Having a cozy, comfortable goose down comforter is a wonderful way to get a great night’s sleep. But like any bedding, down comforters require proper care and cleaning to keep them fluffy, hypoallergenic, and long-lasting.

In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about washing, drying, and caring for goose down comforters so you can keep your comforter in tip-top shape.

What Is Goose Down and Why Use It?

Before we dive into cleaning, let’s quickly go over what exactly goose down is and what makes it such a popular comforter fill.

Goose down refers to the soft, fluffy cluster of feathers located underneath geese’s tougher exterior feathers. This down cluster provides insulation and loft.

Goose down comforters are valued for:

• Warmth – Down is an incredible natural insulator, trapping body heat effectively.
• Lightweight – The fluffiness of down creates warmth without heavy weight.
• Softness – Down clusters are unbelievably soft and plush.
• Hypoallergenic – True goose down is less irritating than lower quality feather fills.
• Durability – With proper care, down comforters can last over 10 years.

Follow the tips in this guide to take good care of your goose down comforter and keep it performing at its best!

General Care and Maintenance Guidelines

• Before washing, always check the manufacturer’s care tag for specific instructions.
• In general, only wash a down comforter 1-2 times per year max. Frequent washing degrades down clusters. Spot clean when possible between washes.
• Dry clean for best results, but machine wash if following guidelines. Hand wash for gentleness if needed.
• Never wash with regular laundry – use gentle cycle and mild detergent.
• Dry thoroughly and completely to refresh loft and prevent mildew.

Washing Methods for Down Comforters

You have three main options when it comes time to clean your whole down comforter:

1. Professional Dry Cleaning

Taking your down comforter to a professional dry cleaner is the best way to clean it while avoiding damage. Look for a dry cleaner that uses non-toxic solutions and has experience with down.

Benefits:

• Gentlest cleaning method
• No shrinking or clumping
• Helps extend comforter lifespan

2. Machine Washing

With the right settings and detergent, home washing machines can effectively clean down comforters.

Benefits:

• Convenient at-home cleaning
• Cost-effective compared to dry cleaning

Downsides:

• Risk of shrinkage or bunching
• Aggressive agitation can damage down

3. Hand Washing

For lightly soiled comforters, hand washing in a bathtub with mild detergent is a gentle DIY method.

Benefits:

• Very gentle cleaning
• Complete control over process

Downsides:

• Extremely time consuming
• Difficult to thoroughly rinse

Now let’s go through how to machine wash and hand wash goose down comforters step-by-step.

Step-By-Step: Machine Washing Your Goose Down Comforter

Follow these steps to safely clean your down comforter at home:

1. Prepare Washer

• Use large capacity front-load washer only. Do not overload.
• Set to delicate/gentle cycle.
• Use cool water setting.
• Disable agitator/center spindle if possible.
• Add 2-4 clean tennis balls to drum.

2. Select Detergent

• Use mild liquid detergent, no bleach.
• Detergents like Woolite or recommended down wash work best.

3. Add Comforter

• Do not cram comforter in washer.
• Use laundry bags for extra protection.

4. Wash Cycle

• Select slow, gentle wash and rinse cycles.
• Max spin speed low or off completely.

5. Dry Thoroughly

• Tumble dry on air fluff cycle until fully dry.
• Repeat drying cycles as needed.
• Remove promptly to avoid overheating.

With the right precautions, machine washing can effectively clean your down comforter while minimizing any damage to the fill.

Hand Washing Your Goose Down Comforter

For a super gentle DIY cleaning, hand wash your comforter:

• Fill bathtub with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
• Gently press and soak comforter, avoiding harsh twisting or agitation.
• Drain dirty water and refill tub to rinse thoroughly. Repeat as needed.
• Gently press out excess water. Do not wring tightly.
• Transfer to dryer or hang to air dry completely before using.

While more labor intensive, hand washing gives you total control for a delicate clean.

Safely Drying Your Goose Down Comforter

Proper drying is crucial after washing down to restore loft and avoid mildew.

Air Drying

• Lay flat on top of towels or drying rack outside or in well-ventilated room.
• Fluff and turn comforter periodically as it dries.
• May take 1-2 days to fully dry.

Tumble Drying

• Use air fluff or no heat delicate setting only.
• Add clean tennis balls to help break up down.
• Check frequently and remove immediately once dry.

Professional Drying

• Some dry cleaners offer post-wash drying services.
• Larger commercial dryers work best for down.

Only return comforter to your bed once 100% dry to avoid moisture damage.

Removing Stains and Spot Cleaning

To tackle stains or dirt spots:

• Apply mild laundry detergent directly to spot.
• Gently work into stain using soft brush or sponge. Avoid scrubbing.
• Rinse area thoroughly with clean lukewarm water.
• Air dry or use hairdryer on cool setting to dry spot fully.

For tough stains, take to a professional dry cleaner. Harsh stain removers can damage delicate down.

Should You Have a Professional Clean It?

While it is possible to wash down at home, professional dry cleaning truly is the best way to clean a down comforter without compromising the fill.

