Hello! Oh, you have one of those marshmallow-like down comforters?
You know, the sort of comforter you use and you just feel it's good to snuggle up with and never get out of bed? Okay, here it goes: down comforters do need a little TLC from time to time to get them back into shape.
If you're wondering, "How do you wash a down comforter without turning it into a lumpy mess?", then you have come to the right place.
Let's get into the step-by-step cleaning of down comforters so you can keep yours fresh and cozy for years to come.
Don't miss: Full vs Queen Size Comforter? Key Factors to Help You Decide
What Is a Down Comforter Made Of? And How Do You Wash A Down Comforter Accordingly?
A down comforter is one of those bedding indulgences that can make your bed just feel like a cloud. But to keep it that way, there is an important thing that needs to be taken into consideration what is in it and how it should be taken care of.
What Is Down, Exactly?
First, let me define what "down" is. Down is the soft undercoat, a fluffy undercoat beneath the feathers of birds, mostly ducks and geese. Most feathers are just regular feathers, but these down clusters are extremely light and yet amazingly insulating, setting them aplenty for comforter fillings. These clusters trap air, thus giving you warmth with little weight to give you that cozy, snuggly feeling every time you crawl into bed.
Why Does The Material Matter?
Down is delicate, which is what makes your comforter so luxurious, and it needs special care. Down clusters are sensitive to heat, moisture, and harsh chemicals. Improper washing makes the clusters break down, lose loft, or alternatively clump together, causing an uneven flat comforter.
Delicate fibers:
The clusters of down are fragile in nature and may be spoiled by violent washing, harsh handling, or a high temperature. This is the reason it is very necessary to take care of your comforter through a gentle cycle with cold water and to avoid wringing or twisting.
Natural oils:
They allow down to maintain loft and insulation properties. Harsh detergents strip the down of these natural oils, and when this happens, it becomes less effective at insulating the comforter. This is the reason why a mild detergent designed specifically for down is recommended.
Breathability:
Down is an extremely breathable material and is probably part of why it can feel so comfortingly warm to sleep under. In order not to compromise this breathability, it is important at this stage not to overload the washer or dryer. Giving your comforter room ensures that down clusters remain evenly distributed and, subsequently, breathable.
Why It Is Important To Know “How To Clean A Down Comforter”?
Before we get into the details, let's talk about why cleaning the down comforter is very, very important. Gradually, your comforter gathers dust, sweat, body oils, and God knows what else. This is not only uncomfortable but also changes its fluffiness. And honestly, no one wants to sleep in a flat, lifeless comforter. Besides, a comforter may turn out to become a breeding ground for some kinds of allergens, which is not good in case you are allergic.
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Always, I mean always, the basics-check the care label on your comforter. This little tag is your best friend for knowing how to properly launder a down comforter. While some of them may be machine-washable, others will have to deal with dry cleaning. You may soon find yourself in situations where you may regret blowing your nose and, well, ruining your comforter. Take a minute to at least glance at the label before you do anything else.
Read: Top 5 Benefits of Gel Pillows to Improve Sleep Quality
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
Before jumping into the cleaning process, let's get everything you may need first. It really makes a difference and simplifies the whole process.
- Mild detergent: Anything that will not be rough on the down feathers themselves. Indeed, you will absolutely want to avoid anything containing bleach or any harsh chemicals.
- Tennis balls: Fluffing balls will also do the magic; these will be your secret weapons for fluffing up the comforter while it is being dried.
- Large capacity washer: If your comforter is queen or king in size, you are going to need a washer of considerable capacity that can fit your comforter inside and clean it.
- Large drum dryer: A large drum dryer will facilitate even drying of your comforter. Got everything? Awesome! Let’s move on.
Step 3: Clean Spot First
Here's a little trick: Before you throw your comforter in the washer, inspect the thing for stains. Whether it's a spilled cup of coffee, a breakfast-in-bed-type stain, or who-knows-what, it's going to be easier to treat these stains before you go ahead and wash the entire item.
To spot clean, take a tiny bit of mild detergent and mix it only with water. Then take a cloth and lightly dab at the stain. Gently rub, as you wouldn't want to damage any of the delicate down feathers inside. Let them air dry a little once treated, before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Load It Up-but Not Too Full
Now that your comforter is finally spot-free, it is time to get it into the washer. Don't fret, if you are stuck on the ‘how to wash comforter’ part. But wait-don't just stuff it in there like you are packing for a trip. You want to give the comforter enough space to move around so it gets fully cleaned.
If it's too small, consider taking your comforter to a laundromat because they have much larger machines. Overloading your washer can result in uneven cleaning and may COMPLETELY damage your comforter. And trust me, that's a headache you don't need.
Step 5: Choose the Right Detergent and Setting
Remember that mild detergent we talked about? Now it is time to get it out. You will only need a fraction of it because when you use too much detergent, this ultimately coats your comforter and makes it less puffy and heavier to wash out.
Place your washer on a gentle cycle with cold water. This is because hot water breaks down any feathers inside that you really don't want it to. If your washer has the capability to add an extra rinse cycle, use it. This ensures all detergent is washed out and leaves your comforter cleaned and free of any residue.
