Down comforters are prized for their ultra-soft warmth, but like any bedding, they require proper care and cleaning to keep them fluffy and hygienic. Washing down comforters may seem daunting, but this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.
Introduction
Proper washing is essential for prolonging the life of your down comforter and maintaining its cozy loft and insulation. However, down fill requires gentle care since the delicate down clusters are prone to damage if washed carelessly. Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can easily wash your down comforter at home and restore its fluffiness.
This article will cover everything you need to know as a beginner, from understanding down comforter construction, preparing for washing, choosing the right detergent, to step-by-step washing instructions. You’ll also learn common washing mistakes to avoid, how often to clean your comforter, when to consider professional cleaning services, and alternative cleaning methods. Follow these down comforter washing best practices and you’ll enjoy your investment for years to come.
Understanding Down Comforters
Before diving into the washing process, let’s review what exactly down comforters are and what makes their construction unique.
What Are Down Comforters?
Down comforters are filled with down – the soft, fluffy cluster fibers found underneath the feathers of ducks and geese. These clusters provide exceptional thermal insulation, trapping air within to keep you warm.
The outer shell of the comforter is typically made from a lightweight fabric like cotton, although some may use microfiber blends. Box baffle construction is common, creating separated compartments that prevent the down from shifting.
Types of Down Fill
Not all down is equal when it comes to quality. Here are the different classifications:
- Goose down – More expensive but higher quality, with larger clusters that provide better loft and insulation. The top grade is 850+ fill power.
- Duck down – More affordable but less fluffy with smaller clusters. 600-650 fill power is common.
- Fill power – Measures the loft and insulating ability of the down. Higher numbers indicate better quality.
- White down – Premium down that has been thoroughly cleaned to remove impurities. This highest grade of down comes from geese.
- Gray down – Budget down that contains more impurities like dirt and oil. This affordable option typically comes from ducks.
Benefits of Down Comforters
Down comforters are valued for:
- Warmth – The fluffy down traps air exceptionally well to retain body heat.
- Lightweight – Down is lighter than alternatives like wool or cotton, making comforters easier to handle.
- Breathability – The fill allows airflow to prevent overheating.
- Durability – With proper care, a quality down comforter can last over 10 years.
- Luxury – Down offers a soft, cushy feel that synthetic fibers cannot replicate.
Preparing for Washing
Follow these tips before washing your down comforter:
Check the Care Label
Look for specific washing instructions on the attached label. This will indicate if the comforter is machine washable or needs professional dry cleaning.
The label may also advise on:
- Recommended water temperature
- Cycle settings like delicate or permanent press
- Drying method – tumble dry low or drip/air dry
Always defer to the label instructions for your specific comforter.
Spot Clean Stains
Inspect your comforter and spot treat any stains prior to washing. Use a small amount of gentle upholstery cleaner applied with a soft sponge. Avoid harsh stain removers which can damage the down. Rinse thoroughly.
Remove the Duvet Cover
Unfasten the duvet cover from the comforter if one is used. Wash the cover separately to avoid overloading. Make sure any zippers are fully closed so the down remains contained.
If skipping the cover, use delicate wash bags for the ties to prevent snags.
Washing Methods for Down Comforters
When it comes to washing your down comforter, you have three main options:
Washing in a Large Capacity Home Washer
For most down comforters, a home washing machine is suitable, provided it meets these criteria:
- 6-8 cubic feet large – This provides enough room for the comforter to tumble freely.
- Low-speed spin cycle – High-speed can damage down clusters. Look for machines with delicate or hand-wash settings.
- Extra rinse cycle – This ensures all detergent residue gets thoroughly removed.
Hand Washing
If your comforter is too large for a home washer, hand washing in a bathtub is an alternative. Follow these steps:
- Fill the tub with lukewarm water and a small amount of detergent.
- Submerge the comforter, gently pressing down to soak it entirely.
- Let soak for 15 minutes, occasionally agitating the water.
- Drain tub and refill with clean water for rinsing. Repeat this step until water runs clear.
- Roll comforter in towels to absorb moisture, then air dry.
Professional Cleaning Services
For specialty-sized comforters or advanced cleaning, consider sending it to a professional. Look for services experienced in washing delicates like down. Benefits include specialized equipment and expert attention to detail.
More on professional services later in the guide.
Choosing the Right Detergent
Stick to gentle liquid detergents when washing your down comforter:
Use Mild Detergents for Down
Harsh detergents can strip the natural oils in down, causing damage. Choose a formula designed for delicates or woolens.
