Caring for your Ikea down comforter doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With some basic knowledge about washing down comforters and specific care instructions from Ikea’s experts, you can easily clean your comforter at home. This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from preparing your duvet for the wash to proper drying and storage methods.
Why Proper Care and Cleaning Matters
Taking good care of your Ikea down-filled bedding ensures its longevity and performance. Here are some key reasons why following the right washing, drying, and storage practices makes a difference:
- Extends the lifespan of your comforter by preserving the loft and quality of the down fill
- Prevents buildup of dust mites, allergens, and body oils that can degrade the down and cause odor
- Protects against clumping and matting of the delicate down feathers
- Helps maintain the warmth and breathability that make down comforters so comfortable
An Introduction to Ikea Down Comforters
Before jumping into the cleaning process, let’s briefly go through what defines an Ikea down comforter and what makes it such a popular choice for beds.
The Composition
- Filled with a mix of duck and goose down along with feathers
- Down fill ratio is typically 600 fill power from Ikea
- Covered in a cotton shell, usually with some polyester added
- Stitch-through box construction to prevent fill shifting
Why People Love Down
Down comforters from Ikea offer that ideal combination of fluffy softness, lightweight warmth and comfort. Specifically:
- Insulating – the air pockets in down trap body heat exceptionally well
- Breathable – moisture wicks away so you don’t get hot and sweaty
- Moldable & Soft – gentle compression allows down to contour your body shape
- Long-lasting – down can maintain its loft and insulation for years when properly cared for
Now that you know what defines an Ikea down comforter, let’s get into the best practices for keeping it clean and well-maintained.
Pre-Wash Preparations
Before washing, you need to take a few key steps to prepare your comforter:
Always Check the Care Label
The first step is to check the sewn-in care label on your Ikea comforter. This will specify:
- Recommended wash cycles (delicates, gentle)
- Water temperature – usually low or warm, <105°F
- Drying method – tumble dry low or line dry
- Any warnings about bleach, heat, etc.
Be sure to follow these instructions for best results.
Spot Clean Stained Areas
Next, perform some spot treatment on any visibly stained areas:
- Gently blot stains using a microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water
- For tough stains, use a down-safe stain remover recommended by Ikea
- Be very gentle during spot cleaning – harsh rubbing can damage down
Remove the Duvet Cover
Finally, unclip the duvet cover and set it aside. You’ll wash the inner comforter separately from the cover.
Now your Ikea down comforter is prepped and ready for washing!
Washing Process Explained
Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire washing process to properly clean your Ikea down comforter at home:
Choose a Mild Detergent
Since down is delicate, stay away from regular heavy duty detergents. Instead, choose a mild liquid detergent that’s designed specifically for down and feather-filled items.
Some options:
- Eucalan Delicate Wash
- Down Clean Gold from Pacific Coast Feather
- The Laundress Down Wash
Use the Right Machine Settings
Set your washing machine to the gentlest cycle with a low-med temperature. The key settings:
- Cycle – Delicates/gentle, or “down/feathers” if your machine has it
- Temp – Warm 105°F max (40-45°C). Too hot can damage down.
- Speed – Slow/delicates, lowest water flow rate
Don’t Overload Your Washer
Only wash 1 down comforter at a time. Overcrowding leads to uneven cleaning and can stress the machine motor.
Add 2-3 tennis balls to help circulate water through the down during the cycle.
Why Use Specialty Detergent?
Regular detergents contain harsher chemicals and perfumes that can strip essential naturally-occurring oils from delicate down, shortening its lifespan.
Mild liquid formulas like the ones mentioned are engineered to clean effectively while maintaining the integrity of the down fill. Many also help restore loft and contain a conditioner.
Now just run the wash cycle as usual. Your comforter will come out fresh, lofted, and clean!
Drying Your Comforter
To fully revive your Ikea down comforter’s fluffiness after washing, it helps to use either of these drying methods:
Tumble Drying
You can tumble dry on low heat for up to 2 hours:
- Use the delicates or low heat preset only
- Remove promptly after the cycle finishes
- Don’t over-dry – this causes excess clumping
To help fluff, add in 2-3 clean tennis balls. The bouncing helps separate down clusters.
