Looking to clean your IKEA down comforter but unsure where to start? Proper washing and care is essential to keep your down-filled bedding feeling fresh and fluffy. Follow this beginner’s guide for tips on safely and effectively washing, drying, storing and maintaining IKEA down comforters. With the right techniques, you can keep your feather bedding clean, hygienic and extra cozy for years to come.
Introduction to Caring for IKEA Down Comforters
A down-filled comforter can make a cold night feel luxuriously warm and snuggly. The soft, airy down filling provides unmatched insulation for sleeping. As natural fill made from duck or goose feathers, down is also highly breathable and moisture-wicking.
However, the delicate material requires more care than regular bedding to keep it fluffy and prevent damage. IKEA down comforters come with recommendations for washing, drying, storage and stain removal to help maintain the quality and longevity of the filling. Proper maintenance is key for getting the most out your comforter purchase.
This beginner’s guide will cover everything you need to know about caring for IKEA down comforters, including:
- Understanding down and its benefits
- Pre-wash preparations
- Washing techniques and machine settings
- Safe drying methods to restore fluff
- Proper storage to avoid clumping
- Dealing with stains and spots
- When to seek professional cleaning
- Alternative cleaning options between washes
- Handy care tips and mistakes to avoid
Follow these instructions to keep your IKEA down comforter clean, fresh and ready for cozy nights!
What Is a Down Comforter?
Before learning how to wash down bedding, let’s review what exactly down is and why it makes such a great comforter filling.
Down Filling Origins
Down refers to the layer of fine, fluffy feathers found closest to the body of ducks and geese. It is the warmest part of the bird’s natural plumage, trapping air to provide insulation.
Down clusters and feathers are collected as a byproduct from the food industry. IKEA sources recycled down and feathers from certified suppliers, traced back to the farm.
Benefits of Down as Comforter Filling
Down offers many beneficial properties that make it the gold standard for comforters and duvets:
- Warmth – The fluffy texture efficiently traps air and retains heat. Down provides excellent insulation against cold.
- Lightweight – The filling is very light and airy, allowing freedom of movement under the comforter.
- Breathability – Air circulates freely through down, preventing overheating or sweatiness.
- Luxuriously Soft – High-quality down has a deliciously soft, pillowy texture and loft.
- Durability – With proper care, down can last for many years and maintain its loft.
- Hypoallergenic Options – IKEA offers down comforters with inner cotton shells to reduce allergens.
Types of IKEA Down Comforters
IKEA carries several styles of down comforters suitable for different needs:
- DUVLÄR – Affordable white duck down with a percale cotton shell. Available in twin, full/queen and king sizes.
- RYA – Grey goose down with a sateen cotton cover. Designed to be lightweight and maximize loft.
- HÖNSBÄR – Channel-quilted white duck down with a cotton cambric shell for enhanced breathability.
- FJÄDRAR – White duck down wrapped in a soft, smooth cotton sateen shell. Features corner loops for duvet ties.
- DJUNGELSKOG – Children’s comforter with playful prints and responsibly sourced goose down filling.
Always check the attached tag to identify which IKEA down comforter you have before washing.
Preparing IKEA Down Comforters for Washing
Before you can clean your IKEA down comforter, you’ll need to take a few preparatory steps:
1. Read the Care Label
The sewn-in label on your comforter provides specific washing, drying and other care instructions. Be sure to read and follow these recommendations for your particular model.
2. Remove the Duvet Cover
If using a duvet cover, unzip and remove it from the comforter before washing. The duvet cover can be washed separately in the machine.
3. Inspect for Stains
Check over both sides of the comforter for any visible stains or heavily soiled areas. Use a targeted stain remover or spot cleaner to treat these before washing.
4. Air Out the Comforter
If possible, hang the comforter outside or drape it over furniture to air out before washing. This can help refresh it between cleanings.
5. Treat Any Odors
For musty or sweat smells, sprinkle the comforter with baking soda. Let sit for up to 48 hours before vacuuming off.