Benefits of Professional Dry Cleaning:

• Access to commercial machines that thoroughly clean and dry
• Expertise in properly cleaning delicate down
• Use of safe, eco-friendly solvents instead of water
• Avoid shrinkage, clumping, and damage to down

What to Look for in a Service:

• Specifically mention expertise in down comforter cleaning
• Offer non-toxic cleaning solutions
• Have large drying machines to fully dry

Cleaning fees range from $25-$50 depending on your comforter size, which is very reasonable for the quality clean you’ll get.

Many launderers also offer repairs if needed, such as re-stitching to prevent down loss.

Avoid These Common Down Comforter Washing Mistakes

It’s easy to damage your down comforter if you aren’t careful when washing. Avoid these mistakes:

• Over-washing – Clean only once or twice a year at most.
• Using regular laundry detergent instead of down-specific options.
• Washing with high agitation on the normal cycle.
• Overloading the washing machine.
• Insufficient rinsing leading to detergent buildup.
• Putting your comforter in the dryer wet. This severely damages down.
• Over-drying which causes the down to overheat.

Follow the proper techniques outlined in this guide to keep your comforter material looking and feeling like new.

Storing Your Goose Down Comforter

Use these tips to properly store your comforter between uses:

• Store in a breathable cotton bag or bed linen bag.
• Avoid plastic bags which trap moisture.
• Store flat, not folded sharply.
• Keep in a dry, cool place away from heat and humidity.
• Use cedar blocks or sachets to deter pests.
• Fluff and rotate the comforter every few months.

Proper storage preserves your comforter and prevents mildew or molds from developing.

The Environmental Impact of Down Comforter Cleaning

When handled correctly, down comforters are sustainable and environmentally-friendly bedding. But cleaning practices can add to their carbon footprint.

To reduce the environmental impact:

• Only clean as needed instead of over-washing.
• Use biodegradable detergents without harsh chemicals.
• Check if your dry cleaner uses solvent recycling.
• Wash with cold water and line dry when possible.
• Repair down comforters instead of replacing when damaged.

With some awareness, you can keep your down comforter in great shape while staying green.

Allergies and Goose Down Comforters

Some people may wonder if down comforters are suitable if they suffer from allergies. Here’s what to know:

• Goose down itself is hypoallergenic compared to lower-quality feather fills. But lower-grade “down” can trigger allergies.
• Down can accumulate dust mites over time which cause allergic reactions. Proper washing kills mites.
• The outer fabric can also be a source of allergens. Cotton, silk, or hypoallergenic synthetics are better options.
• For severe allergies, a non-down comforter filled with hypoallergenic polyester may be preferable.

With high-quality down and regular washing, most people can enjoy down comforters without issue. But consult your doctor if uncertain.

Some ways on Caring Your Goose Down Comforter

• Only wash 1-2 times per year at most – spot clean when possible
• Always check manufacturer’s instructions before washing
• Professional dry cleaning is safest for preserving down
• If machine washing, use proper settings – gentle cycle, mild detergent, low heat dry
• Completely dry down comforters before re-using
• Store flat in breathable bag in cool, dry place
• With proper care, down comforters last over a decade

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean my down comforter?

The safest method is to take your down comforter to a professional dry cleaner 1-2 times per year. Dry cleaning allows thorough cleaning without the risks of shrinkage, clumping, or down damage that can occur from home washing. However, you can machine wash at home if you follow the proper gentle settings and dry thoroughly.

How do I wash a down comforter in my washing machine?

Use a front-load washer on the delicate or gentle cycle with cool water. Avoid regular laundry detergent and use a mild detergent made for down. Wash with a few clean tennis balls to act as agitators. Be sure to air fluff or tumble dry on low until fully dry before using the comforter.

Can I wash my down comforter with other laundry?

It’s best to wash your down comforter separately from other items. Wash cycles that are too rough can destroy the down clusters, leading to loss of warmth and loft. Always use the gentle cycle.

How often should I clean my down comforter?

Only clean a down comforter once or twice a year at most. Frequent washing can damage down and decrease a comforter’s lifespan. To freshen between washes, air out the comforter and use a handheld steamer to release odors and renew fluffiness.

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

Proper drying is key to keeping your down comforter clean and fluffy. Use the air fluff or no heat delicate dryer setting. Toss in a couple clean tennis balls to help separate down clusters. Check frequently and remove immediately once fully dry. Line or flat drying outside works too, but takes longer.

How do I wash down pillows?

Down pillows can be washed similarly to down comforters but with a few adjustments. Use a mesh wash bag for extra protection. Rinse pillows a second time. Tumble dry using wool dryer balls instead of tennis balls to prevent damage. Fluff pillows back to shape after drying.

What should I do if my down comforter gets stained?

Try spot cleaning stains on down comforters first. Gently dab mild laundry detergent on the stain then rinse thoroughly. Make sure to completely air or tumble dry the spot. For tougher stains, take your comforter to a professional down cleaner. Harsh stain removers can destroy delicate down.