Do you love snuggling up under your down comforter at night, only to get a whiff of a musty odor? Down comforters are known for their cozy warmth, but they can also trap unpleasant smells over time. A buildup of body oils, environmental pollutants, and moisture can cause your down comforter to smell stale, moldy, or just plain funky.
The good news is that with proper care and cleaning, you can keep your down bedding smelling as fresh as the day you bought it. This beginner’s guide will teach you everything you need to know about combatting odors and maintaining the fluffiness and scent of your down comforter.
Understanding What Causes Down Comforter Odors
To get your down comforter smelling fresh again, you first need to understand the most common culprits of odors:
Moisture and Mildew
Down is very absorbent and will retain moisture from the humid air, sweat, and oils from your body. If moisture gets trapped in the down, it can create the ideal environment for mildew and mold growth. This leads to musty, stale odors.
Body Oils and Sweat
Through normal use, your body’s perspiration and natural oils transfer onto the down. The more you use your comforter, the more these oils and salts build up.
Environmental Pollutants
Things like dust, dirt, and chemicals in the air can also get trapped in the down over time. Pollutants will make their way into the fill and cause odors.
These factors break down the fresh smell of the down and reduce the comforter’s ability to insulate. Odors also diminish your sleep quality and overall bedtime comfort. By regularly cleaning and deodorizing your comforter, you’ll keep it fresh and cozy for many years.
Washing Techniques to Freshen a Smelly Down Comforter
Washing is the most thorough way to clean your down comforter and combat odors. Proper technique is important to avoid damage, maintain the fluffiness, and fully remove smells.
Use a Gentle Detergent
Harsh detergents can strip the natural oils from down and cause it to dry out. Look for a mild liquid detergent without dyes or fragrances. Detergents made specifically for down, like Downy Clean & Gentle, are ideal.
Wash in Cool to Warm Water
Hot water can cause the down to clump together. Wash your comforter in cool to lukewarm water to prevent this. The temperature should be around 60°F to 85°F. This is warm enough to dissolve oils and dirt without damaging the down.
Use a Front-Loading Washer
Top-loading agitator washers can tear feathers and break down the material. When possible, wash your down comforter in a front-loading washer for best results.
Tip: Use the delicate cycle option if your washer has one.
Use Tennis Balls
Adding a few clean tennis balls to the wash drum will add agitation to help break up clumps. This keeps the down evenly distributed.
Proper Drying Techniques for Down Comforters
After washing your down comforter, it’s critical to completely dry it to prevent odor-causing mildew growth. You have two main options:
Air Drying
Lay your comforter flat to air dry, or hang it outdoors if possible. Make sure air can fully circulate around all sides. Fluff and rotate the comforter every few hours to expose dry areas and evenly dry the fill.
Pros: Natural, free, prevents heat damage
Cons: Takes a long time, dependent on weather
Machine Drying
Use a commercial size dryer on medium or low heat. Throw in a couple tennis balls to break up lumps. Run for 20-30 minutes at a time, removing periodically to shake and rotate.
Check that the comforter is completely dry before putting it away.
Pros: Quick, convenient, ensures even drying
Cons: Risk of overheating down, energy usage
Either method works well as long as you frequently fluff and rotate while drying. Just avoid extreme heat from dryers, and make sure no damp spots remain before storing.
Using White Vinegar to Naturally Deodorize
White vinegar is a miracle worker when it comes to removing odors naturally. Thanks to its acidic properties, vinegar breaks down the compounds that cause scents. It’s also an antibacterial agent.
Here are two easy ways to use white vinegar on your down comforter:
- Add 1 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle when washing
- Fill a spray bottle with 1 part vinegar, 1 part water, and lightly mist over the comforter. Then air dry.
The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, leaving a fresh scent behind. For severe odors, you can soak the comforter in a bathtub with a vinegar-water solution before washing.
