Drying comforter in dryer
and retain its fluffiness and warmth |
(Image credit: Paul Raeside)
Its size and weight when wet could leave you asking how to dry a comforter, but drying it thoroughly is essential.
The material inside can harbor dust mites and other airborne particles that can trigger allergies, so making space in your laundry room ideas for drying a comforter after it’s been laundered will make life easy.
There are plenty of options to help make the process of drying your comforter simple and fuss-free, and these are the best methods.
How to dry a comforter
Like washing a pillow, cleaning and drying a comforter isn’t the weekly task washing bed sheets is. But your comforter does need a deep clean once or twice a year, and even washing a down comforter is possible.
Bear in mind that it’s crucial to know how to dry a comforter correctly because otherwise it can lose volume and its fluffy appearance. These are the steps to take.
Check the type of comforter before drying
The most important thing to do before drying a comforter is to check the laundry symbols on the care label.
Most comforters are filled with feathers, a mix of feathers known as ‘down’, cotton or fiberfill. All of these materials can be cleaned in a washing machine and dried in a tumble dryer.
Some, more inexpensive comforters may consist of a foam filling, which could be problematic when washing and drying as the foam may lose its shape.
How to dry a comforter in a tumble dryer
Whilst it is possible to dry most comforters in a tumble dryer, in the same way as you can tumble dry a duvet, approach with caution as many items will lose their loftiness. There are simple ways to avoid this happening.
Sophie Lane, product training manager at Miele , advises removing the item from the machine several times throughout the drying process to ‘hand fluff’ it. ‘This will help prevent the filling from matting together or clumping,’ explains Sophie.
When the drying programme has finished, give the item a good shake and final fluff.
If the filling is still clumping, that’s a sign that the comforter still has wet spots inside.
You may need to repeat the drying cycle until all the moisture is out of the comforter.
Due to the size and weight, it is likely to take several hours to dry your comforter in a tumble dryer. However, some models have built in technology to make the process easier, as Sophie Lane explains. ‘Miele tumble dryers use intelligent sensors that monitor the water content within the drum and automatically adjust the drying times for you.’
Plus to avoid the all-important uneven filling problem, there are a few professional tips that can help:
Adding tennis balls to the tumble dryer will help evenly distribute the filling.
Another tip is to put a towel in with the comforter, it will absorb lots of the moisture, allowing the comforter to dry faster.
And finally, if you want to freshen the smell of your comforter, a spokesperson for Procter & Gamble , whose brands include Lenor and Febreze, recommends using dryer sheets. They will ‘keep laundry smelling amazing even through the heat of the dryer’.
How to air dry a comforter
If yours contains delicate fabrics or a mix of fibers, you may prefer to dry a comforter naturally.
Once you have washed the item, shake it out to make sure the feathers or filling are evenly distributed, then find a suitable place to hang it.
Drape it over a bathtub or a drying rack – anywhere it is suspended and can dry as quickly as possible to keep mold and mildew from growing. If you can, open windows and place a large fan next to it because this can help speed up the drying process.
If you have a garden or a balcony, drying the comforter out in the sun is the best-case scenario.
A clothes line is ideal, but drying racks will be more than sufficient if you spread your comforter between two. Be sure to check the forecast - a hot, sunny day with a light wind will make the best weather conditions.
Remember drying outdoors can allow for certain types of seasonal allergies to be transferred to the comforter, so be mindful if anyone in your house suffers from these.
Whatever method you choose to dry your comforter, ensure that it is totally free from moisture before you place it back on the bed. A damp comforter can lead to mold and mildew forming inside the material.
Dry a comforter at a laundromat or dry cleaners
Taking it to a dry cleaner is an alternative to cleaning and drying a comforter at home. Online bedding retailer Buffy advises finding a dry cleaning company that avoids harsh chemicals. ‘We would suggest somewhere that doesn’t use the chemical perchloroethylene in its process,’ says a spokesperson.
If your comforter is particularly large, or you are worried about your tumble dryer's capacity and age, dry the comforter at a local laundromat.
Can you put a comforter in the dryer?
You can put a comforter in the dryer as a rule, but always check the tag first. Just as with drying a weighted blanket, the size of the tumble dryer is also crucial. ‘The dryer needs to have a large enough capacity to accommodate the comforter,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief of Homes & Gardens.
Can I dry my comforter on high heat?