Air Drying
As an alternative to machine drying, air drying also works well. Just avoid direct sunlight. Options are:
- Hang outside in a breezy spot
- Drape over a clothing rack inside
- Lay flat on top of a clean bed or towels
Air drying can take a few hours up to overnight, depending on humidity. Fluff the down with your hands periodically as it dries.
Either of these methods works well – just follow the care label instructions from Ikea for your specific comforter.
Post-Washing Down Comforter Care
After washing and drying your Ikea down-filled bedding, a few additional steps help revive that fresh, luxurious feel:
Fluffing and Massaging
Use your hands to vigorously fluff up the down filling and break up any clumps. Take a few minutes to massage the comforter which helps redistribute fill.
Check for Dampness
Make sure no sections feel damp or stiff. If needed, spot treat those spots with a hairdryer then fluff again. The whole comforter should fee dry, billowy and evenly filled edge-to-edge.
Let Air Out Before Storing
Before folding up, allow the comforter sit out for a few hours to fully air out. This helps prevent odor-causing moisture from being trapped.
Now your refreshed comforter is ready for storage or to be placed back on your bed!
Special Care Tips for Ikea Down Comforters
To get the most longevity out of Ikea bedding, here are some care instructions directly from the experts:
Care Instructions from Ikea
Here are Ikea’s recommendations per the online care instructions for their down comforters:
- Always line dry or tumble dry on a low setting
- For washing, use mild soap and a front-loading machine; wash max once every 6 months
- For stubborn stains, spot clean with a damp cloth using gentle circular motions
- Avoid bleach and fabric softeners as these can damage the down
Pro Tips from Ikea Employees
I asked employees at my local Ikea store to share their best care advice:
“Gently stretch and massage the comforter after drying to redistribute the down and feathers.”
“Using tennis balls during drying really helps restore that fluffy feel if the down has flattened.”
“Make sure to tear open any clumps – don’t shake too hard though.”
“Getting a wash and refresh service done every few years helps extend the life.”
Hopefully these Ikea-recommended tips help you care for your comforter!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to damage your delicate down comforter if you aren’t careful in washing and drying it. Steer clear of these mistakes:
Using Harsh Detergents
Standard laundry soaps strip the oils from down causing it to lose insulation value faster. Use only down-specific mild detergents.
Excessive Heat Drying
High temps can scorch, shrink or mat the fill. Always tumble dry on the lowest setting.
Ignoring Care Labels
Don’t wash with hot water if the labels say use cold. Aggressive washing and drying leads to premature deterioration.
Being gentle and following the sewn-in guidance is key for avoiding these pitfalls!
How Often To Wash an Ikea Down Comforter
You don’t need to clean your down comforter too frequently, but regular washing helps extend lifespan. Here are general guidelines:
Typical Recommended Frequency
For an average user, washing your Ikea down comforter every 6 months is reasonable. Wash more or less based on:
- How much you sweat at night
- If you have allergies – wash more often
- Whether pets sleep on the bed
Frequent fluffing and airing out can allow longer intervals between washes.
Signs It’s Time for a Wash
Watch for these indicators that your down bedding needs freshening up:
- Visible stains from spills, sweat, etc
- Clumping of down and loss of fluff
- Musty smells or odors
- Increase in allergy symptoms when using
Trust your senses. If anything seems off, just wash it.
Dealing with Down Comforter Stains
Accidents happen – follow these tips for combatting stains on your Ikea comforter:
Try Spot Cleaning First
For smaller stains, promptly blot the area using a damp microfiber cloth and gentle circular motion. Use lukewarm mildly soapy water or a specialty spot remover. This may do the trick.
Know Your Stain Removal Options
For tougher stains, try one of these methods before washing the whole comforter:
- Hand wash only the stained portion
- Spot spray with an enzyme-based cleaner like Eucalan
- Spot treat with dish soap, salt, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, etc
- Dry clean just the affected section
For old or stubborn dried-in stains, the best bet is washing the entire comforter using your usual cleaning method.
Should You Dry Clean Down Comforters?
