Caring for down comforters
The Ultimate Guide to Washing A Down Comforter
Want to Save? Use Code Blog10 For 10% Off Your Next Order Shop NowWhen it comes to washing a down comforter, you can relax. It’s not hard to do. One of the special things about natural down filling is that it can be washed over and over to ensure a long lifetime to your investment.
While it can be tricky to wash a synthetic comforter, one of the many benefits of down comforters is that they come out of the wash beautifully. With proper care, your down comforter - also called a duvet, or a doona if you are from Down Under - can last many years. Washing your down comforter, whether duck down or goose down, can ensure a long life with your treasured friend.
Do it yourself or dry cleaner ?
Taking a down comforter to the dry cleaner
We recommend that you have your down comforter professionally laundered (not dry cleaned) because it’s easy and worry-free. This means to have your dry cleaner wash the comforter in a commercial-sized washing machine so you can be assured that your comforter will be clean and unharmed. We do not recommend to have your comforter dry cleaned because the harsh chemicals are not good for the down. But, dry cleaning is the sure way to prevent any shrinkage so we put that option on the care tags. Most dry cleaners can do either process but if want your comforter to be laundered, you need to ask to be sure they have washing capabilities because not all dry cleaners launder as well. A survey of dry cleaners across the country showed that it costs from $30 to $50 to have a dry cleaner wash your comforter, often depending on size. One way to cut down on the frequency of needing to wash your comforter is by using a duvet cover. It's like a pillow case for your comforter - just pop it off and throw it in the washer.
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Washing a down comforter at home
If you have a full-sized washing machine, it’s possible to wash your comforter at home. However, if you don’t have a large enough machine to fit your comforter with ample room, it might be best to head to the laundromat.
Just pick the ‘triple load’ machine and follow all the same steps.
- Water Temperature– Hot, warm or cold. We prefer cold water because the fabric can shrink up to 8% in hot water
- Spin Speed– Use the fastest speed to take as much moisture out as possible
- Soap– Gentle soap without additives
Optional:
- Whitening– Use non-chlorine bleach
- Fabric Softener– Not recommended because it will coat the down and reduce its fluff
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- Heat– Hot, warm or low; your choice
- Dry time– Be patient, on low heat it will take multiple cycles depending on your machines
Optional:
- Clean Tennis Balls or Dryer Balls– Add two or three balls to speed up your dry time. It will sound like they are beating up your dryer but they don’t actually hurt it
- Clumping or Odor– These are signs that your comforter is not dry yet. You want it to be completely dry to prevent mold
- Dryer Sheets– Ok to use for freshness
- Line Drying– Not recommended due to risk of damp spots and clumps
- No ironing or steaming
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How often can you wash a down comforter ?
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
Keeping your down comforter in a duvet cover will protect it against dirt, stains and spills. Using a duvet cover can more than double your time in between washings.
Spot cleaning stains is also a great way to extend the time between washings. Push the down away from the area so the down doesn’t get wet while spot cleaning.
- With use of a duvet cover– wash every 3-5 years
- Without a cover– wash every 1-2 years
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In addition, the best thing you can do to keep your comforter looking new is to fluff it every day when you make your bed. By providing a steady flow of air, your down will continue to loft. Redistribute the down in your comforter as needed for Baffle Box or Euro Box designs. To redistribute the fill, you want to push the down with both your hand and forearm together so that you don’t create clumps. Each baffle box has a small opening in one corner to push the down through when refilling a box that has emptied over time.
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How to store your down comforter
Last but not least, many people store their comforters during off seasons. The key to storing your comforter is breathability. Letting the down breathe by keeping your comforter in a cloth bag will prevent any moisture or odor buildup. It should also be stored in a location where it is not compressed and has room to stay fluffy. Give your comforter a good shake when you take it out of the bag next season and it should be ready to go.
- Daily– Give it a shake
- Monthly– Wash your duvet cover
- Yearly– Check for stains and spot clean
- Every 2-3 Years– Give it a wash
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All-natural down is a durable and easy-to-clean material for bedding. With a wash every now and then, your down comforter will stay beautiful and warm for a long time. Lucky for you, care is easy.
Choosing a Down Comforter
If you are in the market for a new down comforter, you’re in the right place! Pacific Coast® comforters are exquisitely made with the best materials available and timeless elegance in its craftsmanship.
