric and this is inserted inside the pillow cover. That way you can remove the feathers before washing or cleaning the cover.

Try airing them out outside. Something about a breeze and the sun that kills fumes.

Go old school or try Febreeze.

Christy has the idea --- vinegar should do it, I'd give it a try. Be sure you put them out when it's very warm and sunny. You're never suppose to wash feather pillows.