When it comes to comforters, down filling provides unmatched warmth and softness. However, down requires special care and washing methods compared to other bedding materials. Learning the proper techniques for cleaning, drying and storing your down-filled comforter will help extend its lifespan so you can enjoy its luxurious comfort for years to come.
This comprehensive beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for, washing, and maintaining down comforters. You’ll learn all about:
- What down filling is and why it needs special handling when washing
- Smart washing tips and step-by-step instructions
- Common cleaning mistakes to avoid
- Proper drying and storage methods post-wash
- When to consider professional cleaning services
- Plus so much more!
Follow this down comforter washing tutorial from start to finish to become a down comforter care expert in no time!
What is Down Filling?
Before jumping into washing instructions, it helps to understand what exactly down filling is and why it reacts differently to cleaning compared to other materials.
Down refers to the soft, fluffy clusters underneath the feathers of ducks and geese that help insulate them from cold temperatures. When used as a fill material for bedding like comforters and pillows, down is highly valued for its exceptional warmth and comfort.
The fluffy three-dimensional structure of down filling forms tiny air pockets that efficiently trap body heat. This gives down comforters their lightweight warmth compared to other fill materials.
Down filling also provides a uniquely soft and luxurious feel. The cushy filling is very responsive, gently conforming around the body. This creates a pleasant sinking sensation that many sleepers find incredibly comfortable.
However, down filling is also delicate and requires more careful handling than synthetic fills. When washing down comforters, special methods must be used to avoid damaging the down and decreasing insulation.
Smart Tips for Washing Down Comforters
When it comes to keeping your down comforter fresh, clean and fluffy, at-home washing is usually recommended over dry cleaning whenever possible. With the proper techniques, you can safely wash down comforters in your home washing machine and clothes dryer.
Here’s an overview of tips for washing down-filled comforters:
DO:
- Check the manufacturer’s label for any special washing instructions
- Use a large capacity machine
- Use a mild detergent specially formulated for down
- Choose a gentle cycle with cold water
- Add a couple of tennis balls to the drum
- Air dry if possible or tumble dry on low
DON’T:
- Use regular detergent or fabric softener
- Wash with other household items
- Overload the washing machine
- Use hot water for washing or drying
- Press down on the comforter while wet
Be sure to follow these best practices every time for clean, fluffy down comforters. Now let’s get into more detail on each step of the washing and drying process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Down Comforters
Inspect and Spot Clean
Before placing your down comforter into the washing machine, you’ll want to properly inspect it and spot treat any soiled areas:
- Check the tag: Refer to the manufacturer’s label for the most accurate washing recommendations. Make note of any temperature, detergent or drying restrictions.
- Inspect filling: Look for any visible clumping in the down filling or gaps where filling is missing. Make note of these areas.
- Spot clean stains: Use a small amount of down-safe detergent and a damp sponge to gently spot clean any visible stains. For liquid spills, use a clean towel to blot the area.
- Check seams and fabric: Inspect the outer fabric covering and seaming for holes, tears or loose threading. These should be repaired prior to washing to prevent further damage.
Spot cleaning and making repairs before throwing the whole comforter in the wash helps ensure the best clean while protecting the integrity of the comforter.
Select the Right Detergent
Be sure to avoid regular laundry detergents when washing down comforters as they can strip essential oils from down causing damage over time.
Instead, use a detergent specifically formulated for down and feathers. These specialized formulas contain cleaning agents that dissolve odors and soils but also have a pH neutral composition. This protects the structure of the delicate down filling.
Many down detergents also contain water repellent finishes to help keep down clusters from clumping. Look for a detergent like Nikwax Down Wash that is recommended by reputable brands like The North Face and Canada Goose.
Select the Proper Machine
When it comes to washing machines for down comforters, bigger is better. Look for a front loading washing machine with a large capacity drum, preferably around 4.5 cubic feet or larger. Top loading agitator machines can be rough on delicate down, causing damage over repeated washing.
Make sure to wash the comforter on its own – no other laundry items in the drum. Overloading can prevent proper agitation.
Set the Right Cycle
Refer back to the manufacturer’s care label for the ideal washing settings. In general, the following settings are recommended:
- Cold water wash helps protect the down
- Gentle/delicates cycle provides a less intense wash action
- Extra rinse cycle eliminates more residue
Many machines also have specific cycles for bulky items like comforters. Choose this preset if available for the best performance.
Add Tennis Balls
Many experts recommend adding a couple of tennis balls to the washing machine drum along with your down comforter. As the drum agitates, the balls will help break up any clumping in the filling and redistribute the down evenly.
