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.
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.
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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
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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.