A Guide To Properly Cleaning Your Down Comforter, Because I Know You’re Curious
Bedsheets and pillowcases are a breeze to clean. You don’t have to think twice about them. Just throw them in the wash and let the machine do all the work!
But your other bedding items might need some extra TLC, like your cozy down comforter. Down comforters are a popular bedding choice–they keep you warm and fit many bedroom aesthetics–but many people don’t know how to clean them properly.
The traditional down comforter is white and filled with the feathers of geese or ducks. If washed incorrectly, the feathers can bunch up into a heap on one side of the blanket, making it a pain to spread them back out.
Luckily, unlike your other bedding items, a down comforter does not need to be washed so frequently. If you’re using a duvet cover over yours, then cleaning it once or twice a year is sufficient.
Here are some tips on how best to wash and dry your down comforter without ruining it. It’s easier than you think!
After removing the duvet cover from the bulky blanket (you’ll want to wash the duvet cover separately), check it for stains. If you do see stains, spot-treat them with a stain remover or a detergent made for down comforters.
Then, it’s time to wash it. Many washing machines are too small to fit a down comforter. You’ll need a large-capacity, front-loading washing machine set on a gentle/delicate cycle with warm water.
Top-loading machines can cause the comforter to twist around, possibly stretching and damaging your beloved blanket.
Stay away from detergents with harsh scents and chemicals because they can damage the blanket’s fibers.
New Africa – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
Also, refrain from using bleach or fabric softener. These liquids will reduce the quality of your down comforter. If you don’t have a large enough washing machine and don’t want to make a trip to the laundromat, you can hand wash your down comforter instead.
Wash your comforter using warm water in a clean bathtub or large sink. Fill the tub or sink up and mix a gentle, down-safe detergent in the water.
Next, gently press the comforter into the water. Don’t twist or wring it because that might cause some damage. Allow it to soak in the soapy water for about fifteen to thirty minutes. Then, drain the tub and press down on the comforter once more to squeeze out as much water as you can.
You might want to repeat the process without using detergent to rinse any remaining suds away. Once the comforter is washed, it’s time to move on to drying.
If you’re machine drying, again, make sure your dryer will fit the comforter. Spread the comforter out as much as possible to avoid excessive bunching. Use wool dryer balls to speed up the drying process and to help fluff the feathers back up.
Set the dryer to low heat, and every thirty minutes, remove the comforter and shake it free from clumps. The drying might take a while, so you’ll need to have some patience. When the comforter is mostly dry, you can remove it from the dryer and hang it on a clothesline outside to finish drying. Just make sure it’s a warm, sunny day.
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
More About:Home