Even a delicate down comforter can be washed at home if you follow these tips.
Snuggling under a warm, fluffy comforter traps the warmth of your body for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Eventually, though, you’ll need to learn how to clean your comforter.
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To do so, take a minute to look for thecare tagto find out about the fiber content.
Most comforters orduvet insertscan be washed at home, but some have outer coverings that require dry cleaning.
Here’s how to wash a comforter so you might sleep soundly tonight under clean andcozy bedding.
Always wash a comforter before storing it for the off-season.
Check the comforter tag for more details.
If you don’t have a large-capacity washer, head to your local laundromat.
A smaller household washer could compress and distort the filler, says Allen Rathey, president ofHousekeeping Channel.
For down comforters, the feathers are a bit more temperamental than synthetic poly-fill.
Always use a gentle detergent or downwash to prevent stripping the natural oils from the feathers.
You should always wash your comforter alone, without anything else in the machine at the same time.
This prevents excessive wrinkling and stops any lint from other fabrics ending up on your comforter.
Add Stain Remover
Place a dab of an enzyme-based stain remover or heavy-dutydetergenton each stained area.
Brush Fabric
Use a soft-bristled brush to work the stain remover into the fabric.
Repeat on Other Side
Turn the comforter over and repeat the process on the other side.
The comforter needs room to move through the water in the washer to get to get clean.
Add Detergent
Add your regular detergent to the drum or distribution drawer of the washer.
Use no more than 2 teaspoons of a high-efficiency detergent or one laundry detergent pod.
Excess suds and detergent residue are difficult to remove from the comforter’s filling.
Load in the Comforter
Wash it alone to prevent excessive wrinkling and lint from other fabrics.
Dry the Comforter
How to Wash a Down Comforter
Start by pretreating any stains.
Then snag the gentle cycle and cold water setting on a large capacity washer.
Add just 2 teaspoons of down wash to the washer drum or detergent drawer.
Do not use any jot down of fabric softener.
It can damage the feathers.
Load the Comforter
Wash the comforter by itself to prevent excessive wrinkling or lint transfer.
Remove the comforter from the washer and give it a good shake.
Place the comforter in an automatic dryer with several wool dryer balls.
Drying can take a couple of hours.
Place it in a warm room and add a circulating fan to speed drying.
Fluff the comforter often to break up clumps and turn it frequently for even drying.
How to Keep Your Comforter Clean Longer
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
Avoid using chlorine bleach on down comforters.
It can damage the fibers of the down and reduce its loft.
Remove them from the washing machine and fluff themdon’t wring them out while they’re still wet.
Put them in the dryer on a medium heat setting.
There are a few ways to do this.
First, try holding it by the edges and shaking it out.
A third option is to hang it over a clothesline in the backyard.
Gravity and the wind moving through the comforter will naturally readjust the filling.
Otherwise, you should take it to a laundromat with bigger machines to get properly washed.
