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Washing and drying a down comforter can be a tricky task, but cleaning professionals have shared some tips to make it easier. First, check the care label on the comforter for any specific instructions. If it is machine washable, use a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Make sure to add a few tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer to help fluff the down while drying. It is important to thoroughly dry the comforter to prevent mold or mildew growth. Avoid using high heat, as it can damage the down. Finally, give the comforter a good shake and fluff it up before placing it back on the bed.
Down comforters have a warm and breathable filling that is perfect for snuggling up on a cold night. Down is found under the feathers of geese, swans, and ducks, and it helps to regulate their body temperature in harsh conditions. However, it requires special care to keep it clean and maintain its structure. Although many manufacturers recommend professional laundering, it can be expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, we have consulted cleaning professionals for advice on how to wash a down comforter at home.
Meet the Experts:
- Wayne Edelman, CEO of Meurice Garment Care and CLEAN by Meurice
- Hugo Guerrero, certified house cleaning technician and consultant at Mattressive
Cleaning Down vs. Down Alternative
The cleaning and care of your comforter will depend on the type of filling it has. Down comes from the fluffy clusters found under the feathers of geese, swans, or ducks, while down alternative is a synthetic or natural filler that mimics the luxurious feel of down. When washing a down comforter, use a front-loading washer with a capacity large enough to fit the blanket. Use a mild detergent and select the gentle cycle. Avoid using fabric softeners and consider an extra rinse cycle. Check the care label of a down alternative comforter before washing it in a machine.
Tip
Always check the care label of any comforter regardless of its filling. The label will provide proper care instructions.
Is Your Washer Big Enough for Your Down Comforter?
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George Mdivanian / EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages
Just because you can squeeze your down comforter into your washer does not mean you should. Overloading the washer can damage the comforter and even ruin the washer. Avoid using top-loading washers as they can stretch the comforter around the agitators and not clean it thoroughly. “A front loader is best, and it needs to be sized correctly so the comforter occupies 2/3 of the wash wheel when put in,” says Wayne Edelman, CEO of Meurice Garment Care and CLEAN by Meurice. A washer with a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet can fit a king-size down comforter, according to Consumer Reports. If your washer is not big enough, use commercial washers at the local laundromat.
When drying the comforter, use a dryer with a drum capacity of 7 cubic feet as the down comforter will expand as it dries, recommends Hugo Guerrero, a certified house cleaning technician and consultant at Mattressive.
When Should You Wash Your Down Comforter?
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gerenme/iStock/GettyImages
According to Guerrero, a down comforter only needs washing every one to two years if it is kept in a clean room that does not get slept in frequently, does not come in contact with pets, and is protected by a duvet. However, the comforter cover should be washed once a month to remove sweat, oil, and dust mites.
Choosing the Right Washing Temperature
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Ana Stanciu for Hunker
Choosing the wrong washing temperature can damage the down feathers and shrink the fabric. “Hot water (above 60 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit) can shrink the fabric and damage the down feathers,” warns Guerrero. “Cold water is not recommended, as it may not effectively remove dirt and stains.” The ideal washing temperature for a down comforter is around 86 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Guerrero.
What Happens When You Wash Your Down Comforter Incorrectly?
If you do not wash your down comforter according to its specific preferences, it can damage the comforter, and you might not be able to enjoy the soft, insulating, fluff of down for many years to come.
The Comforter May Clump Together
Avoid using fabric softeners as they can cause down fibers to stick together and form lumps. Also, drying the comforter without redistributing the down or using dryer balls can result in a lumpy comforter, according to Edelman.
Risk of Mildew
Partial drying or air-drying the comforter can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. It’s recommended to never air dry down and to ensure that the dryer is large enough to fully dry the comforter.
Foul Odors
Bad smells can indicate mildew due to improper drying or insufficient cleaning from washing in a small washer.
Deteriorating Fibers
High water temperature, heat, and bleach can cause damage to the comforter, making it less durable. Down fibers can also be compromised by using too much detergent, reducing the comforter’s fill power and insulating properties.
Shrinking Fabric
Regularly drying the comforter can result in a 3-5% shrinkage, making it too small for the bed or duvet cover.
Matting of the Comforter
Storing the comforter in an airtight bag or regularly lying on top of it can cause the down to become compressed and matted over time.
How to Wash a Down Comforter
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Cris CantГіn/Moment/GettyImages
Follow these steps to wash a down comforter:
1. Treat Stains
Use a pretreatment spray or a mixture of detergent and water to gently brush out stains on the comforter.
2. Choose a Gentle Detergent
Avoid using harsh laundry detergents, bleach, fabric softeners, and fragrances. Use a detergent specifically made for down.
3. Use the Gentle Cycle
Ensure the comforter can move freely in the washer and consider adding an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent residue.
4. Expect an Odor
Don’t use fragrance detergents to mask the natural animal odor of down. The odor should dissipate as the comforter dries in the dryer.
5. How to Dry a Down Comforter
Before beginning the drying process, it is important to know that it can take several hours and requires some attention.
Ensure that the dryer is suitable for the comforter’s size, around 7 cubic feet for a king-sized one. Add a few clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to prevent clumping, as recommended by Guerrero.
Use the lowest possible heat setting, usually the delicate cycle, to avoid damaging the delicate down by overheating it.
At the end of the drying cycle, take the comforter out and give it a few shakes to break up any feather clumps by hand. Then, continue drying until it is completely dry to prevent mold, mildew, and odors.
6. How to Maintain Your Comforter
Protect your refreshed down comforter from oils, sweat, and stains by using a duvet cover and a top sheet when placing it on the bed. Avoid placing heavy objects on it for extended periods or lounging on it frequently if possible.
With proper care, your down comforter can provide warmth and comfort for up to twenty years.
FAQ
1. Can I wash my down comforter in the washing machine?
Yes, you can wash your down comforter in a washing machine. However, it is important to use a large front-loading machine, as the agitator in top-loading machines can damage the delicate feathers. Before washing, check the care label on your comforter for any specific instructions. Use a mild detergent and set the machine to a gentle cycle with cold water. It is recommended to wash the comforter on its own to prevent any potential damage. After washing, make sure to thoroughly rinse the comforter to remove all soap residue.
2. How do I dry my down comforter?
Drying a down comforter properly is crucial to maintain its fluffiness and prevent any mold or mildew growth. Place the comforter in a large-capacity dryer and add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls. These will help to fluff the feathers and prevent clumping. Set the dryer to a low heat or air-only cycle. It is important to check the comforter regularly during the drying process and redistribute the filling to ensure even drying. Depending on the size of the comforter, it may take several hours to dry completely.
3. Can I dry clean my down comforter instead?
Yes, you can dry clean your down comforter if you prefer not to wash it at home. Dry cleaning will help to maintain the quality of the feathers and prevent any damage. However, it is important to choose a reputable dry cleaner with experience in handling down-filled items. Before sending the comforter for dry cleaning, inspect it for any rips or tears and inform the cleaner about any stains or spots. It is also advisable to air out the comforter before storing it, as the chemicals used in dry cleaning may have a slight odor.