Recommended options:
- Woolite
- The Laundress Down & Feather Wash
- Tide Free & Gentle
Avoid regular laundry detergent, bleach, oxygenated cleaners, or fabric softeners.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Check that your detergent is free of:
- Optical brighteners – Can discolor down over time.
- Dyes – Can transfer color onto the comforter.
- Fragrances – Can cling to down and reduce loft.
Scented vs. Unscented
For best results, choose an unscented detergent. Scents can remain in down after washing. If you prefer a light fresh smell, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the rinse cycle.
Step-by-Step Washing Process
Follow this method when machine washing your down comforter at home:
Set the Water Temperature
Wash with cool to lukewarm water. Hot water can cause the outer fabric to shrink or down to clump. Aim for about 105°F (40°C).
Add the Right Amount of Detergent
Use only 1-2 tablespoons of detergent. Over-sudsing can leave residue in the down. Start with less detergent and add more if needed.
Wash on a Gentle Cycle
Choose the delicates or wool/hand-wash cycle and turn off the extra spin option to limit agitation. Some comforters may specify a permanent press cycle.
Rinse Thoroughly
Run the comforter through 2-3 rinse cycles to remove all traces of detergent. This helps restore loft and prevents irritation.
Drying Your Down Comforter
It’s crucial to dry your down comforter thoroughly to prevent mildew. Here are three options:
Air Drying
Lay your comforter flat on top of dry towels or a drying rack outside or in a well-ventilated room. Fluff and rotate periodically until fully dry. This may take 1-2 days.
Tumble Dry Low
Use the air fluff or no heat setting. Toss in 2-3 clean tennis balls to break up clumps. Stop the dryer periodically to check and redistribute down.
Caution: Over-drying can damage the down’s structure.
Professional Drying Services
A professional cleaner can thoroughly dry your comforter in a large commercial machine. Some services offer an antimicrobial rinse or essential oil infusion for added freshness.
Post-Washing Down Comforter Care
Once washed, a few extra steps will prep your comforter for use again:
Fluff and Aerate
After drying fully, vigorously shake out and fluff up your comforter to restore loft before putting it back on the bed.
Check for Moisture
Feel around to ensure no damp spots remain, especially along zippers and seams. Return to the dryer if needed.
Store Properly
Fold or roll up loosely rather than creasing sharply. Store in a breathable space like a closet, not compressed under a bed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Following proper technique is key. Steer clear of these all-too-common washing mistakes:
Overloading the Washer
A stuffed, overloaded washer prevents the down from moving freely through the water. This leads to damp spots.
Using Excessive Heat
Hot water and high dryer heat cause the outer fabric to shrink. The down can also become brittle and clumpy.
Neglecting Drying Time
Underestimating drying time often leaves comforters slightly damp. This allows mildew to develop.
Skipping the Rinse Cycle
Failing to rinse thoroughly results in soap residue being left on the down, reducing loft.
Stuffing When Wet
Do not store a comforter if still damp or put covers on until fully dry. This prevents air circulation.
Frequency of Washing Down Comforters
How often you clean your down comforter depends on these factors:
Recommended Washing Schedule
For light usage, a few times per year is typically sufficient. However, wash at least:
- Twice a year for single users
- 3-4 times a year for couples
Wash more frequently if you own pets that sleep in the bed.
Signs It’s Time to Wash
Look for these indicators:
- Noticeable stains
- Visible dirt or dust buildup
- New musty or sour odor
- Loss of fluffiness or clumping
Spot Cleaning Between Washes
To limit full washes, spot clean stains immediately using an upholstery foam and warm water.
The Benefits of Professional Cleaning
While home washing is suitable for most down comforters, professional services provide valuable advantages:
Specialized Equipment
Professional cleaners have commercial-grade machines that thoroughly wash and dry large items. This includes powerful extractors that remove more water.
Expert Attention
Reputable companies are meticulous in checking for stains, treating spots, monitoring wash cycles, and perfectly drying each item.
Sanitization
Commercial machines reach higher temperatures to disinfect and remove more allergens and dust mites. Some offer antimicrobial rinses.
Pressing
Professionals can gently press your comforter to realign baffles and restore a smooth appearance.
Convenience
Dropping off and picking up your comforter saves you the hassle of hauling to a laundromat and spending hours washing and drying yourself.
Choosing a Professional Cleaning Service
If opting for professional cleaning, select a service with care:
- Specialize in delicates – Look for expertise in washing down, comforters, and linens.
