Down comforters are incredibly warm and cozy, making them a popular bedding choice. However, like any bedding, down comforters require proper care and cleaning to keep them fresh and extend their lifespan. If you’ve recently invested in a luxurious down-filled comforter, you may be wondering how exactly you should go about washing it. Washing down comforters can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be with this handy beginner’s guide!
What is a Down Comforter?
Before we dive into how to wash down comforters, let’s first make sure we understand what exactly a down comforter is.
A down comforter is filled with the fine, fluffy clusters and plumules that come from ducks and geese. This super-soft down filling is what gives down comforters their hallmark lightweight warmth and loft. The outer shell of the comforter is typically made from a fabric like cotton, cotton sateen, or lightweight polyester.
Down comforters are prized for being exceptionally warm while still remaining breathable. The loft from the down filling creates air pockets that efficiently trap body heat. At the same time, the filling is so lightweight and the shell so breathable that the comforter never feels overly hot or stifling.
Why It’s Important to Wash Your Down Comforter
Washing your down comforter is important for two key reasons:
- To Remove Dirt, Dust Mites, and Allergens – Just like your sheets, your comforter picks up body oils, sweat, and dead skin cells. Dust mites and other allergens can also accumulate in the comforter over time. Washing removes these contaminants.
- To Restore Fluff and Loft – The down inside the comforter gets compressed with regular use. Washing helps to restore the loft and fluffiness of the filling. This maintains the comforter’s ability to insulate.
Washing every 6 months to a year will keep your down comforter fresh, hypoallergenic, and wonderfully fluffy.
Your Down Comforter Washing Options
When it comes time to wash your down comforter, you have three main options:
- Professional Dry Cleaning
- At-Home Machine Washing
- Hand Washing
Below we will explore the pros and cons of each method to help you decide which is best for your situation.
Dry Cleaning Your Down Comforter
Many people opt to have their down comforter professionally dry cleaned. Here’s an overview of this option:
How it Works
- You drop your comforter off at a dry cleaner. Tell them it’s down-filled.
- The comforter is loaded into a large, commercial dry cleaning machine.
- It is washed gently in a solvent-based solution.
- The comforter is then transferred to a commercial dryer.
- The comforter is dried thoroughly and evenly.
- Many dry cleaners also provide sanitizing services.
- You pick up your clean, fluffy comforter.
The Pros
- Gets the comforter thoroughly clean without agitation.
- Commercial machines wash and dry effectively and evenly.
- No shrinkage risk.
- You don’t have to do anything except drop off and pick up.
The Cons
- More expensive than at-home washing.
- Chemical solvents can produce odors.
- Have to coordinate drop off and pick up.
Cost
- Expect to pay $25-$50+ depending on the size of your comforter.
- Additional charges may apply for sanitizing or stain treatments.
Finding a Dry Cleaner
Look for a dry cleaner that specifically advertises down comforter cleaning. Ask if they have large enough commercial machines to handle the size of your comforter.
Washing a Down Comforter at Home
With the right techniques, you can successfully wash your down comforter at home. Here’s what you need to know:
How it Works
- Pre-treat any stained areas on the comforter.
- Load the comforter into a front-loading washing machine.
- Wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and cool water.
- Rinse with 1-2 extra spin cycles to remove detergent.
- Move comforter to the dryer and dry thoroughly on low heat.
The Pros
- More affordable than dry cleaning.
- Can wash whenever it’s convenient.
- Use your preferred detergents.
- Gentler on the environment than dry cleaning chemicals.
The Cons
- Agitation can damage filling if not washed properly.
- Must have a large enough washer and dryer.
- Takes more time and labor than dropping off at the dry cleaner.
What You Need
- A front-load washing machine – at least 4 cubic ft capacity for a Queen/King comforter
- A large-capacity dryer
- Mild liquid detergent
Cost
- Expect to pay $5-$15 for detergent per wash.
- Additional costs for electricity and water.
Below are the step-by-step instructions for washing a down comforter at home.
Step 1: Pre-Treat Any Stains
Check your comforter over for any visible stains or heavily soiled areas. Pre-treat these spots according to the stain type:
- Food, grease, oil – Apply a stain pretreatment spray or gel. Or rub a bit of dish soap on the spot and let soak 15 minutes before washing.
- Mold or mildew – Make a paste of equal parts lemon juice and salt. Rub into the stain and let sit 1 hour before washing. Rinse paste off before loading into the washer.
- Blood, sweat, urine – Apply an enzymatic pretreatment spray. Allow to soak in 15 minutes before washing.
Step 2: Load the Comforter Into the Washer
- Check the comforter’s washing label first. Follow any special instructions.
- Unfasten any duvet cover and set it aside to wash separately.
- For a front load washer, load the comforter as-is. Do not exceed the machine’s capacity.
- For a top load washer, place the comforter inside a mesh wash bag for delicate fabrics.
Step 3: Select the Right Detergent
- Use a mild liquid detergent, not powder detergent
- Liquid detergents are easier to rinse out of the comforter
- Choose an option specially formulated for delicate fabrics
- Use the minimum recommended amount of detergent
Step 4: Choose the Right Cycle and Water Temperature
- Wash the comforter using the gentle or delicate cycle option. This provides less agitation.
- Set the water temperature to cool, cold or warm – not hot.
- Hot water can damage the down and cause shrinkage.
Step 5: Add an Extra Rinse Cycle
- It’s crucial to rinse all soap residue from the comforter.
- Run the comforter through a second rinse cycle to get it fully clean.
