Down comforter cleaner
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 Wash a Down Comforter
Made with high-quality materials that create an insulating feel, down comforters are a popular bedding choice for many types of sleepers. However, cleaning them isn’t always a straightforward process. If you use your down comforter with a flat sheet or duvet cover, you may only need to clean it once or twice a year. Still, it’s important to know how to do it the right way.
We’ll discuss best practices for washing a down comforter and provide additional tips for stain removal and drying.
Proper preparation can help simplify the process of cleaning a down comforter.
While down is a durable material, it’s still important to use the right kind of washing machine and detergent. Avoiding hot water and harsh chemicals also protects the comforter, and gentle care can prevent the fill from clumping or tearing.
What You’ll Need and Want to Avoid
Down fill consists of the soft fibers beneath the tough, quilled, outer feathers of ducks and geese. Down provides these birds with lightweight insulation against the elements, which is why comforters made with it are effective at keeping you warm. Maintaining the light, fluffy structure of down is key to retaining its temperature-regulating capability, so it’s important to use materials and processes that will clean your comforter safely while avoiding anything that might damage it.
| What You’ll Need: | |
|---|---|
| Front-Loading Washing Machine | Down comforters can wrap around the agitators of top-loading washing machines. Using a large-capacity, front-loading washing machine can help you avoid this issue. You’ll want to load your comforter carefully, ensuring that it’s evenly and loosely distributed around the drum. |
| Pre-Treatment | If your comforter has stains, you may want to pre-treat them with a down-safe detergent or stain-removing solution. Attempt to lift the fabric from the fill to avoid getting it wet and apply a small amount of detergent to the stain. Rub the stained area gently and let it soak for 10 to 20 minutes. |
| Gentle Laundry Detergent | Select a gentle laundry detergent specifically designed to be used with down, such as Woolite. These detergents cleanse the down fibers, removing odors and dirt buildup without the use of harsh chemicals. |
Once twisted, the comforter can wash unevenly or stretch and tear.| What to Avoid: | |
|---|---|
| Strong Laundry Detergents | Sulfates, dyes, synthetic fragrances, and other chemicals can damage down fibers and reduce the effectiveness of the comforter. |
| Chlorine Bleach | You should never use chlorine bleach on down comforters. Like other harsh chemicals, bleach can damage down, reducing its loft or even causing the fibers to disintegrate. |
| Fabric Softeners | Using fabric softener typically softens your laundry, but using it on a down comforter can cause damage. When fabric softener coats down fibers, it can cause them to clump together and flatten, which lessens their insulating capabilities. |
There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure your comforter comes out clean.
1. Determine what washing machine you’ll use. Many at-home machines are too small to wash comforters that are meant for mattresses larger than a twin. Additionally, top-loading washing machines can potentially damage down comforters.In either case, you may want to find a laundromat with a large-capacity washing machine. This will simplify the cleaning process and make it easier for your comforter to get a thorough, even wash.
2. Prior to loading the comforter into the washing machine, check for stains and pre-treat them. Be careful not to soak the fill.
3. Carefully load the comforter into the washing machine. Make sure that it’s not folded, twisted, or bunched.
4. Use a small amount of gentle, down-safe detergent. Too much detergent can cause the down fibers to stick together, requiring several rounds of rinsing.
5. Select the machine’s gentle or delicate cycle and warm water setting. Allow the full cycle to run. Consider adding an extra rinse cycle to ensure no detergent remains on the down.
How to Hand Wash a Down Comforter
If you don’t have access to a suitable washing machine, you may want to hand-wash your down comforter.
1. Decide where you’ll wash your comforter. A clean bathtub is ideal, but a large sink can also work. Make sure you have access to warm water.
2. Check the comforter for stains and pre-treat them. After rubbing the stained area, let the detergent sit for 10 to 20 minutes.
3. Fill the tub or sink with warm water and add a small amount of gentle, down-safe detergent. Mix the detergent in the water.
4. Gently press the comforter into the water and lightly agitate it with your hands. Do not twist or wring the comforter, as it can cause damage.
5. Let the comforter soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
6. Drain the tub or sink while pressing down on the comforter to remove excess water. Consider repeating the process without using detergent. The added rinse can help remove the detergent.
Once you’ve washed your comforter, it’s important to dry it thoroughly. Down that remains damp can carry an unpleasant odor and clump together. Left long enough, it may develop mildew.