- Use green products – Seek companies that favor plant-based detergents.
- Positive reviews – Check sites like Yelp for satisfied customer feedback.
- Check certifications – Legitimate services display seals from organizations like the IICRC.
- Ask about process – They should detail their washing, drying, and sanitization methods.
Cost
Professional down comforter cleaning typically ranges from $20 – $50. Prices depend on the comforter size, service options, and your location.
Alternative Comforter Cleaning Methods
While regular washing works for most, here are a few other options:
Dry Cleaning
Some comforters specify dry cleaning. This uses chemicals instead of water to clean. However, the chemicals can strip natural down oils over time.
Steam Cleaning
Professional steam cleaning is an alternative to washing that sanitizes and freshens down comforters. The process uses only light moisture.
UV Light Sanitization
New UV light machines can sanitize comforters by exposing bacteria and dust mites to germicidal radiation. This doesn’t actually clean stains however.
Addressing Allergen Concerns
For allergy sufferers, properly washing down comforters can reduce triggers like dust mites. Here’s how:
Wash Regularly
Frequent washing removes more dust mite matter that accumulates in the down over time.
Use Hot Water
If your outer fabric allows, use hot 130°F (54°C) water to kill mites. This temperature eliminates up to 95%.
Dry Thoroughly
Ensure comforters dry completely since any moisture allows mites to thrive. Consider a secondary drying cycle for maximum freshness.
Wash Other Bedding
Wash your duvet cover, sheets, and pillowcases in hot water too for an allergen-free bed.
Encase Your Pillow/Mattress
Use dust mite covers as added protection from possible allergens. Change AC filters regularly as well.
Environmental Impact of Washing Down
While keeping your comforter clean is important, also consider the environmental impact:
Use Biodegradable Detergents
Choose plant-based, phosphate-free detergents that break down safely. Look for the Safer Choice label from the EPA.
Conserve Water
Wash full comforter loads instead of more frequent small loads. Scrape out detergent bottles instead of letting water rinse remnants.
Line Dry When Possible
Harness the free power of the sun and wind to dry your comforter when conditions permit.
Recycle and Donate
When it’s time to replace your comforter, find an eco-friendly way to recycle or donate it so it avoids the landfill.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has equipped you with everything needed to properly wash and care for your treasured down comforter. While the process requires some specific techniques, a few easy best practices will keep your comforter fresh, fluffy, and free of allergens. Refer back to the step-by-step instructions and expert tips as needed. With the right washing approach, your down comforter will deliver cozy warmth and comfort for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean a down comforter at home?
The best way to clean a down comforter at home is to use a mild, natural liquid detergent in cool to lukewarm water on the delicate or wool cycle in a large capacity washing machine. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with multiple rinse cycles to remove all traces of detergent. Air dry or tumble dry on low.
Can I put a down comforter in the washing machine?
Most down comforters can be washed in a front or top loading washing machine as long as it has at least a 6-8 cubic foot capacity drum. Be sure to use the delicate cycle on cold and a detergent specifically formulated for down and feathers. Refer to the care label for any special instructions.
How do you wash a down comforter without clumping?
To prevent down from clumping when washing, use cool water and minimal detergent. Wash on the delicate cycle, skip the spin option, and rinse multiple times. Add a couple tennis balls to the dryer to redistribute down clusters. Avoid compressing when wet and fluff frequently while drying.
What happens if you don’t wash your down comforter?
If you don’t wash your down comforter regularly, oils, sweat, dead skin cells, and other contaminants will build up. This can lead to odor issues, allergens, and dust mites. Lack of cleaning may also cause the baffles to shift and down to clump, reducing warmth and comfort.
Can you put a down comforter in the dryer?
Yes, you can dry a down comforter in the dryer on a low, delicate setting or the air fluff option with no heat. Add a few clean tennis balls and periodically stop the dryer to redistribute the down filling. Be sure the comforter is completely dry to avoid mildew. Excessive heat can damage the comforter.
How much does it cost to clean a down comforter?
The cost to clean a down comforter professionally typically ranges from $20-$50 depending on the size. At home, it only requires the cost of a mild detergent formulated for delicates. Dry cleaning a down comforter can cost $50-$100.
When should you wash a down comforter?
Ideally, wash a down comforter 2-4 times per year depending on use. Wash whenever you notice odors, visible stains, dust buildup, or loss of fluffiness. Spot clean minor stains between full washes. Seasonal washes in spring and fall are recommended. Check the care label for any specific directions.
