Snuggling under a cloud-like down comforter on a chilly morning is an unmatched cozy feeling. But as winter winds on, your down comforter inevitably becomes home to dust mites, body oils, and othergross stuff.
Can you save your beloved IKEA down comforter from the trash by throwing it in the washing machine? Here’s everything a beginner needs to know about caring for IKEA down bedding.
An Introduction to Down Duvets
A down duvet insert is the fluffy filling inside a duvet cover. This bedding item is valued for its top-notch warmth thanks to uncompressed feathers and down.
Down comes from ducks and geese. Goose down clusters are larger and more resilient. Duck down clusters are smaller but still very insulating. Down cluster size and fill power determine the duvet’s warmth.
Why Choose an IKEA Down Duvet?
IKEA sells affordable duck down duvets with impressive quality:
- Outer covers use 100% cotton or cotton blends
- Down responsibly sourced as per IKEA sustainability standards
- Range of sizes from twin to king
- Light, medium and heavy warmth levels
- Prices $49 to $199
But with great fluff comes great responsibility. Down duvets need special washing care.
Are IKEA Down Duvets Machine Washable?
Happy news! All IKEA duck down duvet inserts can be machine washed according to instructions.
However, first-timers should note:
- Use a front loading washing machine – Agitators in top loaders can damage duvet innards.
- Wash with similar items – Add 2-3 towels to balance the load.
- Use a gentler cycle – Opt for the delicate or wool setting.
- Rinse twice – Make sure to remove all detergent residue.
Detergents Safe for Down
Skipping the fabric softener, wash down duvets with down-specific detergents only.
Down wash formulas are free of chemicals found in regular detergents that can degrade down cluster fibers:
| Detergent | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| IKEA VINTERKRAFTS Down Wash | $4.99 for 25 fl. oz | Free from dyes, fragrances and bleach. Allergen friendly. Formula cleans effectively in cool water cycles. |
| The Laundress Delicate Wash | $19 for 16 fl. oz | Solvent, phosphate and dye free. Rich foam lifts dirt without dulling fabric. Ideal for fine wools and silks too. |
| Puro Down Wash | $14.95 for 8 fl. oz | Powered by plant-based surfactants. Suitable for front and top load machines. Backed by 10 year warranty. |
Using any detergent risks compromising your comforter’s grand fluff factor sooner.
To Dry or Not to Dry?
Ideally, dry your down duvet insert on a clothesline in the gentle breeze. This preserves maximum loft.
Tumble drying can accelerate cluster damage and clumping. But unless you live in warm climates year-round outdoor drying can get tricky.
If machine drying your duvet insert, adhere to care instructions:
- Shake vigorously and redistribute fill before drying
- Add 2-3 balls to fluff the duvet
- Use low heat for 60 minutes
- Repeat drying cycles if needed
How Often Should You Wash an IKEA Down Comforter?
How frequently you wash down bedding depends on usage and climate. On average experts recommend:
- Wash duck down duvets every 2-3 months in warm weather
- Wash once before winter storage and once at season’s start
- Steam clean instead of washing multiple times a year
More IKEA Bedding Worth Knowing About
Beyond exceptional down duvets, IKEA has all the bedding sets and separate covers to personalize your bed:
- STJÄRNA duvet set in crisp white cotton sateen
- Cozy ÖVERALLT cover in soft-wash flannel
- All-season INTELIGENT duvet adapts to temperatures
- Plush ÅBÄCKA throw blanket
And note, even IKEA’s wool blankets, cotton duvet covers, and *** throws*** can be machine washed with proper care.
How Do Other Brands’ Down Comforters Compare?
The White Company and Dreams rival IKEA for quality down duvets at accessible pricing:
| Brand | Price Range | Benefits | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA | $49-$199 | Widest range of prices for good quality | Limited choices for shell fabrics and designs |
| The White Company | $130-$375 | 300 thread count sateen cotton shell | Prone to shifting fill |
| Dreams | $100-$250 | Super-soft microfiber outer, allergen resitant | Occasional durability issues |
While machine washing is safe for all brands’ down inserts, IKEA is the only retailer that openly provides care instructions upfront for customers.
Why Responsible Down Certification Matters
IKEA and reputable bedding brands like The White Company responsibly source their down insulation:
- IKEA audits suppliers ensuring humane practices
- The White Company’s down is RDS certified
Such ethical down production guarantees birds are:
- Never force fed or plucked alive
- Able to roam freely with shelter
- Handled using humane methods
So you can enjoy heavenly soft bedding without qualms.