The tennis balls also act as a cushion between the down comforter and the walls of the drum, protecting the delicate fabric and fill material as it tumbles.
Avoid Common Mistakes
While washing down comforters takes a bit more care than other bedding, avoiding common mistakes will have you washing like a pro in no time:
- Don’t use regular detergent or fabric softener
- Don’t overload the washing machine
- Don’t wash with items that have zippers, hooks, etc.
- Don’t use hot water for washing or drying
- Don’t press down on a wet down comforter
- Don’t put tennis balls in the dryer!
Following the proper procedures outlined above will keep your down comforter fresh and damage-free for many washes to come.
Drying Down Comforters
Drying your comforter thoroughly is just as important as washing it properly. Any moisture lingering in the down fill can lead to mildew and bacteria growth over time.
Here are your options for safely drying freshly washed down comforters:
Tumble Dry
Most down comforter manufacturers recommend tumble drying on a low heat setting following a wash cycle. The gentle heat helps evaporate moisture trapped deep inside the down clusters.
Be sure to remove the tennis balls first as they can damage dryers! Dry your comforter alone without other laundry to allow for proper airflow. Leave the comforter in the dryer until fully dried and re-fluffed – this may take a couple of cycles.
To speed up drying, you can add a couple of dryer balls to the load. As the dryer tumbles, these balls help separate and re-loft the down filling.
Air Dry
For more delicate down comforters, air drying may be the best method to prevent heat damage over time.
To air dry your freshly washed comforter:
- Hang or lay flat to dry in an open, dry area
- Allow at least 12 hours for thorough drying
- Fluff and rotate periodically for even drying
Make sure to fully dry each section before folding or storing to prevent mildew growth in any remaining moisture.
Maintaining Down Comforters
Proper maintenance between washes helps extend your investment in a quality down comforter. Here are a few tips:
- Fluff daily: Gently “massage” clumped sections to redistribute filling
- Air out monthly: If not using, hang outdoors to air out
- Proper storage containers: Cotton sacks or breathable boxes, not plastic
- Annual professional cleaning: Especially for all-season use
With some routine care, your down comforter can deliver cozy comfort night after night for years to come.
Considering Professional Cleaning
While you can safely hand wash and dry your down comforter at home between regular uses, about once a year, professional cleaning is recommended.
The Benefits of Professional Cleaning
Dedicated down comforter cleaning services employ specialized commercial equipment and detergents that can more thoroughly eliminate soils, odors, dust mites, and other allergens from your down bedding.
Advantages of periodic professional cleaning include:
- Access to commercial washers/dryers optimized for large/delicate items
- Sanitizing temperatures unavailable in home machines
- Powerful antimicrobial detergents
- Drying machines that fully restore loft and fill distribution
- Expert inspection and repairs
Many professional services also offer sterilization for those with severe allergies. This deep cleaning provides peace of mind that your bedding harbors no irritants.
Cost Considerations
Professional down comforter cleaning does come at a cost ranging $25-$100 per comforter depending on the size. However, given that a quality down comforter is a major investment expected to last over a decade, this periodic cost helps safeguard your purchase.
Special Considerations
Those with Allergies/Asthma
For allergy/asthma sufferers, the key priority when cleaning down bedding is eliminating dust mites, pollen, pet dander and other irritants that can trigger reactions.
Seeking professional down cleaning services 1-2 times per year helps sanitize your comforter through:
- Powerful, antimicrobial detergents
- Hot water extraction reaching over 200°F
- Commercial dryers reaching 160°F+
These methods meet National Asthma Council Australia standards for eliminating allergens. Always check if a service offers allergen-free certifications.
Different Climates and Seasons
Homes in humid climates will require more frequent washing to prevent mildew in down bedding. Hot & humid climates also benefit from regular professional cleaning to thoroughly dry, sanitize & restore fill power weakened by moisture.
Cold weather climates should take care to properly dry comforters after home washing during winter months. Hard freezes make line/air drying difficult. Time machine drying cycles accordingly if air drying is not possible.
Common Down Comforter Cleaning Myths
When it comes to keeping down comforters fresh and damage-free, watch out for these common misconceptions:
Myth #1: You should dry clean down comforters instead of washing them.
FACT: Dry cleaning uses harsh solvents that strip the oils from down over time, causing it to break down and lose insulation value faster. Gentle machine washing once 2-3 months extends the useable life of down comforters.
Myth #2: Washing too often ruins down comforters.
FACT: As long as you use the proper delicate detergents and low heat, frequent washing will not harm your down comforter. Not washing leads to buildup of oils, soil and dust mites that impact performance.