We guarantee you’ll have a good night’s sleep every night for years to come. Take a look at our comforters and experience what it’s like to sleep in true luxury. We’re so confident you’ll love our comforters, you can try it out with our 30 Night Comfort Guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied, you can return your comforter, hassle-free. And while you're at it, add some life to your bedroom with our wide variety of opulent pillows, all-season comforters, stylish down blankets, and silky soft sheets!
How to Clean and Care for a Down Comforter or Duvet
By
Michelle Ullman
Michelle Ullman
Michelle Ullman is a home decor expert and product reviewer for home and garden products. She’s currently the commerce editor for home improvement and tools on The Spruce. She has been writing about home decor for over 10 years for publications like BobVila.com and Better Homes & Gardens, among others.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/07/22
Reviewed by
Brandon Pleshek
Reviewed by Brandon Pleshek
Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! is a seasoned veteran of the cleaning industry with over 20 years of experience in commercial and residential cleaning.
He is a member of The Spruce's Cleaning and Organizing Review Board
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
The Spruce / Mira Norian
In This Article
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Before You Begin
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Instructions
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Treating Stains
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Care and Repairs
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Storing
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How Often to Wash
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Tips
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FAQ
Project Overview
Many people imagine that a dirty comforter must be dry-cleaned, but in most instances, this is not necessary. When it comes time to clean a down-filled comforter or duvet, dry-cleaning is an option to prevent shrinkage, but it's not always a must. First, check the care tag. If the fabric is delicate or if the comforter has embellishments, you’ll probably need to leave the cleaning to a professional. But if your down comforter or duvet insert has an outer cover that is 100 percent cotton or a cotton/synthetic blend, you can usually machine-wash it at a gentle wash cycle in warm (not hot) water and dry it yourself.
Take care not to wash or dry the comforter at high heat, as this can cause shrinking or fading
Follow this guide to get the best results when washing a down comforter or duvet yourself.
Before You Begin
For the best results, a queen- or king-size comforter or duvet should be washed in an extra-large capacity, front-loading washer and dryer set. You can find these oversized machines at most laundromats, but be prepared to spend more than the standard options. If you're washing a twin comforter or duvet and have a full-capacity, front-loading washer and dryer at home, you can likely skip the trip to the laundromat.
How to Wash and Care for a Heavy Comforter
Equipment / Tools
- Front-loading washing machine and dryer, extra-large capacity for bigger comforters or duvets
- Drying rack or clothesline for drying
- Two clean socks, with tennis balls
Materials
- Gentle laundry detergent
- Fabric softener sheets (optional)
| How to Wash Down Comforters and Duvets | |
|---|---|
| Detergent | Mild |
| Water Temperature | Warm |
| Cycle Type | Delicate |
| Drying Cycle Type | Low |
| Special Treatments | Wash alone |
| Iron Settings | Do not iron |
| How Often to Wash | Annually, or when visibly soiled |
How to Wash a Down Comforter or Duvet
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Load the Washer
If you are washing a duvet, remove the down-filled insert from the duvet cover.
Put your comforter or duvet insert in the washing machine, and make sure it’s not folded or crumpled. Spread the bedding out as much as possible in the machine. Plain duvet covers can be washed separately from the quilt insert, with other laundry, but if it is a delicate fabric or embellished in any way, it may need to be dry cleaned.
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Add Socks With Tennis Balls
Add two socks with tennis balls tied inside them to the load. These help keep the down from bunching and also add a bit of extra agitation to dislodge dirt, sweat, and body oils from the bedding.
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Add Laundry Detergent
Pour a small amount of gentle laundry detergent into the machine’s soap dispenser. Use half the recommended amount for an average load—you don’t want to end up with soap-stiffened down. Do not add bleach.
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Set the Cycle
Set the washer to the gentle/delicate cycle with warm water.
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If possible, set the machine for an extra or extended rinse cycle. -
Run the Washer
Turn the washer on, and let it run through the full cycle.
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Check for Soap Residue
Once the cycle is complete, check your bedding for any remaining soap. If you see suds or feel any leftover soap, rewash the bedding, this time without any detergent. Soap residue will cause clumps in your down, so make sure it's thoroughly rinsed. If soapy residue remains, you can run the washer through another rinse cycle.
