Do you love curling up under a warm, fluffy down comforter? These cozy bedding accessories can last for years when properly cared for. But cleaning a down comforter takes some special consideration compared to regular blankets.
This beginner’s guide will teach you everything you need to know about washing, drying, spot cleaning and maintaining down comforters so you can help yours live a long, snuggly life.
How to Clean a Down Comforter at Home
Cleaning a down comforter at home is possible if you follow some key guidelines. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Prewash prep: Zip up the comforter, check care tag instructions, remove loose debris.
- Wash cycle: Use a front-loading machine, delicate cycle, mild detergent.
- Drying: Use 2-3 drying cycles on low heat to fully dry interior.
- Post wash: Fluff thoroughly and check for damp spots.
Below we’ll explore the home washing process from start to finish including detailed steps and tips.
Supplies Needed
- Front-loading washing machine
- Mild liquid detergent or down wash cleaner
- Large capacity dryer (or multiple dryers)
Pre-Wash Preparation
Proper prep before washing will help the comforter clean better and prevent damage:
- Zip up the comforter in a down comforter duvet cover if it has one. This contain the down during agitation.
- Check the care tag for any special washing instructions.
- Remove loose debris. Shake out crumbs, pet hair, etc.
- Pre-treat any stains with a targeted spot cleaner.
Choosing the Right Washer
A front-loading washing machine is best for down comforters because the horizontal tub is gentler than a vertical agitator. The wider opening also makes loading easier.
If you only have access to a top loading machine, look for one with a delicate or bulky/bedding cycle option.
Washing Guidelines
Follow these best practices when washing your down comforter:
- Use the delicate or bulky/bedding cycle. The slower agitation helps prevent damage.
- Wash with cold water to avoid shrinkage and help flush out dirt. Warm water can cause the down to clump.
- Use the right detergent. A mild liquid detergent or down-specific wash keeps feathers soft.
- Add 1-2 extra rinse cycles to remove detergent residue.
You may need to wash the comforter in loads if it’s very large, splitting between two machines.
Pro Tip: Wash two lightweight comforters together to improve agitation and cleaning.
Drying Considerations
Proper drying is key to keeping down fluffy and lofted.
- Use low heat to prevent melting fibers or scorching fabric
- Dry 2-3 cycles to ensure interior down is fully dry
- Add dryer balls to help break up clumps
- Air fluff outdoors if needed to revive loft
Expect an average dry time of 2-3 hours per cycle for a king size comforter. You may need access to multiple dryers.
Warning: Over-drying can damage down proof box stitching. Feel inside during cycles to check if moisture remains.
Dry on low heat in large capacity or multiple dryers
Post-Wash Care
After washing and drying thoroughly:
- Fluff vigorously by shaking outside
- Smooth out lumps by hand as needed
- Air out overnight to fully revive loft
- Check interior with your hand for any remaining moisture
This completes the full home washing process start to finish!
Alternative Cleaning Methods
While home washing is economical, two other options exist for cleaning down:
Professional Dry Cleaning
Taking your down comforter to a dry cleaner is convenient but pricy. Services typically charge by item size:
- Twin/Full: $25-$35
- Queen: $35-$50
- King/Cal King: $50-$75
The major benefits of dry cleaning include specialized cleaning solutions, commercial equipment, and effortless drop-off service.
Downsides are the high cost and harsh chemicals sometimes used. Ask cleaners about eco-friendly solvents.
Professional Wet Cleaning
This newer service cleans delicates with water, not chemicals. Prices are similar to dry cleaning. Wet cleaning is gentler on fabrics.
Ask local cleaners if they offer professional wet cleaning for down and compare pricing.
Factors That Impact Cost
What makes some down comforters cheaper to clean and maintain? Here are key considerations:
Fill power
- Lower fill power down is cheaper
- Higher fill needs more careful cleaning
Size
- Twin/full easiest to clean
- King/California king most expensive
Shell fabric
- Delicate fabrics like silk cost more
- Durable cottons are budget friendly
Fill weight
- Lightweight needs less detergent
- Heavy weight takes longer to dry
DIY Maintenance Tips
With some simple maintenance between washes you can keep your down comforter cleaner longer:
- Use a duvet cover – adds a protective barrier
- Spot clean stains quickly – prevents set-in stains
- Fluff and rotate regularly – maintains even fill distribution
- Air out in sunlight 2-3 times per year – revives loft and whitens
Implementing these easy habits can allow you to wash heavy comforters just 1-2 times per year while keeping them fresh.
