Down comforters are known for their soft, fluffy warmth that makes crawling into bed an absolute dream. However, like any bedding material, down comforters require proper cleaning and care to keep them fresh, fluffy, and free of odors, dust mites, and allergens.
Washing down comforters can seem intimidating, but with the right techniques and a little patience, you can easily clean them at home without compromising their quality and performance. This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know to effectively clean, dry, and care for your down comforter.
Understanding Down Comforters
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s helpful to understand what exactly down comforters are and what makes them special.
What Are Down Comforters?
Down comforters are filled with the fine, fluffy cluster fibers from underneath the feathers of ducks and geese. This natural down filling is prized for its unmatched warmth, softness, and ability to “loft” – meaning it fills out the comforter with puffy air pockets that create a cozy, cloud-like feel.
The outer fabric shell of a down comforter is typically made from lightweight cotton, with a baffle box design that prevents the down from shifting and clumping. The fill power of down indicates the lofting power – higher fill powers like 600 to 800 cubic inches per ounce create the fluffiest and warmest comforters.
Benefits of Down Comforters
Down comforters offer:
- Unbeatable warmth – The lofting ability of down creates insulating air pockets without excessive weight.
- Lightweight comfort – Down is lighter than alternative fills like cotton or wool.
- Long-lasting durability – With proper care, down comforters can last over 10 years.
- Hypoallergenic options available – For those allergic to down, comforters with allergen-blocking shells are available.
- Breathability – Down allows airflow to keep you cool in the summer.
- Luxurious comfort – Nothing beats the soft, fluffy feel of a down comforter.
The Importance of Regular Cleaning
To maximize the benefits of a down comforter, regular cleaning every 6 months to a year is strongly recommended. Washing removes:
- Body oils, sweat, and dirt – These can degrade and mat down fibers over time.
- Dust mites and allergens – Over one million dust mites can live in your bedding!
- Odors – Cleaning is the only way to get rid of musty odors.
With the proper care, your down comforter can deliver cozy warmth and comfort for many years to come. Let’s get into the best practices for cleaning down…
Pre-Wash Preparations
Before submerging your down comforter into water, there are a few key steps to take first:
Inspect for Stains
Inspect both sides of the comforter and treat any visible stains or soiled spots with a prewash stain remover or upholstery cleaner. This prevents stains from setting in the wash.
Check for Damage
Gently stretch the comforter material and look for holes, tears, or thin spots, which can lead to leaking of the down fill during washing. You can temporarily patch small holes just for washing purposes with iron-on patches.
Read the Care Instructions
Check the comforter’s sewn-in tag for the manufacturer’s washing guidelines. Some may recommend dry clean only or have specific temperature or detergent instructions.
Wash Infrequently
Only wash a down comforter 2-3 times per year max, or when visibly soiled. Too frequent washing can damage down clusters.
Use a Duvet Cover
Always use a duvet cover to protect the comforter from body oils and spills. Then wash the cover more frequently instead.
Selecting the Right Products for Washing Down
With your comforter inspected and ready for cleaning, now choose your detergent, washing machine, and other laundry products:
1. Choose a Mild, Fragrance-Free Detergent
Harsh detergents can strip the natural oils in down, causing it to dry out. A mild, fragrance-free liquid detergent, like Ecos Free & Clear, protects the down during cleaning.
Avoid powder detergents as they can get trapped in the baffled chambers.
2. Pick a Front-Loading Machine
The agitation of a top loading machine can damage down fibers. A front loading washing machine is gentler and better suited for the task.
Look for a high capacity, large drum to give the comforter ample room.
3. Add Tennis or Wool Dryer Balls
These balls help separate and fluff the down filling while washing. They also cut down on drying time.
4. Use a Delicate Wash Cycle
Wash the comforter using a gentle or delicate wash cycle to prevent damage. The cycle should be cold to warm water only and have a low, slow spin speed.
5. Optional: Use a Down Wash Product
Specialty down wash products like Nikwax Down Wash Direct can further help revitalize and protect the down during cleaning. Follow product directions.
Now that you have the right supplies, let’s go over the washing process from start to finish…
Washing Your Down Comforter at Home
Follow these steps for safely and effectively washing down comforters at home:
1. Check Pockets
Empty any inner pockets of spare change, tissues, or other objects that could damage the machine.
2. Close Zippers, Snaps, Hooks
Fully zip or snap up the comforter and secure any hooks or ties to prevent tangling and tearing during the wash cycle.
3. Load the Machine
Place the comforter into the washing machine by itself – no other items. Loading alone provides the best cleaning results.
4. Add a Mild Detergent
Pour your chosen down-safe liquid laundry detergent directly into the drum per the bottle’s instructions. About 1/4 cup is standard for heavily soiled comforters.
5. Include Tennis Balls
Toss in 2-3 tennis or dryer balls to help redistribute fill and loosen soils.
6. Set the Cycle
Choose a delicate or gentle wash cycle with cold or warm water. The spin speed should be set to low or no spin to avoid damage.
7. Let it Wash
Start the cycle and let the machine work its magic! A thorough wash cycle can take 2 hours or longer to allow time for soils to lift.
8. Rinse Twice
After washing, run a rinse cycle twice to remove any residual detergent that could compromise the down’s loft and warmth.
Drying Your Down Comforter
With washing complete, proper drying is key to fluff up your comforter and prevent mildew:
1. Select a Low Heat Setting
Dry your down comforter on low heat. High heat risks damaging or scorching the delicate down material.
2. Use Dryer Balls
Reuse dryer balls from the wash to help separate and redistribute down as it dries. Wool dryer balls also cut drying time.