Myth #3: Add fabric softener when washing down.
FACT: Fabric softeners coat the filaments of down, removing oils and collapsing the delicate clusters. Avoid fabric softeners with down as they attract soil over time and diminish loft.
Follow the accurate washing guidance provided earlier instead of falling for comforting myths!
Health and Safety Considerations
When handling and cleaning bedding items, basic precautions help protect your health and safety:
- Wear gloves and a mask when washing
- Make sure comforter is fully dried before use or storage
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling soiled laundry
- Follow all cleaning product instructions
- Ensure detergents/cleaners stored safely away from children
Taking these simple precautions reduces the risks of lung irritation, skin reactions, chemical exposures or other hazards.
Troubleshooting Issues
If you notice your down comforter is not feeling as warm or lofty as it used to even after washing, try these troubleshooting tips:
Issue: Persistent odors
- Solution: Add baking soda or white vinegar to the wash cycle to help neutralize stubborn smells
Issue: Lumpy sections that don’t re-fluff
- Solution: Spot clean lumps gently with damp cloth before drying. Avoid compressing down before/during drying. May need professional cleaning.
Issue: Loss of fluffiness
- Solution: Could indicate damaged fill material. Have professionally cleaned and inspected to determine if replacement fill may be needed. Stop putting in the dryer if damaged.
How Down Compares to Alternative Comforters
While down comforters require special care, many sleepers feel the extra effort is worthwhile. Here is how down compares to other comforter materials:
Vs. Cotton: Natural cotton batting offers breathability and hypoallergenic properties but lacks the serious warmth of high-fill power down. The loft and sinking comfort of down is also unparalleled.
Vs. Wool: Qualities like breathability and durability have made wool comforters popular. However, wool is heavier and not as soft, billowy or moldable as down comforters. Those allergic to wool may also react to wool bedding.
Vs. Polyester: Easy care is the main perk of polyester comforters. But polyester lacks the cloud-like feel and gentle weight of down. With proper washing techniques, maintaining down is very reasonable.
Vs. Silk: Silk comforters rival down when it comes to luxury feel and heat retention. However, the price tag is exceptionally higher for 100% silk comforters compared to high quality down.
While down does require special handling, true warmth connoisseurs feel the unbeatable comfort is worth the extra effort. By following these care and washing best practices, your investment in an elegant down-filled comforter will pay off for years to come.
Let’s Sum It All Up
Caring for down comforters is simpler than you may think. By following this complete washing guide, you’ll be able to keep your down bedding fresh and damage-free for years of blissful comfort.
Here are the key tips to remember:
- Use a large capacity front load washing machine
- Wash with cold water and gentle cycle
- Use a mild down-specific detergent
- Add tennis balls to the wash to prevent clumping
- Always air dry or tumble dry on low
- Fluff and store properly between washes
Treating your down comforter with a little TLC goes a long way. While delicately designed for comfort, down filling is also resilient when handled with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature water should I wash my down comforter in?
Use only cold water when washing down comforters, even in the rinse cycle. Hot water can damage and shrink delicate down filling. Always check the care tag instructions as well.
Can I wash my down comforter with regular laundry?
It’s best to wash down comforters separately from other household laundry to allow them to properly tumble and prevent tearing on zippers or hooks. The delicate nature of down filling requires more careful handling.
How often should I wash my down comforter?
Plan to wash your down comforter every 2-3 months with regular use. This helps clear out allergens, body oils and dirt that accumulate. Some experts say you can wash quality down comforters up to 6 times per year without damage when following proper techniques.
Why does my down comforter get lumpy after washing?
Improper drying often causes lumping. Be sure to completely dry all sections of the comforter before placing back on the bed or compressing into storage. Down needs air circulation to re-loft. If lumps won’t redistribute after air drying, have the comforter professionally cleaned and inspected.
Can I put tennis balls in the dryer with my comforter?
Do not put tennis balls in the dryer. They are only used during the wash cycle to help break up clumping. The dryer’s heat can melt the tennis balls, damaging your dryer and comforter.
Should I have my down comforter professionally cleaned?
It’s smart to have your down comforter professionally cleaned about once a year. The high-capacity commercial machines, powerful antimicrobial detergents, and expert handling available from professional services help extend the life span of your comforter.
How do I know if my down comforter needs reconditioning?
After several years, if your comforter seems flat or loses its ability to retain warmth no matter how often you fluff and air it out, the down filling may need to be reconditioned or topped off. Professional services can efficiently assess your comforter and restore it with fresh down clusters.
