A cozy, fluffy down comforter is one of the best parts of making your bed every morning. However, keeping your down comforter in optimal condition requires proper care, especially when it comes to washing and drying. Drying a down comforter improperly can lead to damage from mildew or clumping. Fortunately, with the right techniques for your specific comforter, you can keep it fresh, lofty and comfortable for years to come.
In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about properly drying a down comforter, including:
- What exactly down comforters are and how they work
- How often you should wash and dry your comforter
- Prepping your comforter for drying
- Choosing between air drying or machine drying
- Step-by-step instructions for machine drying
- Tips for effective air drying
- Preventing damage during drying
- Alternative drying options like spot cleaning
- Maintaining your comforter’s quality over time
- And more!
Let’s get started with a quick overview of down comforters and how they work.
What Are Down Comforters?
A down comforter is a type of duvet or quilt that is filled with the fine, fluffy clusters and plumules that make up down. Down refers to the layer of fine feathers found under the tougher exterior feathers of ducks and geese. This soft undercoating is what traps air and provides warmth.
There are a few key advantages of down comforters:
- Warmth – Down provides excellent insulation and loft that traps body heat. This makes it one of the warmest types of bedding.
- Softness – The feathery texture of down creates a light, puffy feel.
- Durability – With proper care, down comforters can last for decades.
- Breathability – Air can circulate through the filling, preventing overheating.
Down comforters come in different fill powers, which refers to the amount of cubic inches one ounce of down takes up. Higher fill powers correlate with more loft and warmth. But they usually come with a higher price tag too.
How Often To Wash and Dry
To keep your down comforter clean, fresh, and lofty, it’s recommended to wash it every 2-3 months during regular use. Washing it 1-2 times per year is usually sufficient if using a duvet cover.
Of course, you may need to launder it more frequently if:
- It gets stained
- You sweat excessively at night
- Pets sleep on the bed
- There are allergy issues
Washing and drying go hand in hand. So whenever you launder your down comforter, you’ll need to dry it properly afterward. Skipping the drying process can lead to mildew growth.
Next, let’s go over how to prep your comforter before drying.
Pre-Drying Preparation
Proper washing is the first step to effectively drying a down comforter. Follow these tips for cleaning it prior to drying:
Use a large capacity washer – A standard home washer may be too small. Look for an extra large, commercial washer at a laundromat.
Wash on delicate cycle – Aggressive agitation can damage the down. Use a gentle cycle.
Use mild detergent – Skip the harsh chemicals and opt for a mild, high-efficiency detergent. Avoid bleach.
Run an extra rinse – Get rid of all soap residue which can clump down when drying.
Use lukewarm water – Hot water can strip natural oils from down. Warm or cool water is best.
Once washed, you can choose to either air dry your comforter or pop it in the dryer. Let’s explore both options.
Air Drying Your Down Comforter
Air drying uses ventilation and air circulation rather than heat to fully dry your comforter. It’s a gentle, effective approach, but does take quite a bit longer than machine drying.
Benefits of Air Drying
- Prevents heat damage to the down
- Retains maximum loft and fluffiness
- Environmentally friendly
- Energy and cost efficient
How to Air Dry a Down Comforter
Follow these steps for properly air drying a down comforter:
1. Find a spacious, ventilated area – Hang it outside if the weather permits or in a basement or large room with fans.
2. Hang vertically – Use a clothing line or drying rack to hang the comforter vertically to allow moisture to drain down.
3. Fluff and rotate – Periodically check on the comforter as it dries. Fluff sections to redistribute the down and rotate or flip over.
4. Allow 1-2 days – Give the comforter about 24-48 hours to fully air dry, depending on humidity, thickness, etc.
5. Finish drying flat – Lay it flat for the last 20% of drying to smooth and complete drying if needed.
Proper air drying preserves your down comforter and avoids damage from high heat. But it does require more time and effort than machine drying. Next, let’s go over that process.
Machine Drying Your Down Comforter
Machine drying with a clothes dryer is faster and convenient compared to air drying. But extra care must be taken to prevent damage to the down.
Choosing the Right Dryer
Look for these features in a dryer for safely machine drying down:
- Large drum capacity – To allow the comforter to tumble freely.
- Low heat setting – Best if it can go as low as 110°F.
- Delicate/gentle cycle – With a slow, intermittent tumble.
- Wool or comforter attachment – Stops the comforter from touching the drum.
- Moisture sensors – To automatically shut off when dry.
Ideally, use a commercial-grade dryer at a laundromat. Home dryers often get too hot even on low.
Step-By-Step Machine Drying
Follow these instructions when machine drying a down comforter:
- Shake it out – After washing, shake the comforter vigorously to fluff.
- Add dryer balls – Wool or rubber balls help separate down and speed drying.
- Load into dryer – For a home dryer, load half the comforter at a time.
- Use low heat – Set the temperature to the lowest heat, around 110°F to 130°F.
- Choose delicate cycle – Select the most delicate or low/no heat tumble option.
- Dry halfway – Run the dryer until halfway dry, about 20 minutes.
- Reset and rotate – Turn the comforter over and reset the cycle to finish drying.