- You may need to run an extra spin cycle after rinsing to remove excess water.
Step 6: Move the Comforter to the Dryer
After washing, transfer the comforter directly to the dryer (ideally a large capacity front-load dryer).
- Shake the comforter out before drying to break up any clumped down.
- Leave the duvet cover off and dry only the bare comforter.
- Dry on a low setting to prevent overheating the down.
Keep drying until the comforter is completely dry. This may take 2-3 hours. Remove promptly to prevent over-drying.
Tip: Throw a couple tennis balls in the dryer to help break up clumping as the comforter dries.
And that covers the full process of washing a down comforter at home from start to finish! The key things to remember are using a gentle cycle, mild detergent, and low heat. With the right equipment and techniques, you can easily keep your down comforter fresh between professional cleanings.
Hand Washing a Down Comforter
For those without the required washing machine setup, hand washing a down comforter is a viable DIY alternative. Here are the steps involved:
Step 1: Clear Space and Lay Down Plastic
- Choose a clean, dry area with ample room to air dry the comforter after washing.
- Lay down some plastic sheeting to protect the floor from getting wet.
Step 2: Fill Bathtub with Cool Water
- Fill a bathtub with cool, not hot water. Only fill 1-2 inches deep.
- Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent to the water.
Step 3: Soak the Comforter
- Place the comforter in the tub and press down until fully submerged.
- Allow it to soak 30-60 minutes so the detergent can penetrate.
- Occasionally push on the comforter to circulate water through it.
Step 4: Lift, Drain, and Rinse
- Lift the soaked comforter from the tub and drain the dirty wash water.
- Refill the tub with 1-2 inches of fresh, cool water for rinsing.
- Place the comforter back in and press down until fully submerged again.
- Allow it to rinse free of detergent for 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the rinse water.
Step 5: Gently Press Water Out
- Lift the comforter from the tub and gently press it between two towels to soak up excess moisture.
- Avoid wringing or twisting the comforter which can damage the down.
Step 6: Air Dry the Comforter
- Lay the comforter flat on the plastic sheeting or a drying rack.
- Reshape and fluff the comforter every few hours as it dries.
- Allow to fully air dry which may take 12-24 hours or more.
While it’s more labor intensive, hand washing allows you to clean a down comforter at home without a large capacity washer. Take care to treat the delicate down filling gently throughout the process.
Drying Your Down Comforter Correctly
Drying is just as important as washing when it comes to properly cleaning a down comforter. Follow these guidelines for ideal drying:
Using a Clothes Dryer
- Use a front-load dryer if possible – more even drying.
- Dry the comforter alone – no other laundry.
- Use low heat. High heat damages down.
- Add clean tennis balls to break up clumping.
- It may take 2-3 hours or more to fully dry.
Air Drying
- Only air dry if the weather is dry, warm and breezy.
- Hang the comforter outdoors using multiple drying lines.
- Bring the comforter indoors at night to prevent dew.
- Flat drying indoors may take over 24 hours.
Fluffing During Drying
- Periodically shake out and fluff up the comforter as it dries.
- This redistributes the down and prevents clumping.
- Time between fluffing: 10-20 minutes for machine drying, 1-2 hours for air drying.
Proper drying is key for restoring loft and plumpness to the down filling after washing. Take the time to thoroughly dry your comforter all the way through.
Maintaining Your Down Comforter
To keep your down comforter in the best condition between washings, be sure to follow these care tips:
- Use a duvet cover – This protects the comforter from body oils and soils.
- Spot treat stains ASAP – Use the pre-treatment methods from earlier.
- Dry clean every 12-24 months – For deeper cleaning and sanitizing.
- Check for holes or tears – Avoid letting down escape through openings.
- Fluff it regularly – Shake up and redistribute down for even warmth.
- Store properly during off-season – Fold flat or hang loosely in a breathable bag.
The Final Word on Washing Down Comforters
While it may seem intimidating, you don’t have to shy away from washing your prized down comforter. With the proper techniques for your washing method, a little time and care makes the process straight-forward.
Be sure to use cool water and delicate settings. Rinse extremely thoroughly. And never underestimate the importance of properly drying the comforter all the way through afterwards.
Treat your down comforter gently, clean it every 6-12 months, and it will provide you with cozy warmth for many years to come. So don’t sweat the washing – just dive in and keep your comforter fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to wash a down comforter at home?
The best way to wash a down comforter at home is to use a front-loading washing machine. Wash on a gentle cycle with cool water and a mild liquid detergent. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with 1-2 extra spin cycles. Air fluff and reshape the comforter periodically as it dries.
How often should you wash a down comforter?
In general, it’s recommended to wash a down comforter every 6 months to 1 year. Wash more frequently if you notice odors or visible stains developing. During off-seasons when not in use, you can go 1-2 years between washings.
Can you wash a down comforter in a top load washing machine?
Yes, you can wash a down comforter in a top load washing machine but extra care is required. Use a delicate cycle and put the comforter inside a mesh wash bag before loading to protect the down. Avoid agitation at all costs.
What temperature water should you use to wash down?
Always use cool, cold or lukewarm water to wash down comforters and other down-filled items. Hot water can damage and shrink delicate down clusters. Warm water at most is recommended.
How do you dry a down comforter properly?
Use low heat when drying a down comforter in the dryer, and add a couple clean tennis balls to help break up clumping. For air drying, make sure conditions are warm, dry and breezy. Fully air dry the comforter and fluff several times during drying to prevent matting.
