Do you love snuggling under the warmth and comfort of a down comforter? These cozy bedding essentials envelop you in fluffy softness and insulation to keep you toasty on even the chilliest nights.
But to maintain that squishy loft that makes down so desirable, proper cleaning methods are key. So can you put a down comforter in the dryer?
I’ll cover that question in detail throughout this post, including:
- Benefits of down bedding
- Washing techniques
- Drying options
- Stain removal tips
- Storage recommendations
And plenty more to help you master down comforter care!
Why Choose Down?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of washing instructions, let’s review why down is such a coveted fill material for comforters, pillows, jackets, and more:
- Ultra-soft and fluffy. Down comes from the underlayer of feathers on ducks and geese. It consists of tiny, three-dimensional filaments that create maximum loft and insulation.
- Lightweight and breathable. Despite its coziness factor, down bedding is surprisingly airy and lightweight.
- Molds to your shape. The filaments shift as you move, contouring perfectly to your body.
- Luxurious look and feel. Nothing beats down when you want to create a fancy, hotel-like sleep experience.
For these reasons and more, down continues to be the fill of choice for discerning sleepers. But snagging an expensive down comforter is only half the battle – you’ll want to learn proper care and cleaning to help it last.
Washing Down Comforters
Let’s start with a look at your machine washing options for down comforters, along with some key mistakes to avoid.
Checking the Care Label
The first step before washing any down comforter is to consult the care tag. Look for details like:
- Recommended washing method: Machine wash, dry clean, or hand wash
- Water temperature
- Dryer settings
- Any warnings about bleach, fabric softener, etc.
Following these instructions is crucial for keeping your down in the best condition possible.
Pre-Treating Stains
If your down insert has any visible stains, pre-treat them before throwing it in the wash.
For protein-based stains like sweat or urine, use an enzyme-based pre-wash spray. For oils, try an oxygen-based cleaner.
Let it soak in for 30-60 minutes before washing. This prevents stains from setting during the actual wash cycle.
Front-Loading vs. Top-Loading Machines
Front-loading washing machines are typically best for washing down, especially large/heavy items like comforters. Benefits include:
- Gentler agitation to avoid damage to down clusters
- Large capacities suit hefty bedding
- Added rollover design helps bedding move freely and evenly saturate
However, a regular top-loading machine also works. Just avoid ones with aggressive center agitators.
Wash Cycles & Settings
Look for the gentlest, lowest-agitation cycle possible:
- Delicates/handwash cycle: Ideal for lightly soiled down with water ~104-113°F.
- Permanent press: For dirtier down using medium water temps.
- Extra rinse option: Help guarantee all detergent gets removed.
- Low spin speed: Prevents balling of down around baffles.
Keep load sizes manageable too – don’t cram it completely full.
Avoid high heat or harsh detergents with enzymes or whitening agents. Use a mild, fragrance/dye-free liquid designed for delicates.
Dryer Balls & Tennis Balls
Adding a couple wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls to your washing machine can help add turbulence to get down moving. This allows more water to penetrate inside.
They also help break up any clumped feathers during drying.
Drying Your Down Comforter
Once washed, it’s equally important to dry your down insert properly to restore fluff and loft. Let’s explore your options.
Air Drying
Air drying is the gentlest method, preventing excess heat damage.
To air dry a down comforter:
- Hang it outdoors on a clothesline if possible – the fresh air helps revive loft.
- Or drape it flat over furniture or a drying rack, turning periodically.
This can take 1-2 days for a king comforter, so plan ahead!
Tumble Drying
You can use your home dryer as long as you follow some key tips:
- Use the air fluff or no heat cycle – simply circulating air helps dry down.
- Add a couple dryer balls to help separate feather clumps.
- Toss in a couple clean tennis balls too for extra turbulence.
- Check frequently and pull out promptly once dry to avoid over-drying. This can damage loft.
- Repeat the short cycle 2-3 times if needed, allowing the down to fully re-fluff between rounds.
Expect 1-3 cycles for a typical comforter to dry completely depending on thickness.
