How to wash a down comforter?

Down filled comforters can seem difficult to wash and you may feel a little hesitant to do it yourself, but if you know the right steps for washing down comforters, it can be an easy task. This is how you can properly clean your down comforter without spending a lot of money at the cleaners.

Before washing

The first thing you should do before cleaning down comforters is to check the manufacture label for washing instructions on the comforter. Even though the comforter may say “dry clean only”, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to take it to the dry cleaners. Make sure that your washing machine is large enough to accommodate your comforter and allow it to move around in the tub freely. If it’s too tight of a fit, it won’t wash properly and it won't come out as clean as you would like.

Washing and drying

Fill the washing machine with water first and then add some mild laundry detergent. Make sure that you mix the detergent well before placing the comforter inside. Use liquid laundry detergent and not powder, powder detergent has a tendency to clump. Let the washing machine run through its cycle before removing your down comforter. To dry your comforter, you can either put it into the dryer on a low heat setting or you can find a place to hang it to dry. If you decide to hang your comforter to dry, make sure you place it in a well-ventilated area so the air can reach it.

Removing clumps

When your down comforter is dry, don’t be alarmed if it has clumped up a little. Lay it down on a flat surface and pat the clumps with your hands to flatten. A lot of times this will happen but it will not damage the down filling. To prevent your down comforter from being damaged by too many washes, note down when you washed it last. Washing a down comforter too often may lessen its longevity. So next time you need to freshen up your comforter, you can just give it a quick air cleaning and it will be as good as new.