When it comes to having a luxurious sleeping experience every night, down comforters are the ideal snuggle companion. The loft of down comforters provides you with the ultimate comfort and a sense of warmth while you sleep. Lightweight and breathable, they deliver a sleep quality unlike any other, leaving you fresh in the morning. But how often should you wash your down comforter? Apart from being luxuriously soft, down comforters also do not need to be washed on a regular basis, which makes them extremely convenient to maintain. It isn’t necessary for you to wash your down comforter more than once or twice a year to ensure they remain in good condition and that they last for many years to come.
The most common recommendation when it comes to Puredown down comforters is to dry clean them. However, there are some down comforters that are machine washable as well. So, it is recommended to customers that they read the instructions on the care tag before they wash their comforters. According to the care tag, if the down comforter has been indicated to be machine washable, then you can follow the four steps mentioned in this blog.
This guide will take you step-by-step through the washing process to make sure that your comforters are clean, comfortable, and ready for years of use. Before you begin, always follow the care instructions mentioned on the tag of the comforter to understand the product care requirements.
Step 1: Look for Leaks and Spills
Make sure your comforter is free of tears, worn stitching, and stains before you toss it in the washing machine. Tears should be repaired with small fine stitches to prevent the loss of fill during laundering. Treat stains with a gentle stain remover of your choice. Tough stains caused by food spills should be treated with an enzyme-based stain remover. During spot-treatment, pull the cover of the comforter away from the fill to prevent damage to the down from the mild laundry detergent or cleaning products.
If you don’t wish to use chemicals in your laundry, you can make a home-based cleaning solution or DIY paste of baking soda and water. Use your fingers to rub it into the affected areas, or scrub it gently with a brush. Once the stain has been removed, the comforter is ready to be washed.
Step 2: Wash Wash Wash
Before putting the comforter in the washing machine, fluff it to prevent clumps. Opt for a delicate cycle while washing, along with gentle detergent. Make sure to use cold water during the wash cycle as hot water can be harsh on the down and cause fabric shrinkage. Put two tennis balls in a sock tied with a knot or a pair of white canvas shoes sans lace to prevent the down from bunching up. Check for detergent residue after washing the comforter. An extra rinse cycle is always recommended as it will ensure all soapy water from the down is removed.
Don’t worry if your down comforter has a scent after washing it, as down has a distinctive smell when wet which will fade as the comforter dries.
Step 3: Drying the Comforter
To ensure optimum drying of the comforter, set the dry cycle or settings on low heat/low tumble dry. To keep down and feathers evenly distributed, add a pair of clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls in a sock. Refrain from using fabric softener or a dryer sheet, as they might coat the feathers in the filling and reduce their fluffiness.
During the drying process, stop the dryer periodically and shake the comforter well to prevent clumps and redistribute the filling—this step ensures that the down is not getting too warm due to extreme heat. The drying process may take three to four hours.
Step 4: Post-Wash Comforter Care
Take the comforter out of the dryer once it has completely dried to prevent mildew growth. You can hang it under the sun on a clothesline to dry the comforter if it is still slightly damp after drying. The goose-down comforter should be stored in a cotton sheet once it has dried to absorb any moisture so that the clean comforter remains breathable. One pro tip is to take your comforter out in the sun, once every few months to brighten it up. A flat sheet under your comforter can also help protect it from body oils and sweat.
As most down comforters come in muted tones, adding color to your bedroom is as easy as decking it up with a duvet cover that transforms your space in a flash. A comforter cover or duvet cover is the most effective method for maintaining your down comforter because it protects it from dust, spills, and everyday wear and tear.
Final Thoughts
The incredible loft and warmth of down comforters offer you a comfortable sleeping experience. Taking care of them is essential to enjoying years of comfort and softness. We hope this comprehensive guide will be of great help when you plan to wash your down comforter. However, always read the proper care instructions mentioned in the care label before washing your down comforter. Also, it is advisable to use duvet covers as they enhance the lifecycle of down comforters while improving your bedroom aesthetic in a moment.