Want to learn how to wash a down comforter?

Doing laundry is a nuanced and important part of interior decorating and can be confusing at first. As a master interior designer featured in Annie and Oak and My Maid, I'll show you the ropes of properly maintaining your room.

Ready? Let's begin.

Contents

How To Wash A Down Comforter - 4 Simple Steps

I've compiled a list of simple and easy-to-follow steps on how to wash a down comforter. Follow these, and you'll be able to maintain and take care of your comforter in no time.

Although wear and tear are unavoidable, there is a way to prolong the life of your comforters. And so, I'll share with you the best way to deep clean your down comforter. If you need care instructions for your down comforter, look no further.

Step #1: Prepare the things you will need.

  • Washing machine
  • Detergent
  • Drying Rack
  • Fabric Softener

Can you wash a down comforter? Yes!

Before anything else, take note of what you have first. Do you have a washer and a dryer? Fabric softener, gentle detergent, and other cleaning supplies? Once you've got what you need, we can finally begin the next step in washing your comforter.

Step #2: Treat the Comforter Ahead of Time

Next, you'll want to treat your comforter before washing it. Thoroughly examine your comforter, from top to bottom. Look for any stains. If you find a stain, treat the area with a mild detergent or your stain remover of choice, preferably a dyeless one, and after the area dries, rinse with warm water.

Step #3: Wash the Comforter

Now, you're finally ready to wash your comforter. First, you'll want to prepare your washer. To avoid tangling, it's recommended to wash down comforters alone.

You'll want to choose a fast rinse cycle to make sure your comforter dries fast; the faster cycles will help take away moisture from the comforter as it spins.

Any water will do for the water temperature, but cold water is the best for your comforter, as the fabric might shrink in hot water.

A handy tip is to protect your down comforter with a duvet cover - a duvet cover can extend the life of your down comforter between each washing.

Step #4: Dry the Comforter

Once you've washed your comforter, the next step is to dry it. As it's a large item, it'll take some time depending on your dryer, so remember to take as long as you need to. You can use any level of heat to dry your comforter.

After your first drying cycle, if the down filling clumps together when you remove the comforter from the dryer, excess water is likely present. In that event, you should begin a new drying cycle.

To help your comforter dry faster, you should use clean tennis balls or dryer balls in the drying cycle. Two to three dryer balls are ideal for a normal-sized down comforter and will help speed the process.

Share This Image On Your Site

Down Comforter versus Regular Comforter: 3 Differences

The main difference between a down comforter and a regular comforter is the fill used. As the name suggests, a down comforter is filled with down feathers primarily from ducks or geese - other comforters tend to choose different fillings such as cotton or synthetic materials like polyester.

Another difference is the warmth and breathability - down is superior to other fills on both. It can store warmth better and more efficiently than other fillings like cotton, and it can breathe easier, allowing heat to escape faster and easier.

Lastly, alternative comforters are much easier to wash than down comforters. Ordinary comforters can be easily taken care of at home without needing special care. In contrast, down comforters may have to be taken to dry cleaners or laundromats to be properly taken care of.

Wash versus Dry Clean - Which is Better?

The main difference between washing a down comforter and dry cleaning it is how much it could potentially damage your comforter. Having your comforter thoroughly washed from top to bottom will help it live longer -. In contrast, just dry cleaning can potentially hurt it, especially as dry cleaning uses harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric. So, I recommend washing it instead; it's less risky for your comforter.

Tips To Remember When Cleaning Your Comfort Sheets

We've got you covered if you want more tips on cleaning your sheets. When cleaning your down comforter with a washing machine, remember:

Tip #1: Always use a gentle setting.

While down comforters are extremely comfortable, they are also incredibly light and delicate. And so, you must wash them as carefully as you can.

Depending on the washing machine you have at home, choose a gentle wash or delicate wash cycle setting when cleaning your down comforter.

Tip #2: Best to soak before washing.

You can avoid premature damage or tear on your down comforter by pre-soaking it in water and baking soda. Pre-soaking can help lift any stains and odor from your comforter.

To ensure that your comforters stay fluffy, only add a small amount of mild laundry detergent with your load. You can also add vinegar to your soak or load as a natural softener, deodorizer, and deep cleaner.

Tip #3: Choose lukewarm water in the wash.

When cleaning your down comforter, always use lukewarm water. Using only hot or cold water in washing and rinsing can damage your comforter and reduce its quality.

Tip #4: Make sure that your comforter is actually a down comforter.

Naturally, you'll want to make sure your comforter is actually filled with down and not some other material. Check the label to make sure your comforter is filled with down beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you've thoroughly studied the differences between comforters and how to care for them, you're ready to try cleaning it yourself. However, if you still have some more questions, here are some more answers.

Can you wash a down comforter in a regular washing machine?

If you have a full-sized washing machine, it's possible to wash your comforter at home. However, if the down comforter struggles to fit, I suggest heading to the laundromat instead.

How often should you wash a down comforter?>

It depends on how much use it gets to know how often to wash a down comforter, but it usually can be washed once every one to two years. With a duvet cover, it might take three to five instead.

Can you put a down comforter in the dryer to fluff?

You can! Remember to put some tennis balls or dryer balls as stated above to make the process faster.

How much does it cost to wash a down comforter?

If you're leaving it to other people to wash your down comforter, it can take anywhere from $30 to $50 to clean one. If you do it yourself, it will cost substantially less.

Now that your down comforter is squeaky clean, you might want to read other articles about maintaining your interior. We've got some splendid ideas for you!

  1. Want to make your bedroom stand out? Here are some bedroom furniture ideas.
  2. Do you want to know how to position area rugs in a bedroom? Here you are!
  3. Lastly, want to learn about some bedroom ideas?

Conclusion

Learning how to wash a down comforter can be daunting, but it's actually quite easy if you have the tools. Fortunately, we've done the research for you, so with these tips, it'll be smooth as silk.