What IKEA Down Comforter Owners Recommend
IKEA comforter reviews and Reddit posts reveal tips from owners’ firsthand experiences:
“I’ve had my IKEA down duvet for 7 years and it’s held up perfectly through regular machine washing.” u/CosyOrpheus96352
“Be sure to use an extra large capacity washer for king size duvets. I have the SNIGLAR model – it’s toasty warm and cleaned great wrapped in a sheet.” u/BostonTeaEnthusiast
“Don’t stuff it forcefully into any washing machine drum – clumped batts may tear the outer material”. u/NeverRarelySometimes
So be sure you have the right washing machine size and handle the duvet gently for best results.
Expert Tips to Make IKEA Down Last
To help IKEA down inserts exceed lifespan expectations, textiles experts suggest:
“Always tie duvets into breathable cotton bags before machine washing. This prevents the delicate inner shell from ripping.” – Becky Littauer, Laundry Heap
“Stuff clean inserts into big billowy bags between washes so clusters stay spread out.” – Cheryl Choy, Housekeeping for Busy Women
Such special care for down comforters has them feeling freshly fluffy for over a decade.
Latest Innovations in Machine Washable Duvets
While basic washing guidelines for down bedding apply universally, new duvet construction methods now enable more convenient cleaning:
- Duvets with inners stitched into sections maintain even distribution of fill when agitated in wash cycles. Examples include Simmons’ Total Protection Comforter
- Moisture repellent covers with durable water resistant (DWR) treatment shield down interiors. Ideal for accident-prone users. Available on Eddie Bauer’s Premium Down Comforter
While not mandatory, such features ensure down comforters withstand inevitable spills, washes and wears through their lifecycle.
Decoding Bedding Care Symbols
On any duvet or bedding item’s white tag you’ll see laundry care symbols.
Refer to these before cleaning.
Key pointers for down comforters:
- Machine dry safe on low heat
- Wash in warm water
- No bleach
- Dry clean acceptable but not mandatory
Adhering to instructions maximizes lifespan while preserving quality.
Buying Your First Down Comforter
When investing in a duck or goose down comforter for the first time consider:
Fill power
- For year-round use, buy options with fill power between 600-800. The higher the number the better insulation derived from the same weight of down.
Tog rating
- 13.5 tog keeps most users cozy in cool weather. Opt for lower 10.5 tog for hotter climes.
Fabric shells
- Breathable, densely woven cotton shells are ideal for withstanding wear.
Caring For Your Down Right
Once your plush IKEA or any down comforter acquisition is in use, make it last through diligent care:
1. Fluff it vigorously after removing from the dryer
Doing this maintains maximum volume so down trap air efficiently.
2. Avoid extended direct sunlight exposure
UV rays damage and bleach natural down and fabrics over time.
3. Alternate usage to evenly distribute fill
Shake into place for even warmth distribution across the comforter.
Wrap Up
Who would have thought your down comforter is machine wash friendly? Follow the fundamentals and expert advice outlined here for safely and effectively laundering IKEA and other brands of duck or goose down duvets many times over.
With proper maintenance you’ll enjoy your cloud-like comforter for over a decade without losing out on heavenly soft warmth every use!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to wash an IKEA down comforter?
Use a front loading machine, delicate cycle, and a specialized down detergent. Add a few towels to balance the load. Rinse twice.
Should you put an IKEA down comforter in the dryer?
Tumble dry on low if needed after redistributing fill. Add tennis balls. Use wool dryer balls instead long-term to maximize fluff factor.
How often should you wash a down comforter?
Wash duck or goose down comforters every 2-3 months in warmer weather. Year-round, washing every 6 months suffices. Freshen up more using a steamer.
What is fill power and why does it matter?
Fill power indicates the loft and insulation capacity of down clusters. Higher fill between 600-900 fills the same volume with less material for better warmth.
Can you machine wash any IKEA bedding?
Yes! All IKEA bedding like duvet covers, wool blankets, and cotton quilts can be machine washed safely following care instructions. Use gentler cycles and delicate detergents.
Where does IKEA source their down from?
IKEA responsibly sources goose and duck down ensuring humane practices per sustainability policies. IKEA audits suppliers but also seeks third party certifications.
