Down comforters are luxuriously soft, warm, and cozy. Who doesn’t love snuggling under one on a chilly night? As amazing as down comforters feel, they do require a bit of special care, especially when it comes to storage. Improper storage can damage the fill and cause your comforter to end up flat, lumpy, and less effective at insulation.
The good news is that with the right techniques, storing a down comforter is easy. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know to keep your down comforter fluffy, puffy and fresh season after season.
What Is a Down Comforter?
Before we get into storage, let’s review what exactly down comforters are and what makes them special.
A down comforter is filled with the ultra-soft plumage from ducks or geese. This down filling is incredibly warm, breathable, and lightweight.
Down clusters provide unbeatable insulation. The fill power, or loft, indicates the quality of insulation. Higher fill powers (600-900) have the best loft and insulating value.
Down comforters are generously filled into a quilted outer shell. The baffle-box stitching keeps fill evenly distributed.
Compared to alternatives like polyester, down offers superior warmth for its weight. It’s also highly compressible for storage.
For the ultimate in cozy comfort, down can’t be beat!
Why Proper Storage Matters
After investing in a quality down comforter, you’ll want it to last. That’s where proper storage comes in.
When stored incorrectly, down comforters are prone to:
- Losing loft and becoming flat
- Clumping or shifting fill
- Growing mildew or dust mites
- Depreciating insulation value
By understanding optimal storage conditions and using the right materials, you can avoid these issues.
Proper storage helps maintain your comforter’s fill power, longevity, and performance. It also saves you from having to prematurely replace an expensive bedding item.
Let’s go over some key factors to consider.
Climate and Environmental Considerations
Where you live plays a role in how you should store your down comforter. Climate, humidity, and seasonal changes impact your storage approach.
Temperature
Avoid storing down comforters anywhere that gets below freezing or excessively hot. Freezing temperatures can damage fill. High heat can degrade the materials.
Ideally, store your down comforter somewhere that maintains a cool, dry temperature around 60-70°F.
Humidity
Moisture and mildew are enemies of down. Store your comforter in a space with low humidity (below 70% RH). Dehumidifiers or desiccant packets can help reduce humidity.
Seasonal Changes
As seasons change, reevaluate your down comforter’s storage. For example, a garage that stays dry in winter may become humid in summer. Adjust storage as needed.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance
Before storing your down comforter, it’s important to properly clean and care for it. Here are some tips:
- Dry clean only – Do not machine wash! Take your down comforter to a professional dry cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Air out – After drying, let your comforter air out for several days if possible. This allows any residual moisture to fully evaporate.
- Fluff regularly – During use, fluff your comforter daily to maintain even fill distribution and loft.
Proper cleaning and drying sets your comforter up for success in storage.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
Where you store your down comforter makes all the difference. Here are the ideal conditions to look for:
Cool and Dry Space
As mentioned earlier, a cool, dry spot around 60-70°F helps prevent fill damage. Avoid temperature extremes.
Low Humidity
Excess moisture leads to mildew growth in down. Seek out storage spaces with humidity lower than 70% RH.
Good Air Circulation
Stagnant air can lead to dust and moisture buildup. Find a spot with good ventilation or open containers occasionally to air out.
Clean and Dust-Free
Dirt, dust mites, and other contaminants are bad news for down. Choose a clean, dust-free space like a closet.
With these parameters in mind, good storage spots include guest room closets, chests, and underbed storage with a dust ruffle.
Proper Folding and Packaging
Before placing your down comforter into storage, it needs to be properly folded or packaged:
Fold into Thirds
Folding your comforter into thirds helps it maintain an even distribution of fill. Simply fold one side into the middle, then fold the opposite side over top.
Use a Comforter Storage Bag
A breathable cotton storage bag designed for down comforters will protect your comforter in storage. Make sure to get an oversized bag so your comforter isn’t compressed.
Vacuum-Seal Storage Bags
For more compact storage, vacuum-seal your folded comforter in an airtight bag. This removes air and prevents dust and moisture. Be sure to use a low setting to avoid compressing the fill too much.
