Down comforters are one of the most luxurious and warm types of bedding available. Their fluffy down filling provides unbeatable insulation that keeps you cozy all night long. However, without proper care, down comforters can quickly lose their loft and softness.
Learning how to properly clean and care for your down comforter will help maintain its quality and extend its lifespan. This beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know about washing, drying, storing and maintaining a down comforter.
Why Proper Care Matters for Down Comforters
Down comforters require more delicate care than other types of bedding. The down filling is sensitive to heat, agitation, and harsh detergents which can damage the down clusters.
When washed improperly, down comforters can become lumpy, the filling can clump together, and the stitching holding the down compartments in place can tear. This results in a flat, misshapen comforter that has lost its ability to insulate and provide warmth.
By learning the proper techniques for cleaning down, you can keep your comforter fluffy and lofty for years to come. Taking good care of your investment upfront also avoids the need for expensive professional cleaning or replacement costs down the road.
Understanding the Unique Properties of Down
Before jumping into the cleaning process, it helps to understand what makes down filling special:
- Down clusters – The soft, fluffy filaments that make up down are arranged in clusters rather than long strands like feathers. This gives down a higher warmth-to-weight ratio.
- Delicate and lightweight – Down clusters are extremely lightweight, fine and delicate. They are easily damaged compared to heavier fabrics.
- Loft – Down’s ability to “loft” or puff up provides great insulation by trapping warm air. This gives down comforters their fluffiness.
- Compressible – Down can be compressed into a small space but springs back into shape when fluffed up.
- Sensitive to moisture, heat and agitation – When wet, down loses its ability to loft. Excess heat and agitation can damage the clusters.
Understanding these unique properties will help guide your washing and drying approach to minimize damage to the down.
Common Misconceptions About Washing Down
There are some common misconceptions about cleaning down comforters that can lead to damage:
- Myth: You should never wash down at home.
Fact: With the right techniques, you can safely wash down at home. Use a front-loading machine on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. - Myth: Down should be washed in hot water to sanitize it.
Fact: Hot water can damage down and cause it to clump. Use lukewarm water instead. - Myth: Regular detergent will clean a down comforter best.
Fact: Harsh detergents strip the natural oils from down. Use a mild liquid detergent for best results. - Myth: Adding fabric softener helps freshen down. Fact: Fabric softeners coat the down, reducing breathability and loft. Avoid them when washing down.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can keep your down comforter fresh and lofty with at-home washing.
Pre-Wash Steps for Down Comforters
Before washing your down comforter, take a few preparatory steps:
Check the Care Label
The first step is to check the sewn-in care label for any special washing instructions from the manufacturer. This will specify if there are any temperature, detergent or cycle requirements unique to that comforter.
Inspect for Stains
Inspect the outer fabric and down filling for any visible stains. Spot treat any stained areas with an enzymatic cleaner or spot cleaner formulated for down and feathers. This prevents set-in stains.
Remove the Duvet Cover
Take off the duvet cover and set it aside to be washed separately from the down comforter. Washing them together can cause uneven wear.
Check for Damage
Inspect the outer shell fabric and stitching for any holes, tears or areas where down may be escaping. If damage is found, repairs should be made before washing to avoid worsening these issues.
Minor stitching repairs can often be done at home with needle and thread. For larger holes or seam failures, seek professional help from a tailor or seamstress.
Choosing the Right Washing Machine
The size and type of washing machine you use can make a big difference in preventing damage to your down comforter:
Front-Loading vs Top-Loading
A front-loading washing machine is preferable for washing down comforters at home. Front-loaders are gentler on fabrics and have higher capacities to handle bulky items. The tumbling action is less harsh compared to the agitator central column found in most top-loaders.
Top-loading machines with a central agitator can be too rough on delicate down, causing the filling to ball up or tear. If using a top-loader, choose one with multiple speed/gentle cycle options and be prepared for more wear.
Check Load Capacity
Make sure your washing machine is large enough to handle the size of your comforter. Overstuffing can lead to uneven cleaning and mechanical damage.
Most home machines have load capacities in the 4-6 cubic feet range. Measure your folded comforter to ensure it will fit.
For extra large comforters like California King size, consider using a commercial-size machine at a laundromat if your home washer is too small.
Consider a Professional Laundry Service
For valuable down comforters, the cost of professional cleaning may be worth preserving the quality and lifespan. Many laundry services specialize in properly washing down and can handle large sizes.
Step-by-Step Washing Instructions
Follow these steps for safely washing a down comforter at home:
1. Select a Mild Detergent
Avoid regular laundry detergents which may be too harsh for down. Look for liquid detergents specially formulated for delicate fabrics:
Use about 1/4 the recommended amount since down requires much less detergent than regular laundry.
2. Select the Right Wash Cycle
Choose the gentle cycle setting and cool or lukewarm water. Set the wash temperature to around 30°C or 80°F if possible. Avoid hot water which can damage down.
The normal or delicate cycle will provide gentle agitation without excessive spinning. Soak and handwash cycles are also suitable for down.