1. Decide where you will dry your down comforter. If you’re using a dryer, make sure it’s large enough to accommodate your comforter. Queen or king sized comforters dry best in a large-capacity dryer that allows plenty of room for the heated air to circulate. If you use a line or rack to dry your comforter, it’s best to dry it on a warm, sunny day.
2. Add the comforter to the dryer, avoiding excessive folding or bunching. Refrain from using a dryer sheet, as they can contain fabric softeners. To help fluff the comforter and keep it from bunching together, try adding wool dryer balls.
3. Select the lowest heat setting and press start. Depending on the size of your comforter, it may take two to four hours for the down to dry completely. Avoid using a higher heat setting, as high temperatures can damage down.
Tips for Machine Drying:
- Use wool dryer balls: Wool dryer balls can help speed the drying process. Not only do they retain heat from the dryer and absorb excess moisture, wool dryer balls also gently bounce into the comforter as the dryer rotates. This helps soften the fabric and prevent the down from clumping, increasing air flow through the wet fibers. A similar effect can be achieved by tennis balls.
- Remove and shake the comforter: Remove the comforter from the dryer to shake it periodically.
Once every 30 minutes is a good rule of thumb. This helps loosen any clumps that may have formed and allows air to circulate through the wet fibers, speeding up the drying process. - Check for dampness and odors: Each time you remove your comforter from the dryer, check for dampness and the distinctive odor of wet down. Your comforter is completely dry when you’re unable to detect moisture or an odor. The comforter should feel light and free of any clumps.
Line and Rack Drying Tips
Drying a down comforter exclusively on a line or rack is not recommended. Depending on weather conditions, it may take a long time. Even then, the comforter may not dry completely, which can lead to mildew. If you choose this method, you’ll need to be patient and diligent to ensure your comforter dries thoroughly.
It’s best to dry your comforter on a warm, sunny day, preferably when there’s a breeze. Avoid wet, cold, cloudy, or extremely humid conditions. Position the comforter so that as much surface area as possible is exposed to the sun and wind.
As with machine drying, you should regularly shake the comforter out. If your comforter is large, you may need another person to help you with this.
When returning the comforter to the rack or line, rotate it if necessary so that all sides receive equal exposure to the sun. Repeat until dry.
You can also use a machine for the majority of the drying and then complete the process on a rack or line. The sun kills any remaining dust mites, while outside air helps freshen the comforter’s scent.
How often you need to wash your down comforter depends on how frequently it comes into direct contact with you. Using a top sheet or duvet cover can help prevent dust, dirt, body oils, sweat, and other buildup from accumulating on your comforter. This sheet or duvet cover should be washed frequently, while the comforter may only need a thorough cleaning once a year.
Spot Cleaning Tips
Occasionally, your down comforter may just need a spot cleaning instead of an entire wash.
To treat a stain, first push the down fibers away from the affected area to avoid getting them wet. Next, apply stain remover, gently rubbing the fabric or scrubbing the stain with a toothbrush.
Let the stain remover sit for at least 20 minutes. Use a damp cloth to blot the fabric until the stain disappears. Repeat the process if necessary.
Once the stain is gone, use a dry cloth to remove as much moisture as possible from the comforter with careful blotting. Find a warm, sunny spot to hang the comforter on a rack or clothesline to allow for airflow. Once the comforter is completely dry, shake it out before returning it to your bed.
Can You Dry Clean a Down Comforter?
Dry cleaning a down comforter is not advisable because the harsh chemicals may damage the down. Having your comforter professionally laundered instead of dry cleaned avoids this, as the process does not include the same chemicals.
Recommendations for cleaning blankets at home
11/28/2017
The appearance of the blanket changes over time and not for the better.
To put the product in order, there is a professional dry-cleaner. But if you want to save money, then the blanket can be cleaned at home. How? This is what we will try to figure out.
Quilt
Small items can be washed in the washing machine, but do not spin. You need to wash in the "delicate mode" at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees. It is better to use liquid detergent compositions, and you can prevent the filler from rolling with the help of tennis balls that are placed in the drum.
The large blanket will have to be washed by hand in water that does not exceed 40 degrees. The blanket before washing should be knocked out and spread on an oilcloth. A liquid stain remover is applied to the stains, which is subsequently removed with a dry sponge. Next, a liquid detergent is applied to the entire surface of the product and, using a sponge, cleaned with warm water.