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Remove Bedding From the Washer
Be gentle when removing the bedding from the washer. Wet down is heavy, and you don’t want to rip your comforter or duvet cover. You might notice a slight odor from the wet down—this is normal. The smell will disappear once the down is dry.
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Place Bedding in the Dryer
Put the bedding into the dryer.
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
Spread the comforter or duvet out as much as possible, and then add the socks with tennis balls to the load. Their beating action will help keep the down from clumping. If you're using fabric softener sheets, toss just one on top of the bedding. -
Start the Dryer
Set the dryer to the lowest heat setting, and turn it on.
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Check the Dryer and Fluff
Every 30 minutes, stop the machine and take the bedding out. Give it a gentle fluff to keep the down evenly distributed. Make sure it doesn’t feel too hot because down can scorch.
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Continue Drying
Expect it to take three or more hours for your down-filled bedding to completely dry. If you end the process before the down is entirely dry, you may end up with mildew and odor. You’ll know the item is dry when the down filling feels light and evenly spread throughout the comforter or duvet insert.
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
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Finish Drying on a Clothesline
To finish the drying process, you can opt to hang the bedding on a clothesline in a warm, dry area inside or outside. A bonus for white comforters and duvets is that the sun's rays can brighten the fabric and lighten stains.
The Spruce / Ana Cadena -
Make the Bed
If you have a duvet, slip the insert back inside its cover once completely dry, and make up your bed with your freshly cleaned bedding.
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
Treating Stains on Down Comforters and Duvets
If you have any stains on your bedding, it's a good idea to spot-treat them before machine-washing. To address the fabric directly, adjust or shake the down filling away from the spot. Next, wet the area using a spray bottle of water, and then apply a stain remover of your choice. Pat the fabric with a clean white rag, and let it sit for 20 minutes. If the stain needs more work, try rubbing the fabric together or using a toothbrush to scrub away the soil.
Repeat if necessary, and then begin the washing process.
Down Comforter/Duvet Care and Repairs
Fixing a hole in your comforter or duvet is worth the effort, as down items can be expensive to replace. For small holes, an iron-on patch is a quick and effective solution. If you have a large tear, try hand-stitching the fabric together or adding a patch made of similar material.
Storing Down Comforters and Duvets
Some people enjoy down bedding year-round, while others prefer to store it away during warmer months. If you do decide to pack your down items away, they must be clean and thoroughly dry before they're stored. For protection, wrap the down bedding in cotton—a laundry bag works wonderfully—and place it in a well-ventilated closet.
How Often to Wash Down Comforters and Duvets
As a rule of thumb, down-filled bedding should be washed once a year. Of course, if your bedding becomes soiled, more frequent washings will be necessary.
Down is meant to be washed over and over again, so don't worry about cleaning your bedding too much.
Tips for Washing Down Comforters and Duvets
- Don’t wash down bedding in a machine with an agitator—you’ll end up with a damaged and clumped comforter or duvet.
- If your own washing machine is too small to comfortably hold your down comforter, take it to a commercial laundromat, where larger machines are available. Washing a down comforter or duvet can take longer than you think. Bring a book or another activity to the laundromat to keep yourself occupied for a few hours.
- Never add liquid fabric softener to the washing machine when washing a down comforter or duvet because it can permeate, coat, and ruin the down’s fluffiness.
- Take advantage of laundry day, and also wash your mattress pad and bed skirt. You’ll go to sleep in a completely fresh bed and eliminate dust mites and other allergens.
How to Pick Out a Down Comforter
Duvet care, how to wash and clean duvet
Home / Health / Duvet care BRINKHAUS
Published by: Marianna Gnatkevich in Health, Miscellaneous for home, Bedroom 09/22/2014 1,401 views
- tweet
Your BRINKHAUS duvet will last a long time if you follow these simple yet essential duvet care tips.
- Always use a duvet cover to protect your duvet from sweat, dirt and wear.
- Shake the duvet when making the bed. This will make the quilt fuller and create air movement that will refresh the filler.
- We move in our sleep and it is normal for the duvet filling to move with us. Shake the blankets so that the filler returns to its place.
- Shaking natural fibers such as linen and silk is not recommended as this may cause the material to tear.
- Air blankets outdoors regularly. This is a very important factor in the care of the blanket. Airing allows the filler to completely get rid of the absorbed moisture, restore its ability to absorb the moisture that the human body releases during sleep.
