When it comes to keeping your down comforter clean, soft, fluffy and durable for years to come, knowing the proper care and cleaning methods is essential. Many people wonder if dry cleaning is necessary for down comforters or if other methods like washing them at home are effective. This beginner’s guide will provide tips on washing, dry cleaning, and general down comforter maintenance so you can help your treasured bedding last.
An Introduction to Down Comforters
Before diving into cleaning specifics, let’s review some down comforter basics. Down comforters are filled with the fine, fluffy undercoating from ducks or geese known as down. This superior insulator provides exceptional warmth while remaining lightweight and comfortable.
Unlike cheaper synthetic comforters filled with polyester fibers, down offers unparalleled softness and durability when cared for properly. It also tends to be more expensive upfront but can last over 10 years with the right maintenance.
Do You Need to Dry Clean a Down Comforter?
Dry cleaning is sometimes assumed to be the best or only cleaning method for down comforters. However, professional dry cleaning is often not necessary and can even damage down over time.
The agitation and harsh chemical solvents used in dry cleaning can strip natural oils from down and reduce fluffiness. So while dry cleaning is an option for down comforters, there are typically better methods for cleaning them at home.
Washing a Down Comforter at Home
With the right techniques, you can easily wash most down comforters at home without dry cleaning. Here is an overview of how to wash a down comforter properly:
Supplies Needed
- Front-loading washing machine
- Mild liquid detergent for delicate fabrics
- 2-3 new tennis balls
- Large capacity clothes dryer (or air dry space)
Washing Steps
- Check the comforter’s care label first
- Shake off debris outside
- Place in washing machine with tennis balls
- Wash on a delicate, bulky bedding, or handwash cycle with cool water
- Rinse with an extra spin using mild detergent
- Dry thoroughly on low heat with tennis balls
Washing down comforters at home helps restore fluffiness while saving time and money compared to dry cleaning them. Just be sure to use the proper supplies and cycles according to the label.
Dryer Settings for Down Comforters
After washing your down comforter properly, it’s crucial to dry it thoroughly to restore maximum fluffiness and avoid mildew buildup.
Use a high capacity dryer on low heat and add a few tennis balls. The balls will help break up down clusters as the comforter tumbles, lofting it up. Drying a down comforter this way can take several cycles to complete depending on thickness and fill power.
If air drying, make sure to fluff and turn the comforter frequently as it dries. Air drying can take much longer than machine drying, but avoids potential heat damage.
Pros and Cons of Dry Cleaning Down
While dry cleaning isn’t required for most down comforters, it remains a cleaning option some people still use. Here’s an overview of potential pros and cons of dry cleaning down:
Pros
- Deeper cleaning for severe soiling
- Convenience of drop-off service
- No home laundry equipment needed
Cons
- Much more expensive than home washing
- Chemicals can damage down over time
- Still requires proper drying after
So dry cleaning can be handy for a truly dirty down comforter, but isn’t better for routine maintenance washes. And skipping the drying step after dry cleaning negates much of the benefit.
General Care and Maintenance Tips
Besides knowing how to properly clean your down comforter, following some basic care and maintenance guidelines will keep it in great shape:
- Fluff it frequently to prevent matting
- Use a duvet cover for protection
- Wash bed linens weekly to avoid transfer
- Spot treat stains quickly
- Store cleaned and completely dry
- Shake out and air out before using
The Bottom Line
Caring for a treasured down comforter doesn’t require fancy dry cleaning. By understanding proper home washing techniques and dryer settings, you can easily clean down and maintain its insulation, comfort and durability over time. Avoiding over-drying and following some basic maintenance tips will also help your comforter last many cozy years.
Frequency Asked Questions
What is the best way to wash a down comforter at home?
Use a front-loading washing machine on the delicate or bulky bedding cycle with cool water. Wash 2-3 times using a mild detergent, shaking in tennis balls to fluff the down. Proper drying is also key for maximum loft and fluff restoration.
How often should you wash a down comforter?
Most experts recommend washing down comforters 2-3 times per year or whenever they appear dingy. Washing too frequently can damage the down while washing too rarely allows buildup of body oils and allergens.
Why put tennis balls in the dryer with down comforters?
Adding 2-3 tennis balls to the dryer helps separate down clusters, lofting and fluffing the comforter so it dries thoroughly and evenly. The balls bounce around breaking up clumped filling for better volume recovery.
Can you wash and dry a down comforter at a laundromat?
Yes, laundromats can effectively clean down comforters since home equipment may lack sufficient size or settings. Ensure machines offer gentle cycles, and use tennis balls on low heat when drying for best preservation of the delicate down filling.
Should down comforters be air dried or machine dried?
Machine drying down on low using tennis balls restores maximum fluffiness faster. But air drying avoids potential heat damage from dryers. Either method works as long as the comforter dries fully before use. Rotate and fluff periodically when air drying.
