Down comforters are the pinnacle of coziness. Their soft, squishy comfort and unmatched warmth make them a popular bedding choice. But to keep your down comforter at peak fluffiness, you need to clean it properly.
Cleaning a down comforter takes a bit more care than throwing it in the wash with your sheets. The delicate down requires special handling to avoid damage. This guide will teach you everything you need to know as a beginner on how to clean down comforters. You’ll learn the best practices for machine washing, dry cleaning, spot cleaning, removing stains, and maintenance.
What Exactly Are Down Comforters?
Before we dive into cleaning, let’s review what defines a down comforter.
Down comforters are filled with the fine, fluffy undercoating from ducks or geese. This supremely soft and insulating down creates a lightweight comforter that keeps you cozy and warm without overheating.
The two main types of down comforters are:
- Duck down – Filled with the undercoat of ducks, duck down comforters are generally cheaper but still very soft and warm.
- Goose down – Filled with goose down, considered warmer and more luxurious than duck down. Goose down comforters are more expensive.
Compared to alternatives like polyester, down comforters provide better breathability, loft, and durability when cared for properly. The natural down fill conforms to your body for a hugged feel.
Now that you know what makes down comforters special, let’s get into the nitty gritty of keeping them clean.
Machine Washing a Down Comforter
Many down comforters today are machine washable if you use the right settings and detergent. Here’s how to clean a down comforter in the washing machine:
1. Check the Care Label
The first step is always to consult the care label. This will tell you if the comforter is machine washable or needs dry cleaning. It will also indicate washing instructions.
Follow the care label instructions closely. Never machine wash a “dry clean only” comforter.
2. Prepare the Comforter
Before washing, prepare your down comforter:
- Zip up any duvet covers – This prevents tangling in the wash.
- Check for holes or leaks – Down can escape from holes. Repair any openings first.
- Remove stubborn stains – Use a targeted stain remover on set-in stains before washing.
3. Choose the Right Washing Machine Settings
Wash your down comforter on a gentle cycle using:
- Cool water – Hot water can damage down. Stick to cool or cold water.
- Low agitation – High agitation can clump down. Use a low or delicate setting.
- Extra rinse cycle – Get all traces of detergent out.
4. Use the Proper Detergent
Regular detergent can strip the natural oils in down. Choose a down-safe detergent like:
- Eucalan Delicate Wash Down & Feather Detergent
- Nikwax Down Wash Direct
- Granger’s Down Wash
These are formulated for down’s pH balance. Check the bottle to ensure it’s made for down.
5. Dry Properly
After washing, move your down comforter to the dryer and dry on a low, delicate setting. You can add a couple of clean tennis balls to fluff the down.
Once dry, leave it unzipped and fluff the down evenly by massaging it through the fabric. The down may take 24 hours to fully loft up again.
Dry Cleaning Down Comforters
For “dry clean only” comforters, dry cleaning is the ideal cleaning method. Here’s how to dry clean a down comforter:
Choose the Right Dry Cleaner
Not all dry cleaners are equipped to handle down items. Find one experienced in down specifically. Ask:
- If they dry clean on-site
- What products they use (look for detergents made for down)
- If they have large-capacity commercial machines for drying
Avoid chains or drop-off cleaners without on-site down experts.
Prepare the Comforter
Before bringing your down comforter for dry cleaning:
- Remove all stains that you can at home
- Ensure there are no holes or tears that may worsen
- Check the tags for any special instructions
Pick Up Promptly
Pick up your comforter as soon as its ready, ideally within a day or two. Leaving it to sit folded can damage the down.
Once home, promptly unpack and re-fluff the down filling by massaging it gently through the fabric.
Spot Cleaning Down Comforters
For small stains or soiled areas, spot clean your down comforter at home between full washings.
When to Spot Clean
Spot clean when you notice:
- Isolated stains
- Small spills or soiled spots
- Building body oil around neck/feet area
- Musty smells starting
Catching localized issues early prevents them from spreading.
Prep the Comforter
Before spot cleaning:
- Lay the comforter flat on a clean surface
- Blot up any excess stain or wetness
- Apply a stain pre-treatment and let sit if needed
Choose a Cleaner
Look for a gentle, down-safe spot cleaner like:
- Down & Feather Spray Cleaner – Lightly spritz on spot.
- Baby shampoo – Dilute with water, apply to spot.
- White vinegar – For disinfecting musty spots.
Apply & Dry
Use a clean cloth to gently blot the spot with your cleaner. Move from the edges inward to lift the stain.