Step 6: The Rinse and Spin
It's pretty easy! Once the wash cycle is complete, you're going to want to give it an extra rinse. This is a very important step because you want all the detergent out, which ultimately helps the down feathers retain their quality. Immediately following the rinse, you will want to use the spin cycle, which wrings out as much water from the product as possible. Obviously, the less water in your comforter, the easier it will be to get it dry later.
Step 7: Delicate Art of Drying Your Down Comforter
Well, drying your down comforter is where the real magic happens, and it's the step that can make or break the entire process. And that is where those tennis balls or dryer balls come into effect.
First, put your dryer on the low heat or air-dry setting. I know high heat sounds faster, but trust me, this is not a good idea, as the high heat can ruin the down feathers and leave you with a clumpy mess. Throw your comforter in, tossing two or three tennis balls in as well. These will bounce around with your comforter, helping fluff up the down and preventing it from clumping together.
Drying a down comforter does take time, sometimes several hours. So be patient. Stop the dryer every half an hour or so, and pull out the comforter to shake it out. This will help redistribute the feathers and balance the drying. Be patient; when it is done, it will be soft and puffy like new.
Step 8: Fluff and Air It Out
Now, when it is dry, it is time to give the comforter a final fluff. Shake well and fluff up with your hands so that the down is evenly distributed. Then spread it out in any clean, flat area and let it air for a few hours. This lets any residual moisture air out completely and allows your comforter to be fully dry before it reaches your bed.
If you have an option, hang it outside on the clothesline for a bit of fresh air. Just make sure it's a dry, sunny day, rain and humidity are not your comforter's friend.
Step 9: Proper Storage
Now that your comforter is clean and fluffy, it would be best to think about storage. If you won't be using it immediately, be sure to store it well so that it stays in great condition.
Instead, swap plastic for a breathable cotton storage bag. Plastic will retain moisture and literally invite mildew to set up which is just about the last thing you want. Store it in a cool, dry place until you're ready to snuggle up again.
Step 10: Recharge and Maintain Between Washes
With it fresh and fluffy now, one key concern will be how to keep it fresh between such hard-core washes. Fortunately, there is a little regular maintenance which extends the time between deep cleanings of the comforter and keeps it like new.
1. Duvet Cover:
The easiest way to protect your down comforter is to use a duvet cover. It acts as a barrier to dirt, oils, and spills. Thus, it enhances the ease of keeping the comforter clean; aside from that, duvet covers are way easier to wash than the actual comforter.
2. Fluff It Up Regularly:
Perhaps once every three to four days, give your comforter a good whack to redistribute the down inside to maintain its fluffiness. This helps avert clumping and assures it is evenly filled.
3. Air It Out:
Periodically hang your comforter outside in the dry air on a day when it's breezy outside. It will freshen up the comforter by getting rid of any smell and refreshing the down. However, ensure that it is not kept in direct sunlight for too much longer as that might degrade the fabric.
4. Spot Cleaning when Necessary:
These are perfect for minor spills or stains. Right on the spot, you should marinate all stains as soon as they happen to prevent them from setting in, then later just air-dry it.
These care tips are easy to follow: the down comforter stays fresh, light, and fluffy between washes so that bedtime is as indulgent as possible.
Shop The Best Down Comforter
Upgrade to a higher level of sleeping with the best down comforter from Bedding Bag, as luxury meets comfort. Our down comforters are made of high-quality, sourced down that has unbeatable warmth and softness. Sewn in a silky, high-thread-count cover, each comforter is designed to offer a cozy, cloud-like feel that you'll look forward to every night. Offering everything from all-seasons comfort to the ultimate warmth in winter, the Bedding Bag has the perfect down comforter, one that will take your sleep to a whole new level. Go ahead and buy yourself the best-you deserve it.
Closing Thoughts
Ah, cleaning a down comforter sounds daunting, but follow these 10 easy steps, and you will be confident in your ability to get the job done and will no longer have to worry about how to clean a comforter. You now have the necessary wherewithal to take your comforter from verifying the care label to refreshing it between washes.
So give your down comforter the attention it needs, and then prepare to relish the bliss of sleeping in a newly laundered bed. Happy cuddling!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How often should I wash my down comforter?
You would only have to wash your down comforter once or twice a year, depending on your use. You can then slip it into a duvet cover in between washing for protection against dust and spills. You may try shaking it every few days to redistribute the down well.
2. Can I go ahead and wash the down comforter in regular detergent?
It is best to wash your comforter in a mild down-specific detergent. Using regular detergents may strip them of their natural oils, reducing their ability to keep you warm effectively.
3. Suppose I don't have tennis balls.
Not a problem! If you don't have tennis balls, you can always use clean, white sneakers or dryer balls. The concept is just that you need something to bounce around in the dryer and help fluff up the down.
4. Is dry cleaning down the comforter possible?
While some care labels may state dry cleaning, if you follow our steps above, it is generally safe to wash your down comforter at home. If your comforter is very old or just extremely delicate, you might want to consider an alternative: dry cleaning.
5. How do I fix a clumpy-down comforter?
If your comforter is starting to get clumpy, try running it through the dryer on a low setting with a few tennis balls. This should help redistribute the down feathers. If that doesn't work, you may need to manually fluff the clumps by hand.
6. Can fabric softer be used with my down comforter?
It is not recommended to use a fabric softener when washing your down comforter. The chemicals in fabric softeners can affect the fluffiness of the down feathers by depositing a residue that reduces their insulating value.