- Check frequently – Stop the dryer and shake out the comforter to check progress.
- Repeat if needed – Large comforters may require multiple drying cycles.
- Air fluff – Hang the comforter for 15-20 minutes to complete drying.
With some extra patience and the right settings, your down comforter can come out just as fluffy and lofty from the dryer as air drying.
Professional Drying Services
If you don’t want the hassle of drying your down comforter at home, consider these professional options:
Dry cleaning – Some dry cleaners accept down comforters. Make sure they use gentle solvents and low heat. Prices range from $20-$60.
Professional laundering – Look for commercial laundry services that cater to bedding and handle large items. This is best for deep cleaning. Prices range from $30-$100.
Professionals have commercial equipment designed to gently dry down. But frequent trips to the cleaners can get expensive.
Preventing Damage When Drying
To keep your comforter in great condition as long as possible, be sure to avoid these potential drying issues:
- Shrinkage – Always use low heat settings and minimal agitation to prevent the down from compressing.
- Harsh chemicals – Bleach and strong detergents can strip the feathers’ natural oils, causing brittleness.
- Heat damage – Excessive heat destroys the loft and causes feathers to clump.
Take it slow, use mild settings, and check frequently during drying to prevent damage.
Post-Drying Care
Once your down comforter is fully dried, there are a couple extra steps to finish it off:
- Fluff and shake – Use your hands to gently shake and fluff areas to evenly distribute down.
- Smooth on a flat surface – For a nice presentation on the bed, lay the comforter flat to smooth wrinkles.
- Put back on duvet – Slip the comforter into a duvet cover for extra protection.
- Regular fluffing – Fluff and rearrange the down every time you make your bed.
Proper post-drying care keeps your comforter light and lofty after every wash.
Alternative Drying Methods
If washing your entire down comforter seems daunting, you can occasionally use these alternative techniques instead:
- Spot clean – Use a damp cloth with mild detergent to spot treat stains. Then air dry.
- Dry clean – Take just the duvet cover to the dry cleaners if it’s dirty.
- Air out – On sunny days, hang the comforter outdoors to air out and freshen.
While light spot cleaning can help on occasion, deeper cleanings every few months are still ideal.
Safety Considerations
When working with down comforters, keep these risks in mind:
- Temperature sensitivity – The proteins in down can be damaged if overheated. Always use low temperature settings.
- Harmful chemicals – Bleach and detergents with optical brighteners can break down feathers. Use mild liquid detergents.
- Mold and mildew – Leaving down damp encourages bacteria and fungi growth. Thoroughly dry comforters.
Monitor your comforter closely during washing and drying and avoid hot temperatures or harsh chemicals.
Maintaining Down Quality
To keep your comforter in top condition over the years:
- Redistribute the down – Regularly fluff and shake to evenly distribute fill after washing.
- Add tennis balls – Adding a couple clean tennis balls to the dryer helps break up clumps.
- Check for holes – Inspect the outer fabric for holes from wear or pets that can leak feathers. Repair any openings.
- Store properly – Fold the comforter loosely and store flat in a breathable area like a closet shelf.
With some simple maintenance between washes, your comforter will last for many cozy nights to come.
Eco-Friendly and Vegan Options
For a more sustainable down alternative comforter, look for these options:
- Eco-friendly down – Sourced from ethically raised ducks or geese.
- Recycled down – Made from recycled feathers or recycled plastic bottles.
- Kapok fiber – A plant-based hollow fiber that offers warmth without animal products.
- Organic cotton – Outer shell made from organic materials.
Conclusion
Drying your down comforter properly doesn’t have to be a difficult or daunting process. By choosing the gentlest drying method for your specific comforter and taking some simple precautions, you can keep your bedding lofty and cozy for many years of quality sleep.
Focus on low heat, delicate cycles, and periodic fluffing and your comforter will come out of the wash fresh, damage-free, and ready for your bed. With the right care, your down comforter can become a trusted bedding companion for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to dry a down comforter?
The best drying method for down comforters is air drying. Hang or lay the comforter flat in a well-ventilated area. Air drying avoids potential heat damage from machine drying. It takes longer but helps the down retain maximum loft and fluffiness.
Can I put my down comforter in the dryer?
You can machine dry a down comforter on a low heat delicate cycle, but it risks damage over time. Use dryer balls to separate feathers and stop the comforter from touching the drum. Check frequently and reset cycles to prevent over-drying. Finish by air drying for 10-15 minutes.
How long does it take to dry a down comforter?
Air drying a down comforter normally takes 24-48 hours. Machine drying on low can take 2-3 hours. Large comforters may require 2+ cycles in the dryer to fully dry. Proper drying often takes patience.
Should I dry clean my down comforter?
Only dry clean your down comforter occasionally, not regularly. The chemicals used in dry cleaning can damage down over time. Find a dry cleaner who uses gentle solvents and low heat. Avoid optical brighteners.
How can I fluff up my down comforter after drying?
After fully drying your comforter, finish up by laying flat to smooth wrinkles. Then gently shake and fluff areas with your hands to redistribute the down filling and plump up flattened sections. Proper fluffing restores your comforter’s loft.