3. Dry Completely
Run the dryer until the comforter is fully dried, with no damp spots remaining. This prevents mildew growth.
4. Add Tennis Balls
To further fluff and add loft as it dries, add a couple tennis balls to the dryer mid-cycle.
5. Air Fluff Periodically
If needed, give your comforter 15-minute cool air fluff cycles to redistribute filling without over-drying.
Proper drying is vital to bring your comforter back to a fluffy, luxe state. Avoid air drying down comforters if possible.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
While washing at home is preferred for cost and convenience, you also have options:
Professional Dry Cleaning
Some down comforter manufacturers strongly recommend dry cleaning. Make sure to find a reputable cleaner that specializes in down. Expect to pay $100 or more for a king size comforter.
In-House Dry Cleaning
Newer dry cleaning processes like GreenEarth gentle solvent cleaning allow for safe down comforter cleaning. Search for “down comforter dry cleaning near me” to find options.
Laundromat Washers
For those without suitable home equipment, visit a laundromat with front-load washing machines and large industrial dryers. Take tennis balls!
Spot Cleaning
Freshen up your comforter between washes by spot treating soiled areas with an upholstery cleaner or mild soap diluted in water.
Caring for a Down Comforter
Keeping your comforter well maintained ensures its fill remains evenly distributed and avoids damage:
Use a Duvet Cover
A duvet cover shields your comforter from body oils and spills. Wash the cover regularly instead.
Prevent Wetness
Exposure to water can create mold and mildew. Fix leaks, handle carefully in laundry, and allow to fully dry.
Wash Bedding Weekly
Wash sheets, mattress covers, and pillowcases weekly to keep oils and dirt from transferring to the comforter.
Fluff Regularly
Gently shake and fluff the comforter every morning and when making the bed to maintain an even fill distribution.
Air Out
During warmer months, open windows regularly and allow your comforter to air out for freshness.
With some basic care and attention, a quality down comforter can deliver cozy warmth for over a decade.
Storing Your Down Comforter
Proper storage when not in use helps down comforters retain their loft and prevents damage:
Clean Before Storing
Always wash and fully dry a down comforter before seasonal storage for cleanliness.
Store Loose
Do not overly compress down comforters in vacuum bags or under too much weight, which can flatten the filling.
Use Breathable Fabric
Store comforters in cotton cases or fabric totes, not plastic, to allow air circulation and prevent mildew.
Lay Flat
Fold and store down comforters flat, not hanging, to hold the shape of the baffles and prevent stretching.
Avoid Humidity
Store comforters in a clean, dry place like a closet to avoid moisture from promoting growth of mold or bacteria.
With careful storage habits, your comforter will emerge ready to deliver cozy warmth when needed!
Troubleshooting Down Comforter Issues
Even with proper care, down comforters can still experience some problems:
Clumping or Shifting Down
- Add tennis balls to the dryer to redistribute and break up clumps
- Regularly fluff and shake out the comforter when making the bed
- Re-wash the comforter and ensure it dries fully
Persistent Odors
- Sprinkle baking soda over the comforter and let sit before vacuuming
- Check for hidden mold or mildew and treat with white vinegar
- Add 1⁄2 cup of baking soda to the wash to deep clean
Lost Loft
- Use wool dryer balls in the dryer to re-fluff comforter
- Wash and dry comforter on a low heat delicate cycle
- With age, down naturally compresses – try adding a down topper for extra loft
With a little troubleshooting, you can breathe new life back into a sad, limp down comforter!
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips
While home washing uses less resources than dry cleaning, you can further reduce your comforter’s environmental impact:
- Wash in cold water to conserve energy
- Line dry if possible or dry using renewable energy
- Choose non-toxic, biodegradable detergents
- Repair small holes to extend comforter lifespan
- Compost any damaged down and fabric
- Donate usable comforters instead of throwing away
The Verdict: Is Home Washing Right for Your Down Comforter?
While home washing requires more time and attention than dry cleaning, the savings and custom care are significant benefits. With the right techniques, you can safely clean your down at home.
Consider dry cleaning for comforters:
- With “dry clean only” labels
- Prone to shrinkage
- That are heavily soiled
Otherwise, with some patience and laundry helpers like dryer balls, frond loading washers make home washing of down comforters accessible. Take the time protect your investment in a quality down comforter. With proper maintenance, it will reward you with heavenly warmth and comfort for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my down comforter?
It’s recommended to wash your down comforter every 6 months to a year, or when it’s visibly dirty or has developed an odor. Washing too frequently can damage the down filling. Use a duvet cover to protect your comforter between washes.
What is the best way to dry my down comforter?
Dry your washed down comforter in the dryer on a delicate or low heat setting until fully dry, using wool dryer balls to help fluff and distribute the down. Avoid air drying, as down needs heat to re-loft and air drying can promote mildew.
Can I wash my down comforter in the washing machine?
Yes, you can wash down comforters at home in a front loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and low spin speed. Be sure to use tennis or dryer balls to cushion the down and enhance cleaning.
How do I add fluff back to a flat down comforter?
If your down comforter has lost loft, revive it by drying with wool dryer balls on low heat. You can also try washing it with a small amount of down wash specially designed to restore lost loft. With age, down compresses permanently – adding a lofty down topper can help in this case.
Is dry cleaning or professional cleaning better for washing my down comforter?
Most down comforters can be washed at home with great results. However, dry cleaning may be preferred for comforters where the manufacturer recommends dry clean only or for very large, heavily soiled comforters requiring special equipment. Talk to your local dry cleaner about their down cleaning process.