Drying Wet Down
Be extra cautious when machine drying down inserts freshly washed. Wet down takes longer to dry and is prone to irreparable clumping if overheated.
Insert a couple pipe cleaners through the corner seams before drying. This allows trapped moisture to escape.
Stain Removal Tips
Accidents happen! Here are some troubleshooting tips if your down comforter gets stained or soiled:
- New stains: Pretreat immediately with an enzyme cleaner or oxygen booster before washing. This prevents setting.
- Old stains: Rub salt directly into the spot to help lift discoloration, then wash. Vinegar also helps clean built-up sweat and body oil stains.
- Mold/mildew: Treat with lemon juice or vinegar first. Then soak the whole comforter with an oxygen cleaner before washing to kill lingering spores.
- Odors: Sprinkling baking soda directly on the comforter can help deodorize before washing. Or add it along with white vinegar or lemon juice to the wash cycle.
Caring for Down Alternative Comforters
What if you purchased a down alternative comforter made with polyester or microfiber fill? Can it still go in the dryer?
The good news is down alternative bedding is typically safe for machine drying on low/medium heat. But separate drying cycles may be needed for the insert vs cover to allow proper airflow.
Other care tips:
- Check the tag to confirm dryer safety
- Wash gentle cycle in cold water
- Add tennis balls to help maintain even fill distribution
Keeping Down Comforters Clean
Your ultimate goal is to avoid frequent washing which slowly damages down over time. Here are some handy tips:
- Use a duvet cover as a protective barrier against body oils and spills
- Air out the comforter regularly to prevent mustiness
- Spot treat stains promptly
- Dry clean only when truly needed, or every 2 years
- Store folded inside a breathable cotton cover during warmer months
When to Professionally Clean Down
Over time, even well-maintained down comforters can use an intensive refresh to restore their original fluffy feel.
Signs it may be time include:
- Visible staining
- Flattening despite fluffing
- Musty smells
- Clumping in spots
Look for a reputable commercial laundering service that specializes in down. Avoid regular dry cleaners. The intense wash formulas and commercial drying equipment do wonders to restore loft and cleanliness.
Expect to invest $100-200 per king comforter. But you’ll gain years of extra life out of your bedding with each professional clean.
Investing in down means a long-term commitment! By understanding the unique care requirements, you can keep your bedding looking beautiful.
Review the handy checklist below for a quick recap of best practices covered. Sweet dreams!
Down Comforter Care Checklist
- Consult the care tag before washing or drying
- Pre-treat any stains
- Use front-loading machine or top-loader without agitator
- Choose gentle, low-agitation cycle
- Wash 2 comforters separately
- Air dry or tumble dry on no/low heat
- Fluff after each use
- Add tennis balls when washing and drying
- Use down proof duvet cover
- Professionally launder every 2-3 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about how to clean your down comforter? Here are answers to some common queries:
Can I put my down comforter in the washing machine?
Yes, you can machine wash most down comforters at home. Choose a front-loader with a gentle cycle using cold water and mild detergent. Or use a top-loader without an agitator on the delicate cycle.
How do I dry my down comforter quickly?
If air drying will take too long, use the no heat or air fluff cycle in your dryer. Make sure to add a couple tennis balls to prevent clumping. Pull out promptly once fully dry and repeat if needed. Avoid over-drying which can damage loft.
Why does my down comforter smell bad even after washing?
Odors can linger in down, especially if mold or mildew accumulation wasn’t properly treated pre-wash. Soak the comforter in a diluted solution of white vinegar or lemon juice first. Then add baking soda directly in with the detergent during washing to help remove smells.
How often should I wash my down comforter?
Only wash a down comforter 2-3 times per year at most. Frequent laundering can damage delicate down clusters over time. Instead, use a duvet cover for protection and spot treat stains promptly as needed between washes.
When should I take my down comforter to the dry cleaner?
Dry cleaning chemicals are harsh so should be used sparingly on down bedding. Get your comforter professionally cleaned every 2-3 years to revitalize lifeless, flattened down. Signs it’s time include visible stain buildup, clumping, odor, or lack of fluff despite reshaking.