- Avoid direct sunlight when airing the duvet. They can damage the duvet filling. In strong sunlight, the fibers can become brittle and lose their elasticity.
- Air blankets only in dry weather. This is the only way the blankets can get rid of the absorbed moisture.
- Avoid sitting or lying on top of blankets for extended periods. This causes the filler to break and reduces the life of the blanket. The same effect will occur if large pets lie on a blanket.
- If the duvet is regularly aired, washing is only necessary if the duvet is soiled. If the blanket is spot-stained, it is best to spot-clean with a mild detergent without bleach. The area to be cleaned should be well dried (eg with a warm hair dryer).
- For practical reasons, Brinkhaus recommends professional cleaning if the duvet is soiled. Dry cleaning is not recommended for any bedding. It can be quite toxic to human health. Chemicals may not be washed out of the filler well enough and will begin to evaporate during sleep, which is dangerous to health.
- Alternatively, duvets can be washed in the washing machine. Use a washing machine with a capacity of at least 7 kg. Only one blanket can be washed in this machine at a time. Select the delicate wash cycle at temperatures up to 60 degrees.
Use a light powder, do not use products that contain bleach. - Wash duvet separately. Add 2-3 tennis balls to make the washing machine easier to work with. Rinse the blanket well. Blankets can be dried in a large dryer at low temperatures.
- We do not recommend hand washing duvets as this is a very long and arduous process.
- Try to avoid washing your duvet if possible. The lifespan of your duvet shortens with every wash.
- Under normal operating conditions, daily shaking and regular ventilation are sufficient.
Buy duvets in the ELSON SALON online store: https://elson.ua/21-puhovye-odejala
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Previous Winter silk duvet by Brinkhaus. Review.
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About Marianna Gnatkiewicz
Co-founder of an online store of luxury home textiles Salon ELSON and author of the Life with Comfort blog. He maintains a blog to inform people about healthy sleep, a healthy lifestyle, and the right choice of bedding.
This allows people to improve the quality of their lives, make their home more cozy and comfortable, discover their design potential and find the best ways to realize it.
Duvet and pillow care - hand and machine wash, dry, air, fluff, store.
washing down duvetsAfter you have decided to buy a duvet or pillow, you should think about the rules for caring for it. Even factory-made products from reliable manufacturers can be easily spoiled. With unreasonable care, the filler in warm duvets can turn into a shapeless mass.
How to wash a large duvet
Even the best duvets cannot be washed more than once a year. Before throwing the product into the washing machine, you need to study the tags. Bedding should not be soaked and the spin mode should not be set at high speeds. So that the fluff in the blanket does not gather into lumps, if you have tennis balls at home, you should put them in the drum of the washing machine. Suitable temperature for washing - no more than 40 ° C.
Liquid powders should be used as a detergent. Avoid conditioner and bleach. All products made of down, whether down pillows or cloaks, are washed separately.
Hand wash duvets
If you decide to wash your duvet by hand, you need to remember that this is a very labor intensive process. In order not to spoil the product, you must strictly follow these rules:
- Remove the filler from the pillowcase.
- Put the down and feathers in a special canvas bag.
- Dissolve detergent in warm water.
- Thoroughly wash the bags of down several times, each time changing the solution to a less concentrated one.
- Rinse the bags in clean water, changing the water until it remains clear after the procedure.
Pouched down or machine washed duvet must not be dried in direct sunlight.
Some items are labeled dry cleanable. In this case, you can not throw them into the machine or attempt to clean the blanket manually.
By ignoring the icon on the label, you can ruin the bedding.
Additional care for duvets
Down can get wrinkledBuying a duvet is only the first step on the way to a good night's sleep. In addition to washing, the product also needs other care - airing and whipping. Pillows and duvets made of 100% goose feather or swan down are aired every month. To do this, you need to place the product in a well-ventilated area where direct sunlight does not fall, for example, on a balcony.
Air the bedding more often than once a month if the room has a high level of humidity. These measures will help prevent the smell of dampness and the formation of mold. If you ignore this type of care, you can earn an allergy or face other troubles.
It is important to fluff the filling in duvets daily. Then they will always be fluffy and soft. Bedding, with proper care, will retain its properties throughout the entire operational period, which varies from 5 to 10 years.
How to store down duvets
If the room is very hot, you may not need a duvet.