More Natural Deodorizing Tips for Down
Along with vinegar, there are some other simple, natural techniques you can use to keep your comforter smelling fresh between washes:
- Sunlight: The UV rays in direct sunlight act as a disinfectant. Hang comforters outdoors on sunny days.
- Fresh air: Simply airing out the comforter outdoors helps air flow carry away odors.
- Baking soda: Lightly sprinkle baking soda over the comforter before vacuuming. The particles help absorb odors.
- Essential oils: Mist on a diluted cedarwood, lavender, or lemon oil solution to naturally neutralize odors.
By occasionally using these odor removal methods, you’ll maintain freshness between deep cleanings.
Prevent Odors through Proper Maintenance
The best way to avoid comforter odors altogether is by staying on top of routine maintenance:
Allow Air Circulation When Storing
Don’t seal a comforter in an airtight container after use. Allow air flow by storing folded loosely in a breathable bag or bin.
Fluff and Shake Regularly
Gently fluff and shake out your comforter each morning after use. This prevents odors that build up overnight.
Wash Twice Per Year
Deep clean comforters every 6 months or so to remove accumulated oils, sweat, and other contaminants. Washing frequency depends on usage.
Spot Clean Food and Spills
Promptly spot treat any spills to avoid stains and lingering smells setting in. Use a gentle stain remover recommended for down.
Tackling Specific Down Comforter Odor Issues
Sometimes even with regular washing, you may be plagued by difficult lingering odors coming from your down comforter. Here are some likely causes and solutions:
Musty Smell from Mildew
Mustiness usually means moisture got trapped. Wash with vinegar, dry thoroughly, and make sure to allow air circulation for storage.
Mold/Mildew Spots
Treat spots ASAP with hydrogen peroxide or bleach paste before washing. Be sure to completely dry after. Consider professional cleaning for stubborn mold.
Cigarette or Fire Smoke Smell
This is a tough one to combat. Vinegar and baking soda soaks can help. Severe smoke odors may require professional ozone treatments.
Pet Odors
Use an enzyme cleaner made for pet odors before washing. Vinegar is helpful too. You may need to spot treat certain areas repeatedly.
Old or Dirty Smell
If there’s just an overall “grungy” odor, it likely needs a deep cleaning. Wash with vinegar and extra rinses. Replace if washing doesn’t fix it.
Don’t hesitate to take a stubbornly stinky comforter to the pros. Many dry cleaners offer specialist services to remove severe odors without damaging down.
Keep Your Down Comforter Smelling Fresh
A down comforter is a big investment. With proper care and cleaning, you’ll be able to enjoy its plush coziness for years while also having it smelling fresh and clean for bedtime.
Focus on washing it thoroughly at least twice per year, drying it fully, and allowing air circulation for storage. Supplement with occasional vinegar freshening or spot treatments. With just a little maintenance, your comforter will remain comfy and sweet-smelling for the long haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to wash a down comforter?
Use a front-loading washer and a mild liquid detergent made for down. Wash with cool to lukewarm water on the delicate cycle. Add a few tennis balls to the drum to act as agitators.
How do you dry a down comforter properly?
Lay flat or hang outdoors and fluff/rotate frequently to air dry. You can also dry on low heat in the dryer in 20-30 minute intervals, removing to fluff between cycles. Make sure it’s completely dry before storing.
How can you make a down comforter smell good naturally?
White vinegar works wonders to remove odors naturally. Add some to the rinse cycle or lightly mist vinegar over the comforter and let air dry. Sunlight and fresh air also help refresh down.
Why does my down comforter have a musty smell?
Mildew and moisture trapped in the down most often cause musty odors. Wash with vinegar, dry thoroughly, and always store with air circulation. Look for moldy spots to treat quickly.
How often should you wash a down comforter?
To prevent buildup of body oils and odors, wash your down comforter every 6 months or so, depending on usage. You may need to wash it 1-2 times per year for it to stay fresh smelling. Spot clean spills ASAP.
