Down blankets are a great choice if you’re looking for a lightweight cover to use in the summer months or to use with a comforter in the colder months. The natural down filling provides maximum comfort and warmth while lasting several years when properly cared for.
Caring for a down blanket is surprisingly simple, and finding the right way to clean a down blanket can make it last much longer. Learn the dos and don’ts of washing your down blanket, including the suitable detergents and ideal temperatures, to help protect your investment. Here are two of the most common ways of cleaning a down blanket:
No-Fuss Dry Cleaning
Most bedding products come with care tags that outline the best cleaning procedure. If the care label on your down blanket specifies dry cleaning only, we recommend having it professionally cleaned at a dry cleaner’s. Most dry cleaners have a commercial washer that conveniently washes down bedding without agitation. To ensure that harsh chemicals do not damage your down-filled bedding, it is recommended that you have it cleaned by an organic dry cleaner. They help thoroughly clean your blanket with natural laundry detergent without compromising your blanket’s durability.
Washing Your Blanket at Home
If the care tag says so, you can wash your down blanket at home, preferably in a front-loading, full-sized washing machine. Here are a few quick steps to ensure a gentle, clean, fresh wash;
Check for Leaks or Tears
You must check your down blanket for leaks or tears before beginning the washing process. Tears may lead to the leakage of down filling when you wash it. However, if there are rips, repairs can be done quickly with a household sewing kit. First, pinch and lift the fabric gently to avoid stitching any filling, then use a fine needle and thread to close the opening.
Load Washer
Place your blanket in a front-loading machine. We recommend using cold water for washing down blankets because warm or hot water might shrink the fabric. To make sure that harsh chemicals don’t damage the all-natural down fill of your blanket, use a mild detergent when washing it.
Extra Rinse Cycle for Best Results
Down blankets should be washed on a delicate cycle for gentle cleaning. Be sure to run an additional rinse cycle to remove any detergent residue.
Drying a Down Blanket
After your blanket has been washed, and you are sure that there is no soap residue, you can start with the drying process;
Low Heat, Tumble Dry
Using a high heat setting may damage the down filling; instead, we recommend tumble drying down blankets at a low heat setting.
Dryer Balls for Extra Loft
Adding clean tennis balls or dryer balls is an excellent way to fluff up your down blanket while it’s drying. Tennis balls or wool dryer balls can also break up clumps and speed up the drying process. For an added touch of freshness, you can also add dryer sheets.
Check Periodically
It can take time for down blankets to dry in a low-heat setting. It is recommended to check every 15-20 minutes to ensure no overheating. Between each cycle, shake up the blanket to get rid of any clumps and check if it has dried properly.
When confident that your blanket is completely dry, give it a good fluff before using it again.
Maintaining Your Down Blanket Between Washes
One of the best things about down-filled bedding is its incredible resilience, making it a comfortable source of warmth for decades to come. Furthermore, down-filled bedding doesn’t need to be washed frequently; you can maintain it periodically to preserve its loft and comfort;
Spot Treat Stains
Accidental spills are almost inevitable in every home, but quick fixes can ensure that your blanket remains in excellent condition. First, check the labels before starting with spot treatment. Next, be sure to shake the filling away from the stain before you spot clean. Wet the area with clean water, use a mild stain-removing detergent, and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, using a clean, damp cloth, gently rub the stain out until it disappears.
Depending on how strong the stain is, you may have to repeat this procedure two or three times. For tough stains, you can use a clean toothbrush.
Restore Loft
Down fills are known for their ability to loft. After prolonged use, your blanket may lose its volume. The loft can be quickly restored by hanging the blanket on a blanket/comforter rack or on a clothesline. Restore the loft and freshness of your down blanket by exposing it to the sun from time to time.
An excellent way to keep your blanket plump and fluffy is to make your bed every morning. Then, gently fluff up your blanket after each use to enjoy a soft, cloud-like sleep night after night!
How Often Should You Wash a Down Blanket?
Ideally, down blankets do not need to be washed more than once or twice a year. Additionally, using a duvet cover with your blanket can reduce the frequency of washings. Therefore, if your blanket has corner loops, duvet covers would be a welcome addition to bring an element of style to your bedroom.
Storing a Down Blanket
Once you’ve finished using your blanket for the season, fold and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. When storing blankets, cloth bags are preferred since they are more ventilated. Make sure there is enough space for the blanket to breathe.
Give your blanket a gentle shake and fluff to redistribute the fill before every use.
Puredown’s down-filled bedding has given many sleepers the gift of warmth and comfort. Our luxuriously cozy blankets are durable, breathable, and a perfect addition to any bedroom. By caring for and maintaining your plush companion, you can always enjoy your bedroom as a peaceful sanctuary.