Storage Chests or Bins
Place your down comforter in a plastic storage bin or cedar chest. Cedar’s aromatic oils naturally repel moths and mildew growth. Make sure the container is large enough to avoid compression.
Maintaining Down Quality in Storage
Aside from storage conditions and materials, a few extra steps help keep your down comforter fresh:
- Periodically air out – Every few months, remove your comforter from storage, unfold it, and allow it to air out before returning it to storage. This prevents moisture buildup.
- Use cedar blocks and sachets – Place cedar blocks or scented sachets in storage containers to deter pests and prevent mildew growth.
- Fluff fill – When airing out your comforter, fluff the fill and smooth out any spots that look flattened. This restores loft.
With periodic maintenance, your down will stay fully lofted in storage.
The Importance of Air Circulation
We’ve touched on it already, but air circulation deserves special attention.
When air cannot properly circulate around a stored down comforter, problems arise:
- Moisture and dust buildup – Stagnant air allows condensation, attracting dust and promoting mildew growth.
- Compressed fill – Tightly packed down will get smashed flat without airflow.
- Pest infestations – Moths and dust mites thrive in still, humid air.
Ensure adequate airflow by:
- Using breathable storage materials like cotton
- Leaving space around the comforter in storage
- Opening containers periodically to air out
Good air circulation is key for keeping down comforters fresh!
Putting It All Together: Best Practices for Storing Down
Here’s a quick summary of the best practices for properly storing your down comforter:
- Dry clean before storage
- Allow to fully air dry
- Fold into thirds before packaging
- Use oversized breathable storage bag
- Store in cool, dry, dust-free space
- Maintain air circulation
- Fluff and air out periodically
Follow these tips diligently, and your down comforter will come out of storage just as fluffy and insulating as when it went in.
Recommended Storage Products
Looking for some storage solutions for your down comforter? Here are some top-rated products:
| Product | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Housables Down Comforter Storage Bag | $29.99 | Oversized cotton storage bag with zipper closure and ventilation grommets |
| SpaceSaver Jumbo Vacuum Storage Bag | $59.99 | Extra large vacuum storage bag reduces volume by 80% |
| Iris Airtight Storage Container | $14.99 | Transparent storage bin keeps out moisture and pests |
| CedarSafe Natural Moth and Mildew Blocker | $21.95 | Pure cedar filled sachets repel moths and absorb moisture |
Final Tips for Keeping Your Down Comforter Fresh
Storing a down comforter properly takes a little time and effort – but it’s worth it. Follow these final tips to keep your comforter in tip-top shape:
- Inspect regularly – Check your stored comforter every few months for any signs of moisture or damage. Address issues right away.
- Wash before use – After long-term storage, have your down comforter professionally cleaned before using it again.
- Fluff thoroughly – Upon taking your comforter out of storage, fluff it vigorously and allow it to fully expand on the bed before using.
- Maintain loft – Continue fluffing your comforter daily during use periods to maintain even fill distribution and the highest loft.
Now you have all the information you need to keep your treasured down comforter performing like new. With the proper storage and care, you’ll enjoy your investment for many cozy years to come. Sweet dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to fold a down comforter for storage?
The recommended method is to fold the down comforter into thirds. Start by folding one side into the middle, then fold the opposite side in to create three equal layers. This helps the fill remain evenly distributed.
How often should you air out a stored down comforter?
It’s ideal to remove your down comforter from storage and air it out about every 3-6 months. Unfold it fully and allow it to sit for a few hours before returning to storage. This prevents moisture and mildew from building up.
What temperature should you store a down comforter in?
Store your down comforter somewhere with a consistent cool, dry temperature between 60-70°F. Avoid temperature extremes like attics or basements which can damage the down clusters.
Can you store a down comforter in a vacuum storage bag?
Yes, vacuum storage bags work well for down comforters. Make sure to use a large oversized bag and a low vacuum setting to avoid overly compressing the fill. The vacuum removes air and creates a moisture and dust-free environment.
How often should you dry clean a down comforter?
Most experts recommend dry cleaning your down comforter once every year or two. Dry cleaning removes built up body oils, dust mites, and other contaminants that can degrade the down over time. Prior to long term storage, always make sure your comforter is freshly cleaned.
