Down comforters are known for their ultra-soft warmth and plush comfort. However, like any bedding material, down comforters require proper care and cleaning to keep them fresh and extend their lifespan. Washing down comforters in a washing machine is possible, but requires following specific steps to avoid damage.

This beginner’s guide will walk through everything you need to know about washing down comforters at home, from understanding down and preparing for cleaning to step-by-step washing instructions, drying techniques, and maintenance tips. With the right approach, you can keep your down comforter clean, hygienic, and feeling like new.

Table of Contents

Understanding Down Comforters

Before jumping into washing instructions, let’s quickly go over what exactly down comforters are and what makes them special.

What Are Down Comforters?

Down comforters are filled with natural down, which is the soft, fluffy cluster of fibers found under the feathers of ducks and geese. This down filling is what gives comforters their signature plushness and ability to trap heat.

The most common types of down used in comforters include:

Goose down – Considered higher quality down with larger clusters that traps more air.
Duck down – Smaller clusters, more affordable option still provides warmth.
Alternative down – Synthetic options for allergy sufferers.

Benefits of Down Comforters

Down comforters offer exceptional benefits including:

Warmth – Down traps air and provides excellent insulation.
Lightweight – Despite warmth, down is very lightweight and breathable.
Durability – With proper care, down comforters can last decades.
Luxury – Down has a soft, plush feel associated with luxury.

However, to maintain these benefits, proper cleaning and care is essential.

Preparing Down Comforters for Washing

Before placing your down comforter in the washing machine, some preparation is required.

Check the Care Label

The first step is to check the sewn-in care label for any special washing instructions or limitations from the manufacturer. This will specify safe washing methods for that specific comforter.

Some key things to look for include:

Machine washable – Verify the comforter is machine washable.
Temperature – Ideal washing temperature may be specified.
Cycle – Recommended wash cycle like delicate or gentle.
Tumble dry – Instructions if machine drying is allowed.
Dry clean only – If noted, washing at home is not recommended.

Spot Treat Stains

Next, inspect the comforter for any visible stains or heavily soiled areas. Pretreat these spots before washing to improve your chances of removal.

Apply a pretreatment spray or dab with a stain remover stick. Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes before washing.

Remove Duvet Cover and Accessories

Finally, remove any duvet cover, buttons, or decorative trim from the comforter prior to washing. These accessories may require different care instructions.

Washing Down Comforters in a Machine

With the prep work completed, it’s time to tackle washing the down comforter. Follow these steps for the best results:

Choose the Right Washer Size

Select a front-load washing machine with at least 3.5 cubic ft capacity. Top-load agitator washers can damage down comforters.

The large drum of a front-load washer allows the comforter to tumble freely. For oversized comforters, consider a commercial machine at a laundromat.

Use Mild Detergent

Avoid regular laundry detergent as the surfactants can strip natural oils from down and reduce loft.

Instead, use a mild detergent made for down or a mild soap like Woolite. Don’t use bleach products which can damage down fibers.

Set the Right Temperature

Wash down comforters in cool, warm, or gentle/delicate cycles between 30°C and 40°C. Higher temperatures can cause the down to clump.

Select the Proper Cycle

Choose a gentle or delicate cycle with low agitation. Some washers have specialty cycles for bulky items like comforters. The cycle should use a slow spin speed.

Avoid high agitation cycles like normal or heavy duty which can abrade the down.

Drying Your Down Comforter

Drying is just as important as washing to maintain down quality.

Dry Thoroughly and Evenly

It’s critical to completely dry a down comforter after washing. Any remaining moisture can allow mold or mildew to grow.

Dry on low heat and include a couple of clean tennis balls to break up clumps. Periodically turn and redistribute the down to ensure even drying.

Follow Label Instructions

Refer back to the care label instructions for drying methods. Machine drying, tumble drying on air fluff, or drying flat are common techniques.

Never hang or line dry a down comforter – the down will shift to the bottom.

Use Dryer Balls

Add a couple of wool or plastic dryer balls to the machine to separate clumps as the comforter dries. This helps restore loft.

Air Out Damp Spots

Check for any remaining damp spots and lay the comforter flat to fully air dry if needed. Focus a fan on wet areas to speed drying.

Professional Down Comforter Cleaning

For a deeper clean, professional dry cleaning or laundering services are an option about once a year or as needed.

Dry Cleaning

This uses chemical solvents instead of water for a very gentle clean. Perfect for delicate down items.

Commercial Washing

Some laundry services have large-scale machines to handle comforters. They also have commercial dryers.

Considerations

Professional services do cost more than home washing but provide an intensive clean and fluff. See if your comforter’s warranty requires professional cleaning.

Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Down

While washing down comforters at home is possible, there are some common mistakes to avoid:

Overloading the washing machine
Using hot water, harsh detergent, or bleach
Line drying instead of tumble drying
Leaving damp spots or clumps after washing
Agitating too vigorously during wash cycles
Improper drying that damages loft

Follow the guidelines above to minimize these risks and keep your down comforter soft, fluffy, and clean.

Maintaining Your Down Comforter

With regular washing and proper storage, you can help down comforters last for years.

Store Properly

Store clean comforters in breathable cotton cases or duvet covers during warmer months. Allowing air circulation prevents mildew.

Maintain Loft

Every few months, hang the comforter outdoors and fluff with your hands to re-expand clumps. Consider using a comforter service.