Rinse with a wet cloth and blot dry. Air dry before using or washing again.
Removing Stubborn Stains from Down Comforters
Even with the most pristine care, stains happen! Follow these steps to attack tough, set-in stains on your down comforter.
Common Down Comforter Stains
Usual suspects include:
- Food stains – Chocolate, wine, coffee, etc.
- Bodily fluids – Sweat, drool stains from kids/pets.
- Cosmetics – Face creams, lotion, makeup.
- Ink – From pens, markers.
- Mildew – Humidity and moisture.
Pre-treat the Stain
Always pre-treat stains on down comforters before washing:
- Apply a stain-removing solution directly on the stain.
- Let it sit for 15-30 minutes to penetrate.
- Use a toothbrush or damp cloth to gently loosen and lift the stain as it sits.
Choose the Right Remover
Consider the type of stain when choosing a pre-treatment:
- Enzyme-based – Great for food stains and bodily fluids.
- Alkaline – Helps remove oils and grease.
- Acid-based – Dissolves ink stains.
- Oxygenated – Lifts set-in odors and mildew.
Wash Normally After
After pre-treating, wash the comforter normally to lift the stain remnants and odor. Check that it fully lifts before drying.
Caring for Down Comforters Long-Term
Consistent care is key for down comforter longevity. Here are pro tips for maintenance:
Wash Regularly
How often you wash depends on use, but every 6 months is a good goal. Washing revitalizes the down and kills dust mites.
For extreme soiling between washes, take it to the dry cleaners.
Use a Cover
Protect your comforter in a duvet cover. Wash this more often, as needed.
Rotate top-bottom periodically so body oils don’t concentrate on one half.
Air Out
During warmer months, let your comforter air out in the sun regularly. The sun naturally deodorizes and freshens.
Store Properly
When not in use, avoid compression. Store loosely in a breathable cotton case.
Inspect Filling
Check the batting and stitching yearly for any shifting or clumping. Redistribute as needed for even warmth.
Repair Holes
Fix any small holes immediately before the down starts escaping. Use a patch kit or needle and thread.
Alternatives to Down Comforters
While down comforters have unbeatable insulation, there are alternatives if you have allergies or want a vegan choice:
Down Alternative Comforters
- Filled with polyester instead of down
- Hypoallergenic and vegan
- Not as warm or durable as down
- budget-friendly option
Wool Comforters
- Filled with natural wool batting
- Provides warmth and breathability
- Lanolin in wool resists dust mites
- Heavier than down comforters
Cotton Comforters
- Made of soft, breathable cotton
- Machine washable and hypoallergenic
- Need frequent fluffing to prevent flattening
- Prone to tearing over time
Keep Your Down Comforter Like New
A down comforter is a big investment. With proper cleaning and storage, your comforter will provide years of heavenly softness and insulation. By washing or dry cleaning regularly, spot cleaning often, pre-treating stains, and taking preventative measures, you’ll keep your down in top condition.
For more tips, check out these additional resources:
- Down Care Guide – From DownLinens
- Caring for Down Comforters – From TheRealReal blog
- Down Association of Canada – Trade association with care info
Now go relax under your freshly laundered down comforter – you’ve earned it after learning down comforter cleaning 101!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean a down comforter?
The best cleaning method depends on the specific comforter. Always check the care label first. If machine washable, use a front-loading machine on a gentle, cool water cycle with mild detergent. For “dry clean only” comforters, take them to a professional down comforter dry cleaner every 6-12 months.
How do you wash a down comforter at home?
If machine washable, use cool or cold water on a gentle cycle with a down-safe detergent. Wash 2 comforters separately with a couple of tennis balls to prevent clumping. Dry on low. Once dried, massage the down filling evenly across the comforter to re-fluff.
Can you put a down comforter in the dryer?
Yes, dry your washed down comforter in the dryer on a low, delicate setting. The heat helps re-expand and dry the down. Add a couple of clean tennis balls to help break up clumps. When dry, massage the down filling by hand through the fabric.
How do you get stains out of a down comforter?
First, pre-treat any set-in stains before washing with a targeted stain remover or solution. Check the stain type and choose an appropriate enzyme, alkaline, or acid-based pre-treatment. Gently work it into the stain and let sit before washing. Wash with cool water and dry completely.
How often should you clean a down comforter?
Ideally, launder your down comforter every 6 months. Wash it in early spring and fall when switching your bedding. Wash more frequently if heavily soiled. Between full cleanings, use spot cleaners on stains to prolong the time between washing or dry cleaning.