How Often Should You Wash Down?
Most down comforters only need cleaning 1-2 times per year. Exceptions include:
- Comforters used by children or pets
- White shell fabrics that show soil
- Heavily perspiring sleepers
- Outdoor use in climates with high humidity
Tip: schedule washes before seasonal storage to prevent mildew growth.
Here are signs it’s time to clean your down comforter:
- Noticeable odor
- Visible stains
- Lumpy fill distribution
- Loss of fluffiness
Spot Cleaning Made Simple
While full washes are ideal, you can’t always wait until the next cleaning day when spills or stains happen. By using the right techniques, spot cleaning can save your comforter in between full wash cycles.
Supplies Needed
- Distilled white vinegar
- Dawn dish soap
- Spray bottle filled with cool water
- Soft bristle brush
- Clean light-colored cloths
- Upholstery attachment for vacuum
Method
- Fluff fill away from stain area
- Apply vinegar and let soak 5 minutes
- Blot lift with cloth, don’t rub
- Apply drop of Dawn, work into fabric
- Rinse with spray bottle, blot dry
- Use brush for stuck residue
- Fluff and air dry before using
Repeat steps if residue persists. Avoid over-wetting the comforter interior if possible.
Warning: Some comforter fabrics like silk should only be spot cleaned by a professional. When in doubt, take it to the experts rather than risking damage at home.
Finding the Best Down Comforters
If shopping for a new down comforter, keep these factors in mind:
Fill power
- 600-650 fill power ideal for year-round use
- Higher fill power = more insulation
Fill weight
- Lightweight: less than 500 fill power per square yard
- Mid-weight: 500-650 fp/square yard
- Heavy-weight: over 700 fp/square yard
**Weave density **
- Thread count of 300-500 ideal
- Higher density resists fill leakage
| Product | Fill Power | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Hotel Overstuffed | 600 fp | $$$ |
| Pacific Coast Feather Luxe | 650 fp | $$$ |
| Brooklinen All-Season | 700 fp | $$$$ |
Royal Hotel offers great quality at a reasonable price point for year-round comforters.
Final Tips for Success
Caring for a down comforter is easier than you think with the right guidance. Here are top takeaways:
- Always read and follow care tag instructions
- Home wash using front loaders and delicate cycles
- Low and slow is best practice for drying
- Spot clean stains promptly to avoid set-ins
- Use duvet covers for an added layer of protection
- Fluff and rotate fill from time to time
Implementing these simple comforter cleaning tips will help guarantee your down stays sanitary, lofty and ultra-snuggly for years of blissful beauty rest!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some lingering questions about down comforter care? Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
What is the best way to dry my down comforter at home?
Use the low heat delicate setting on your dryer and dry for 2-3 full cycles, checking inside with your hands to confirm interior down fills are completely dry before removing. Be sure to thoroughly fluff and reshape before placing back on the bed.
How often should I have my down comforter professionally cleaned?
Most experts recommend professional dry cleaning or wet cleaning for your down comforter every 2-3 years. In between, home wash 1-2 times per year along with regular spot cleaning as needed.
What detergent is safe to use when washing down at home?
Choose a mild liquid detergent without optical brighteners, like Woolite or laundry soap made specifically for washing down. Powder detergents can leave residue and fabric softeners reduce loft.
My down comforter bunches up after washing. How can I fix this?
Make sure to completely dry all moisture inside the comforter by putting it through 2-3 drying cycles on low. After drying, vigorously fluff the down by shaking the comforter outside. Use your hands to break up stubborn clumps of feathers.
What are signs my down comforter needs cleaning?
Watch for visible stains, yellow discoloration, musty odors, loss of fluffiness and changes in fill distribution like flat spots or corner clumping. Address any of these issues promptly with spot cleaning treatments or a full machine wash.
