Have you ever crawled into bed on a cold winter night, pulled your down comforter up to your chin, and realized it feels flat and lifeless instead of fluffy and warm? Over time, the feathers in a down comforter can lose their loft and cause the comforter to become compressed. But don’t worry – with some simple fluffing techniques, you can easily restore the fluff and bring your comforter back to its original loft and warmth.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fluffing your down comforter in the dryer. You’ll learn the benefits of down, when and how often to fluff it, the best dryer settings to use, mistakes to avoid, and pro tips for keeping your comforter fluffy between fluffings. Let’s get started!
Why Down Comforters Need Fluffing
Down comforters are prized for their unbeatable warmth, softness and durability. The fluffy down filling consists of the fine, insulating underfeathers from ducks and geese. These feathers trap air and provide excellent insulation to keep you cozy on cold nights.
- But over time, the feathers can lose their loft and become compressed from regular use and handling. This results in flattened, lumpier areas.
- When down loses its loft, it becomes less effective at trapping heat. Your comforter will feel thinner and you’ll be left feeling chilly!
- That’s why it’s important to periodically restore the loft by fluffing your down comforter. Fluffing helps the clusters of down fill out the comforter and become airy and billowy again.
How Often Should You Fluff a Down Comforter?
Most down comforters need fluffing 2-3 times per year to maintain optimal loft and performance. But there are a few factors that can increase the fluffing frequency:
- Heavy usage – If your comforter gets used every night, fluff every 2-3 months. Infrequent use only requires yearly fluffing.
- Compression – Take care not to compress the comforter to help the loft last longer between fluffings. Folding tightly, sitting on it, or applying pressure will compress the down more quickly.
- Weather and humidity – Humid, moist climates can cause down to compress faster. Fluff more frequently (every 1-2 months) if you live in a damp environment.
Pay attention to your comforter’s thickness and warmth. If you notice it feeling thinner or less warm, it’s time for a fluffing.
How to Fluff a Down Comforter in the Dryer
The dryer provides the perfect environment to restore your down comforter to its original fluffiness. Follow these steps for the best results:
Supplies Needed
- Down comforter
- 2-3 new, clean tennis balls or dryer balls (optional)
- Large capacity dryer
Fluffing Steps
- Shake your comforter vigorously to break up any existing clumps.
- Place 1-2 tennis balls/dryer balls in dryer if desired. They help separate and aerate the down.
- Load the comforter into the dryer on its own – no other items. Overcrowding will prevent proper fluffing.
- Set the dryer to low heat – high heat can damage down.
- Run dryer for 45-60 minutes, checking periodically to redistribute down and break up clumps.
- At the end, remove immediately and shake comforter well before placing back on the bed. The down will re-compress if left sitting.
Pro Dryer Tips
- Add 2-3 extra minutes to the cycle if the comforter still seems too flat.
- Use wool dryer balls instead of tennis balls to be extra gentle.
- For a large comforter, use an extra ball or two and run an extra 10-15 minutes.
- For maximum fluff, use the “air fluff” no heat setting or lowest heat available.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to unintentionally damage or flatten your down comforter if you aren’t careful during fluffing:
✘ Too much heat – High temperatures can scorch the delicate down. Always use the lowest heat setting.
✘ Overcrowding – Don’t overload the dryer! This prevents the down from re-lofting.
✘ Over-drying – Excessive drying time can damage the feathers. Stick to 45-60 minutes.
✘ Forgetting to redistribute – Shake the comforter mid-cycle to break up clumps for even fluffing.
✘ Leaving in the dryer – Remove immediately after drying to prevent re-compression.
Keeping Your Down Comforter Fluffy Between Fluffings
With some simple care and storage tips, you can maintain your comforter’s fluffiness longer:
- Allow the comforter to air out on the bed before making it.
- Gently shake it out each morning.
- Store loosely folded or hanging up. Never pack it down!
- Use a duvet cover to protect from body oils and dirt.
- Avoid sitting or stepping on the comforter.
- Wash bed linens weekly to keep the comforter clean.
When to Have a Down Comforter Professionally Cleaned
While you can fluff your comforter at home easily, occasionally having it professionally cleaned is recommended to sanitize the down and restore maximum loft. Here’s when to take it for professional cleaning:
- Annually or bi-annually
- If stained or soiled
- If it has a musty odor
- If the down has started to clump heavily
Look for a dry cleaner that is certified by the Down and Feather Association to properly wash and dry down items. Expect to pay $100-$200 for a standard queen down comforter cleaning. The investment is well worth it to prolong the life and loft of your comforter.
Troubleshooting Problems: Flat Spots, Clumping, Odor
If your down comforter has developed issues like flat spots, clumping down, or foul odors, not to worry – these problems can be fixed with a few extra fluffing steps:
Issue: Flat, lumpy spots
Solution: Target the lumps by massaging them with your fingers during the drying cycle. You can also use clean tennis balls to help break them up.
Issue: Clumping down
Solution: Use a few extra dryer balls and extend the dry time 5-10 minutes. The balls will help separate and re-distribute the down.
Issue: Foul odors
Solution: Add a couple clean tennis balls soaked in white vinegar to the load. The vinegar will help deodorize as the comforter fluffs.
With some extra fluffing TLC, you can get even a heavily used down comforter looking and feeling lush again.
Frequency Asked Questions
Q: Can I fluff my comforter in the washing machine instead?
A: No, you should only fluff down comforters in the dryer. The agitation of the washing machine can damage the baffles that separate the down chambers. Gentle heat from the dryer is best to loft down.
Q: How can I tell if my comforter needs fluffing?
A: Check for flat, thinner areas and decreased warmth. If shaking it out doesn’t restore fluffiness, it’s time for a dryer fluffing.
Q: Is it ok to put tennis balls in the dryer?
A: Yes, as long as they are new, clean tennis balls. The repetitive thumping helps separate and redistribute the down. Wool dryer balls are a great gentle alternative.
Q: How do I choose the right heat setting?
A: Always use the lowest heat setting, or air fluff if available. High heat can scorch or damage down. Low heat allows thorough drying without harming the feathers.
Q: Can I fluff the comforter with dryer sheets or fabric softener?
A: Avoid using any scented products when fluffing down, as the chemicals can degrade the feathers over time.