Once pretreated for stains and odors, the comforter is ready for washing.
Washing Your IKEA Down Comforter
Always refer back to the specific care label instructions. Here are some general tips for machine washing an IKEA down comforter:
Choosing the Right Machine
- Use a front-loading washing machine for best results cleaning large down items. Top-loaders often lack the capacity.
- Select a washer with a gentle cycle setting to clean delicate down bedding.
- Only wash one down comforter at a time to allow plenty of space.
Ideal Wash Settings
- Wash your down comforter alone on the gentle/delicate cycle.
- Use cool/cold water to avoid damaging or shrinking the down clusters.
- Choose a faster spin speed to extract more water and reduce drying time.
Detergent Tips
- Use a mild liquid detergent labeled safe for down.
- Add an extra rinse to thoroughly flush out all soap residue.
- Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets as they can clump down filling.
Other Washing Best Practices
- Check zippers and velcro closures are fully closed to prevent snagging.
- Wash older or heavily soiled down comforters twice for a deeper clean.
- Never overstuff the washer – down items need room to tumble freely.
Always allow the comforter to fully air dry before placing back on the bed. Avoid stuffing when damp or wet as moisture can breed mold and bacteria.
Drying Your Washed IKEA Down Comforter
To restore maximum fluffiness after washing your IKEA down comforter, follow these drying recommendations:
Air Drying
- Lay the washed comforter flat on a sheet or tarp outside or in a dry area indoors.
- Allow the down to dry completely before using or storing, typically 24-48 hours.
- Fluff and massage the down every few hours as it dries to break up clumps.
Machine Drying
- Use a front-load dryer with large capacity – most home dryers are too small.
- Set the dryer to a low heat delicate setting, high heat can damage down.
- Toss in a couple clean tennis balls to act as agitators to break up clumps.
- Run the fluff cycle 1-2 times after main drying to further loosen filling.
- Check that the center and corners are fully dry before removing.
Warning: Overdrying can strip natural oils from down and reduce insulation. Remove immediately once dry.
Proper drying is key to restoring your down comforter’s loft and preventing mildew growth.
Caring for IKEA Down Comforters After Washing
After washing and drying your IKEA down comforter, take a few moments to check the filling and ensure it’s ready for use:
- Inspect for Dampness – Verify no spots or clumps feel damp. Re-dry if needed.
- Fluff the Filling – Shake out and massage the comforter to break up any remaining clumps.
- Redistribute the Down – Spread and smooth out the filling evenly across the comforter.
- Let Air Out – Allow the freshly washed comforter to finish airing out for up to 12 hours before remaking the bed.
- Use a Duvet Cover – Place the comforter inside a duvet cover before using to protect the shell fabric.
- Remake the Bed – Put your freshly cleaned comforter back on the bed and enjoy the renewed coziness!
Proper post-wash care helps extend your comforter’s lifespan and performance.
How to Remove Stains from IKEA Down Comforters
Accidents happen – down comforters can become stained from spills, body oils, pet dander and more. Here are some tips for stain removal:
- Spot clean stains immediately before washing using a upholstery attachment on a vacuum cleaner.
- Dab liquid stains gently with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water then rinse thoroughly.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach that can damage the down and fabric.
- For tough stains, pretreat with enzyme cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, borax or vinegar diluted in water before washing.
- For greasy stains, liberally sprinkle on cornmeal or baking soda, let sit for an hour, then vacuum off.
Test any stain treatments first on an inconspicuous area to ensure colorfastness before using. With some care, most stains can be removed from down comforters.
Storing IKEA Down Comforters
The right storage is key between uses to protect your IKEA down comforter:
Choosing a Storage Container
- Store in a large breathable cotton bag or use the original packaging.
- Avoid compact plastic containers or vacuum storage bags.
- Make sure the comforter can fit fully without compression.
Storage Location Tips
- Store in a cool, dry place like a closet to prevent moisture damage.