Do not wring out a wadded blanket, it should be dried with a terry towel, after which it is laid out in the sun.
Such a blanket can also be cleaned with a steam cleaner - the cleaning process is practically the same as hand washing.
Bamboo blanket
If the product does not fit in the washing machine, washing can be done by hand:
- The water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees. A liquid detergent composition is applied to the surface and the product is cleaned with a brush. Wring out the blanket gently, excluding twisting. Dry the product in the open air without the use of hair dryers and other devices. Turn it over every half hour.
You can also machine wash the bamboo blanket:
- The product is laid in a “snail” (fold the blanket in half, and then twist). You need to select the "delicate mode" (temperature 30 - 40 degrees). It is better to use liquid detergent compositions without bleaches. You can use the spin mode, but it should not exceed 800 revolutions.
Duvet
Hand and machine washable. Product cleaning by hand involves:
- Soaking for one hour.
- Surface cleaning from visible stains with liquid formulations.
- Rinsing (3 or more times).
- Outdoor drying.
Machine wash:
- Temperature should not exceed 30 degrees.
- Using the "extra rinse" function.
- Spinning is carried out only by hand.
Camel wool blanket
We recommend hand washing at a water temperature not exceeding 30 degrees. Soak the product for half an hour, then add a liquid detergent. Next, the product is rinsed 2-3 times under running water with the addition of wine vinegar, which will give the blanket its original beauty. Spinning is carried out with a terry towel, drying - in the fresh air.
Sheepskin blanket
Washing is carried out in the same way. However, in this case, the product can be washed in the machine in the “wool wash” mode. Drying is recommended in open space, and in the shade, so that the wool does not burn out in the sun.
How to wash duvets, pillows and jackets
You can, but also blankets and jackets, but you should follow a few conditions: carefully follow the instructions for caring for products and be prepared for the fact that this work will take a lot of time and effort. True, experts recommend cleaning duvets and pillows no more than once a year, otherwise they will quickly “wear out” when washed. It is also not worth washing down jackets often, it is best to wear them at the end of the season.
Prepare your down jacket for washing. Carefully remove surface dirt with a soft brush or dry cloth, empty the pockets and fasten the buttons and zippers. Place the down jacket in the drum of the washing machine. It is best to wash a down jacket separately from the rest of your clothing to ensure an optimal cleaning regime and not damage the product. For this type of washing, front-loading washing machines are more suitable. Choose a quality laundry detergent. Use a specialized down cleaner, or choose an alternative product suitable for washing natural fibers and delicate fabrics
How to wash a duvet?
First, make sure that the item is machine washable and does not require professional care.
Then remove the duvet covers and covers, they should be washed separately, and make sure that the product is in good condition. If necessary, sew up holes and damage to prevent lint from entering the washing machine. Make sure that the washing machine is not only large enough to hold the item, but also leaves enough room for the water to circulate. Do not overload the machine - if everything does not fit in the drum, then wash each item separately or take them to the dry cleaner.
Detergent and wash cycles
Down items should be washed delicately in warm or cool water, not more than 30ºС. If there is no serious contamination on your product, then choose the most gentle detergent and stain remover. Do not leave the product unattended during washing; at the end of the main cycle, stop the washing machine and rinse the down jacket again to get rid of dirt and soap suds, and only then proceed to drying. After washing, wet feathers will darken temporarily, which may make it look like shedding, but don't worry.
This is a temporary phenomenon, and after drying, the down jacket will return to its original color again.
How to dry down items?
Down garments are best dried in a washer or dryer. Be sure to check the care label on the care label to make sure the product is suitable for mechanical drying. If you want to leave the blanket to dry outdoors, remember that the room must be well ventilated. Due to the large volume and friability, down products dry for a very long time, which can lead to the formation of mold and an unpleasant odor. During drying, avoid too hot air, it can damage the fabric. Regularly check and straighten the down jacket so that wet feathers do not roll up and the thing does not lose its shape.
Mini-survey
During the self-isolation period, have any new types of dirt/stains appeared on your clothes?
Yes, I had to deal with new types of spots
0%
There were few new types of spots
0%
No, there were no new types of spots
0%
0 Votes 9001 9002 whether to wash the fluff?
Thus, we can come to the conclusion that if the product label does not indicate otherwise, then down can and should be washed.