3. Wash Separately
Wash the down comforter solo without any other laundry items. This allows it to move freely and achieve the best cleaning results.
4. Use Tennis or Dryer Balls
Add a couple tennis balls or dryer balls to the wash cycle. These baffle and separate the down to help it wash more evenly.
5. Use Mild or No Detergent for Rinse Cycle
Skip detergent on the rinse cycle or just use a small amount. Excess detergent residue can erode down’s natural oils over time. An extra rinse ensures all soap is removed.
6. Skip Fabric Softener
Avoid using any kind of fabric softener or dryer sheets when washing down. The coating left behind reduces the down’s loft and breathability.
7. Check Progression Periodically
Periodically pause the cycle to check that the down comforter is thoroughly saturated and moving freely. Redistribute the filling if needed.
Proper Drying Guidelines
Careful drying is key to maintaining down’s fluffiness and loft.
Use Low Heat
Dry your down comforter on low heat. High temperatures can damage or “cook” the delicate down. Aim for the low or no-heat air fluff setting if your machine has it.
Add Dryer Balls
Put 2-3 dryer balls or tennis balls in with the comforter. As with washing, these help separate and distribute the down.
Check and Redistribute Filling
Periodically stop the dryer to check that the filling is uniformly distributed. Manually break up any clumps and spread the down out evenly.
Ensure Completely Dry
It takes time for the inner down to fully dry. Run the dryer for 2-3 hours, checking periodically. Any remaining moisture can lead to mildew.
Tip: Use 2-3 dryer cycles with a 10-15 minute air fluff between each for best results. The resting period allows the inner down to fully dry.
Post-Washing Down Comforter Care
Once your down comforter is clean, take these extra steps:
- Fluff vigorously – After drying, vigorously fluff and knead the comforter to break up any remaining clumps and restore loft.
- Air out – If any damp odor remains, air out the comforter in a dry spot before remaking the bed.
- Store properly – Fold or roll up the comforter loosely and store in a breathable cotton or mesh bag. Avoid plastic bags which trap moisture.
Proper post-wash handling ensures your freshly cleaned comforter feels light and airy when put back on the bed.
Occasionally Dry Cleaning
While home washing is fine for most situations, consider sending your down comforter to a professional dry cleaner occasionally, around once a year.
Dry cleaning uses chemical solvents instead of water to deep clean fabrics. This can sanitize down and remove built up body oils that affect loft. Look for dry cleaners experienced with down bedding.
Expect to pay $50-100 to dry clean a king or queen down comforter depending on your region. While a higher initial cost than home washing, periodic dry cleaning can extend the lifespan of your comforter.
Preventative Measures
You can take some simple steps to protect your comforter between washings:
- Use a duvet cover – Keep your comforter inside a duvet cover to shield it from body oils and spills. Wash the cover more often to keep things fresh.
- Aerate regularly – Hang your comforter outside or unroll it to air out the down every few months.
- Spot clean – Use an enzymatic spray to promptly treat any stains or soiled areas between washings. This prevents buildup.
Key Takeaways on Caring for Down Comforters
Caring for a down comforter takes some extra effort but pays off in long-lasting quality and coziness. Here are the key tips to remember:
- Inspect for stains and damage before washing
- Use a front-loading machine on delicate cycle with cool water
- Choose a mild down-specific detergent
- Add tennis balls to the washer and dryer
- Air fluff on low heat, redistributing filling periodically
- Ensure the down is completely dry
- Store in a breathable bag
- Periodically dry clean for deep cleaning
By following these guidelines, you can keep your down comforter clean, fluffy and warm for many years of blissful hibernating under the covers. Handled with care, a quality down comforter is an investment that just gets better with time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to wash a down comforter at home?
Use a front-loading washing machine on the delicate or gentle cycle with cool, lukewarm water. Choose a mild down comforter detergent formulated for delicates. Add a few tennis balls to the drum to act as baffles. Wash with nothing else in the machine.
How do you dry a down comforter after washing?
Dry on a low heat setting, no higher than medium. Add wool dryer balls to separate and fluff the down. Periodically stop to check on the down filling and redistribute it evenly. Aim for 2-3 drying cycles, with a rest period in between.
How often should you wash a down comforter?
Most down comforters only need washing 1-2 times per year. Using a removable duvet cover and spot cleaning can allow you to go longer between full wash cycles. Dry clean a down comforter once a year for deeper cleaning.
Why does my down comforter get lumpy after washing?
Lumping happens when the filling gets compressed and clumped instead of drying thoroughly and evenly. Ensure the comforter is able to move freely in the washer and dryer. Frequently redistribute the down filling mid-cycle. Add dryer balls or tennis balls to help break up clumps.
Should you wash down comforters in hot or cold water?
Always use cool, lukewarm or cold water when washing down. Hot water can damage the delicate clusters. Check the care tag for the manufacturer’s recommended temperature, but in general cooler water is best for preventing the down from clumping.
