Washing a down comforter can seem like a daunting task, but with the right supplies and techniques, you can easily clean your comforter at home without damaging the down filling. Handwashing allows you to gently clean the comforter while preserving the fluffiness and warmth of the down.

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Why Handwash Your Down Comforter?

Prolongs the lifespan by preventing damage from agitators in washing machines
Allows gentle cleaning with mild detergent to prevent stripping natural oils from down
Avoids shrinkage that can occur in high heat machine drying
Saves money compared to professional dry cleaning

Benefits of Washing Frequency

Washing your down comforter every 6 months to 1 year will:

Remove built up body oils, sweat, and dirt that can degrade down and cause odors
Sanitize to kill dust mites, bacteria, and allergens
Restore fluffiness as down clusters become uncompressed
Extend the comforter’s lifespan by preventing irreversible damage

Using a Duvet Cover

Using a removable duvet cover is highly recommended to:

Keep the comforter clean for longer between washes
Protect the comforter from stains, spills, and body oils
Make washing the duvet cover easier than the whole comforter

What Is a Down Comforter?

Down comforters are filled with the soft, fluffy clusters of down feathers from ducks or geese. The down provides excellent insulation to keep you warm.

Types of Down Comforters

White Goose Down – highest quality, largest down clusters
Grey Goose Down – affordable, good quality and warmth
White Duck Down – less expensive, less fluffy
Grey Duck Down – lowest price point, decent warmth

Down Comforter Characteristics:

Ultra soft and lightweight feel
Highly compressible and breathable
Superior warmth without weight
Hypoallergenic when washed frequently
Higher price point than synthetic comforters

Preparing to Handwash Your Down Comforter

1. Check the Care Tag

Look for washing instructions on the comforter’s sewn-in tag:

Recommended washing method (machine or hand wash)
Maximum water temperature
Bleach instructions
Drying method

2. Select the Handwashing Method

Choose your handwashing method based on the care tag recommendations:

Sink – best for lightweight comforters
Bathtub – allows more room for heavier/king-size comforters
Specialty bags – simplifies soaking and rinsing

3. Gather Supplies

2-3 mild liquid detergents, like Woolite
4-5 large towels
Non-chlorine bleach (optional)
Large sponge or washcloth
Rubber gloves
Mesh wash bags (at least 2)

Step-by-Step Handwashing Process

Follow these steps to properly handwash your down comforter:

1. Prepare the Washing Area

Clear a large sink, bathtub, or use a specialty bag
Fill with lukewarm water based on care tag (104°F max)
Add a small amount of mild detergent

2. Submerge the Comforter

Place comforter in the wash water
For a bathtub, stand or kneel on the comforter to push it down
If needed, fill a mesh bag with detergent water and place on top

3. Allow it to Soak

Let the comforter soak for 15-20 minutes
This allows the detergent to penetrate the down
Periodically push it further into the water

4. Gently Agitate the Comforter

Push and squish the comforter around in the water
Avoid harsh twisting, wringing, or scrubbing motions
Work from the exterior to push water into the core

5. Drain and Rinse

Lift the comforter and move to a clean rinsing tub
Drain the dirty wash water and refill tub with clean water
Allow comforter to soak again, then lift up and down

6. Drain and Repeat Rinse

Drain rinse water again and refill with clean water
Soak and lift the comforter again to remove all detergent

The key is using minimal agitation and allowing plenty of time for the down to absorb clean water. Repeat the rinse cycle until water runs clear.

Drying Your Down Comforter

Proper drying is key to retaining fluffiness and preventing mildew.

1. Remove Excess Water

Lift comforter out of the tub, allowing water to drain off
Roll up lengthwise and gently squeeze to remove water
Avoid wringing, twisting, or scrubbing

2. Air Dry Flat

Lay the rolled comforter on a clean, dry surface
Unroll flat and smooth out lumps
Allow to fully air dry for up to 2 days

3. Fluff and Redistribute Down

Once fully dry:

Vigorously shake the comforter to break up clumps
Use your hands to fluff up sections
Allow down to redistribute and loft back up

Avoid drying in direct sunlight, which can damage down. Use a fan to speed drying if needed.

Alternative Large-Scale Washing Methods

For very large comforters, other washing methods may be easier than handwashing.

Large Capacity Washer – Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent and low spin speed. Air dry.
Laundromat – Use a large triple load machine. Take plenty of quarters for multiple rinse cycles.
Professional Dry Cleaning – More expensive but saves time and effort. Specify “water wash” not chemical solvents.

When using machines, be sure to select settings for oversized, delicates cycles and low heat.

Preventing Damage and Maximizing Longevity

Follow these tips to keep your comforter in great shape for years:

Use a duvet cover to protect from body oils and spills
Spot clean stains immediately with mild detergent and cool water
Avoid harsh detergents to prevent stripping natural down oils
Air dry thoroughly to prevent mildew and clumping of down
Store loosely in breathable cotton during warmer months

Proper Post-Wash Care

Store folded loosely in a breathable fabric like cotton
Use cedar blocks or periodically air out to prevent musty odors
Fluff and redistribute down every few months while storing
Spot clean as needed between full washes
Wash duvet cover more frequently than comforter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to handwash a down comforter?

The best method is to soak the comforter in a bathtub, large sink, or specialty bag filled with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Allow it to soak for 15-20 minutes, gently pressing and agitating it to saturate the down filling. Drain and refill the tub for multiple rinse cycles until the water runs clear.

How often should you wash a down comforter?

Ideally, wash your down comforter every 6 months to 1 year. Washing more frequently can damage the down by stripping its natural oils. Using a removable duvet cover will allow you to wash the cover more often than the comforter itself.

What temperature water should be used to handwash down?

Always use lukewarm water based on the care tag recommendations, around 100-104°F. Water that is too hot can damage or shrink the down. Cold water will not clean as effectively.

Can you put a down comforter in the washing machine?

It is best to avoid the agitation of a washing machine, but front-loading washers on delicate cycles can be used if needed. Be sure to air dry thoroughly afterwards. Never put a down comforter in the dryer.

How do you dry a handwashed down comforter?

After washing, roll up the comforter to squeeze out excess moisture. Then lay flat on a clean surface and allow to fully air dry for up to 2 days, reshaping and smoothing lumps. Use fans to speed drying as needed.

What is the best detergent for washing down comforters?

Choose a mild liquid detergent like Woolite or other detergents made for delicates. Avoid powder detergents as they can be difficult to rinse out fully. Never use bleach or fabric softener.

How can I restore loft and fluffiness to my down comforter?

After fully drying, vigorously shake and fluff up the comforter. Use your hands to break up any interior clumps of down and redistribute it evenly throughout the comforter. The down’s natural loft will re-establish with proper drying and fluffing.