Many people opt to dry clean their Ikea down comforters every year or two rather than attempting home washing. Here’s what to know about professional services:
When to Consider Dry Cleaning
Take your comforter for dry cleaning if:
- You noticed heavy soiling or odors that didn’t resolve with home washing
- After air drying, sections still feel stiff or clumped
- You want a deep, sanitizing clean to kill mites and bacteria
Choosing a Reputable Cleaner
Not all dry cleaners properly handle delicates like down. When selecting a service, ask:
- What type of machines they use – some are rougher
- If they guarantee against shrinkage, and have experience with down
- If they thoroughly rinse and neutralize fabrics after cleaning
- If they can treat stains and also provide deodorizing washes
Getting a referral, reading reviews, and understanding their process helps pick a good down comforter specialist.
In most cases, home washing remains a safe bet if done carefully – but professionals can revive bedding when DIY fails.
The Environmental Impact of Washing Down
Like any household task, cleaning your comforter uses resources and energy. So consider the environment:
Wash in Cold Water When Possible
Heating water accounts for 90% of washing machine energy use. Skip hot washes – cold water cleans fine in most cases.
Use an Eco-Friendly Detergent
Harsh chemicals get released when washing. An environmentally-safe and biodegradable formula is ideal. Many specialist down detergents now offer greener options.
You don’t have to sacrifice quality to be eco-conscious. With some simple tweaks to your process, cleaning a down comforter can be easy on the planet too!
Keeping Your Comforter Fresh Between Washes
To maintain that fluffy comfort and appealing scent longer between full washing cycles:
Air Out The Comforter Regularly
Every few weeks, hang or lay out your duvet for several hours to ventilate it and release moisture that causes odor issues.
Use A Protective Cover
Adding a removable duvet cover shields your comforter from body soils and spills in between cleanings. Having at least 2 covers makes swapping/washing easier.
Storing Ikea Comforters for Summer
When warmer weather arrives, you’ll likely switch to lighter bedding. To put away your down comforter properly:
Fold Correctly to Maintain Loft
Don’t tightly compress for storage as this can flatten feathers. Instead, loosely fold in thirds lengthwise with downy side facing in, then fold width-wise a few times.
Use Vacuum Storage Bags
For max protection, use large breathable cotton storage bags or vacuum storage bags – this locks out dust mites, allergens, and moisture from the packed-away comforter.
Now you can keep your winter down comforter in great shape all summer ready for next use!
Some way to Care for Ikea Down Comforters
Caring for an Ikea down comforter really comes down to:
- Always following the care label guidance
- Using only specialty detergents to prevent deterioration
- Low and slow for washing and drying to protect delicate down
- Regular maintenance – fluffing, air drying etc – makes a difference
- Proper storage helps ensure longevity and performance
Treat your comforter gently, clean when needed, store correctly, and it will provide cozy warmth and heavenly soft comfort year after year. This beginner’s guide offered everything you need to know to care for Ikea down bedding properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean down and feathers?
Use a mild detergent made specifically for delicates like down, set your machine to a gentle cycle in warm water, and tumble dry low/air dry. Harsh chemicals can damage down.
How do you restore the fluff to a flat down comforter?
During washing, add tennis balls to help circulate water and loft the down. Air/tumble dry properly after washing. Vigorously shake and fluff the duvet by hand to break up mats. Massage in downy sections.
Why does my down comforter have odor after washing?
Excess moisture trapped inside can breed bacteria causing smells. Always fully dry the comforter, and let it air out for several hours before use or storage to prevent odor issues.
Can you put an Ikea down comforter in the dryer?
Yes, Ikea down comforters are dryer safe but only tumble dry on the lowest heat setting, delicate cycle to avoid potential shrinkage, damage and balls of molten down forming from excessive heat. Adding tennis balls helps loft the feathers.
How do I wash an Ikea down comforter at home?
In a front load machine, use a mild detergent made for delicates, set to the gentle cycle in cool/warm water. Wash solo – no other items. Air dry or dry low 1-2 hours. Finally, be sure to vigorously shake and fluff post-drying before use or storage.