Address Odor

If odors develop, spot clean affected areas. Airing out the comforter can also help. Odor means it’s time for a wash.

Quality Checks and Inspections

It’s a good idea to inspect comforters before and after washing for any needed repairs, damage, or issues.

Before Washing

Check for:

Stains that need pretreatment
Sewn construction integrity
Fill distribution and clumping

After Washing

Inspect for:

Holes, tears, or loose seams
Residual stains or discoloration
Restored fluffiness from clumps
Any shrunken or misshapen areas

Make repairs as needed to keep your comforter in top shape.

Eco-Friendly Washing of Down Comforters

While keeping your down comforter clean is important, there are some easy ways to improve the environmental impact:

Wash full loads and use economy cycles to conserve water and energy.
Choose a non-toxic biodegradable detergent. Avoid dyes.
Line dry or dry using renewable energy sources when possible.
Consider professionally cleaning for longer intervals between washes.

With some adjustments, you can care for your down comforter in a more sustainable way.

Special Considerations by Down Types

While general washing principles stay the same, certain down comforter types bring additional care considerations:

Goose Down

The delicate larger clusters of goose down require:

Extra-gentle agitation and spin speeds
Low-temperature delicate cycles
Quick drying to avoid mildew in dense down

Duck Down

Duck down has smaller clusters that pack tightly. Be sure to:

Break up any clumps or flat spots
Use dryer balls to thoroughly dry and add loft

Alternative Down

For polyester or other synthetic down:

Use mild soap and cool water to avoid melting fibers
Skip the dryer and air dry synthetics
Avoid fabric softeners that reduce loft

Washing Down for Allergy Sufferers

For those sensitive to allergens like dust mites in down bedding, proper washing is critical.

Use Hot Water

Superheat helps kill allergens – wash in hot water up to 60°C if the label permits.

Extra Rinse Cycle

Add an extra rinse cycle to further eliminate detergent and dander residue.

Dry Thoroughly

Be meticulous in fully drying the down comforter to prevent mold growth.

Encasements

Use an allergen-proof encasement around your comforter for added protection.

With diligent washing, you can keep down bedding from aggravating allergies.

Troubleshooting Down Comforter Washing

When tackling stains or cleaning challenges with down comforters, here are some effective solutions:

Stubborn Stains

For stains that persist after washing, try spot treating with an enzyme cleaner or dab with a stain remover stick. expose to direct sunlight.

Grease Stains

Dish soap containing degreasers can help lift grease stains from food or lotion before washing.

Lint and Pilling

Use a fabric shaver tool or gentle sweater comb to remove lint or pilling on the outer fabric shell.

Mold/Mildew Smell

Run an extra rinse cycle with distilled white vinegar or washing soda to remove odors from mildew.

Caring for Down Comforters Long-Term

With proper care and maintenance, a quality down comforter can last over 10 years. Here are some longevity tips:

Invest in a highly durable outer shell fabric like sateen or percale.
Choose reputable brands that ethically source hung down with higher fill power.
Protect from stain risks with a duvet cover for daily use.
Wash using best practices for down 2-3 times per year.
Store flat during warmer months to maintain loft and prevent clumping.
Refresh loft in between washes by massaging and fluffing.
Repair any holes, tears or damage promptly.

Conclusion

While down comforters require special handling when laundering, with care and attention, they can safely be washed in washing machines.

Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, pretreat stains, use mild detergent, choose a gentle cycle, and thoroughly dry. Avoid common mistakes like overloading machines, using hot water or harsh chemicals, line-drying, and improper drying.

With the right techniques, you can keep your down comforter clean, fresh, and comfortable for many years to enjoy the exceptional warmth and softness unique to down bedding. Just be sure to properly maintain and store when not in use.

Frequency Asked Questions

Can you put a down comforter in the washing machine?

Yes, down comforters can be washed in washing machines, but care should be taken to use the right settings and cycles. Front-loading washing machines are best as they allow the down comforter to tumble freely. Be sure to use mild detergent and a delicate or gentle cycle in cool or warm water.

How do you wash a down comforter at home?

To wash down comforters at home, first check the care label and spot treat any stains. Use a mild detergent made for down and set the washing machine to a gentle cycle in cool or warm water. Wash the comforter on its own – don’t overload the machine. After washing, dry thoroughly on low heat, fluffing periodically.

What is the best way to wash a down comforter?

The best way to wash down comforters is to use a front-load washing machine, mild detergent, and a delicate or gentle cycle in cool or warm water. Wash the down comforter separately and be sure to thoroughly dry it on a low heat setting afterward, massaging and breaking up clumps.

Can you put a down comforter in the dryer?

Yes, down comforters can be dried in the dryer but use low heat. Add a couple tennis or dryer balls to fluff the down filling and break up clumps. Periodically pause and redistribute the filling to make sure the comforter dries thoroughly and evenly. Refer to the care label.

How often should you wash a down comforter?

Most experts recommend washing down comforters 2-3 times per year or as needed if stained. Washing too frequently can damage down fibers. Spot clean stains between full washings. Store in breathable cotton during warmer months.

What is the best way to dry a down comforter after washing?

The best drying method for washed down comforters is to use a dryer on a low heat setting with tennis balls. Pause and redistribute the down every 20 minutes, and inspect for any remaining damp spots. Alternatively, a comforter can be dried flat or hung outdoors if the label permits.