- Avoid attics, basements or garages with extreme temperatures.
- Keep out of direct sunlight which can fade fabrics over time.
Proper storage keeps down filling loose and airy, preventing deterioration in comfort and insulation over time.
When to Clean IKEA Down Comforters
As a general rule, aim to wash your IKEA down comforter:
- 2-3 times per year for regularly used comforters
- 1-2 times per year for light seasonal use
- When soiled – wash immediately if stained or dirty
- When it smells – clean if odors develop even with light use
- Before long-term storage – wash before storing away for the season
Caution: Washing too frequently can strip oils from down and reduce insulation over time.
Use your senses to determine when it’s time to clean your comforter – your nose often knows best!
Should You Professionally Clean IKEA Down Comforters?
For most basic cleaning between uses, washing your IKEA down comforter at home is perfectly sufficient.
However, occasionally it may be best to have your comforter professionally cleaned:
- If the comforter is heavily stained with odors that regular washing cannot eliminate.
- If the filling has developed significant clumping that is not improving with home drying methods.
- If the shell fabric or seams show signs of wear or damage needing repair.
- Every 2-3 years for a deep cleaning to prolong lifespan.
When selecting a professional down cleaner, look for ones using advanced drying technology for maximum fluff restoration. Prices range $50-$100 depending on size.
For routine washing, home care will maintains the comfort and quality of your IKEA down comforter.
Alternative Cleaning Options for Down Comforters
In between full wash cycles, you can help refresh your IKEA down comforter using these alternative cleaning methods:
- Spot clean visible stains immediately using an upholstery attachment on your vacuum.
- Steam clean lightly soiled areas and seams using a handheld garment steamer. Avoid overwetting.
- Air out in sunshine and fluff the filling to freshen. Rotate and redistribute the down.
- Dry clean only very occasionally as chemicals can deteriorate down over time.
- Freeze for 24-48 hours in a plastic bag to kill dust mites if allergy concerns arise.
Make sure to still follow the proper washing frequency recommended for your specific IKEA down comforter.
Eco-Friendly Care of IKEA Down Comforters
IKEA aims to source down and feathers responsibly and offers tips for eco-friendly care:
- Wash in cool water and hang dry when possible to conserve energy.
- Look for biodegradable detergents that are environmentally friendly.
- Spot clean when feasible instead of washing after every use.
- Reuse or recycle the poly bag and packaging materials.
- Donate gently used comforters instead of throwing away.
With some green practices, you can keep your down bedding clean while also caring for the planet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Down Comforters
It’s easy to unintentionally damage your IKEA down comforter if you don’t follow proper care recommendations:
- Overwashing too frequently which can degrade down quality over time.
- Using hot water or high heat drying that strips natural oils from down.
- Overstuffing the washer or dryer which prevents free movement.
- Neglecting stains which can set over time and become harder to remove.
- Improper storage in a too small, humid or hot space.
- Insufficient drying which allows moist areas prone to mold growth.
- Using wrong detergents like fabric softener or bleach that coat down fibers.
By learning the ideal care methods specific to your IKEA down comforter, you can avoid these common mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caring for IKEA Down Comforters
Can you machine wash IKEA down comforters?
Yes, IKEA down comforters can be machine washed but should be dried properly afterwards to restore fluffiness. Always check the sewn-in label for specific guidelines.
What laundry detergent should you use?
Choose a mild liquid detergent labeled safe for down and add an extra rinse cycle to thoroughly flush out all soap residue after washing.
How often should you wash an IKEA down comforter?
Only wash 2-3 times per year for a regularly used comforter, 1-2 times for a lightly used comforter, and whenever heavily soiled. Too frequent washing can damage down.
Conclusion: Caring Properly for Your IKEA Down Comforter
With the right washing, drying, storage and cleaning methods for your specific IKEA down comforter, you can keep your bedding super soft, warm and hygienic for many years of cozy use. Be sure to always check and follow the care instructions sewn on the comforter’s tag.