Don't dry a comforter on high heat. ‘Make sure to use a low setting,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief of Homes & Gardens. ‘Using high heat could damage the filling.’ This does mean that drying a comforter correctly will take time, but it’s worth it to keep it in good condition and ensure the filling will be lofty and warm when the process is done.
Steph Hendries is a freelance journalist who has contributed to many different interiors websites including Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home and Livingetc. She has also worked on a range of social content for property brands such as Zoopla and Boomin. Steph writes for Homes & Gardens Solved section, concentrating on DIY, how to, cleaning and organizing content.
How to wash and dry a comforter or duvet in the washing machine at home
Written by Jean Chen
Updated April 8, 2022
Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors.
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Even if you change your sheets every week or two, you probably don't give much attention to your comforter. That's a huge mistake: It collects the same dirt, sweat, and dead skin that other sheets and pillows do—and if you have a pet that likes to lie on the bed when you're not home, things can get even nastier.
It’s a good idea to keep your comforter in a duvet cover to keep it clean. Even so, you should aim to wash your comforter a couple times a year. You should also wash it before you put it away for summer, as clothes’ moths are attracted to dirty laundry.
The good news is that you can probably wash it at home. Here's how.
What you need to wash your comforter at home:
• Washing machine • Gentle detergent • Comforter • 2 tennis balls
Prep Time Needed: None Total Time Needed: Approximately 40 minutes, depending on the washer, plus time for drying Difficulty: Easy
Step-by-Step
Read the care label prior to starting.
Most down and down-alternative comforters can be washed at home with a gentle laundry detergent. Some comforter labels specify "dry clean only," in which case you should follow the instructions or risk damaging your bedding. There may also be specific temperature settings for washers and dryers, which should be followed accordingly.Prior to actually washing your comforter, remove its cover and make sure it has no loose threads or holes. If there are small tears, make sure to patch them first with a needle and thread. This additional step will prevent these small holes from becoming larger during washing.
Load your comforter into your washing machine, making sure it fits with room to be distributed evenly. Your comforter needs adequate room to get thoroughly clean, so if your home washing machine is too small, you should take it to the laundromat and use a large, front-load washer.
Set the washing machine to the delicate setting and select the water temperature to cool water, unless otherwise indicated on the care label.
If you have a problem with dust mites, use hot water. (Heat over 130°F can kill dust mites).Place a small amount of gentle detergent into the washer. Make sure to choose a detergent that is safe for delicate materials. Avoid harsh chemicals on your bedding. Not using a huge amount of detergent will prevent oversudsing in the machine, and also reduces stripping the feathers of down comforters.
Add the two tennis balls to the wash to help ensure effective cleaning.
Now, it's time to dry. Even if your dryer has a dedicated "comforter" or "bedding" setting, don't count on it: Most comforters are too big to dry fully without someone manually de-tangling them during a wash.
What you need to dry your comforter at home:
• Dryer • Comforter • 2 tennis balls or dryer balls
Prep Time Needed: none Total Time Needed: Approximately 40 minutes depending on the dryer Difficulty: Easy
Step-by-Step
Place the comforter in the dryer with the two tennis balls or dryer balls.
Reviewed’s lab staff found no conclusive evidence that dryer balls make much of a difference, but some people swear by them to keep the fill evenly distributed, so you don't end up with a lumpy comforter.If your dryer doesn't have a dedicated setting for bedding or comforters, set it to low heat. It might take more than an hour for the comforter to dry thoroughly. Because this is the case, make sure to regularly fluff the comforter during the drying process. Every 20 minutes, pull the comforter out of the dryer and fluff it. This helps redistribute the fill and encourages thorough and even drying.
Keeping your comforter clean and airy will help it last longer, but it won’t last forever. If your comforter has lost its fluff after washing and drying, it might be time to find a replacement—typically every three to six years.
Related content
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
How do I prepare clothes for drying in a tumble dryer?
Dryers were invented in the USA several decades ago, but they have only recently appeared in our area. Visually, such a unit is similar to a front-loading washing machine, but its task is completely different: to quickly and efficiently dry pre-washed and wrung out laundry. Using such a device is a pleasure: you just need to move the washed things from one drum to another and set the optimal temperature regime - then the machine will automatically remove excess moisture from the laundry and notify you of the completion of the cycle. nine0003
Unlike the scorching sun, the tumble dryer provides a more delicate effect on artificial and natural fibers, retaining their strength and color for a long time, however, in order for things to serve you as long as possible, it is important to follow certain rules that apply to each mode.
How to prepare clothes for drying in such a way that each item is dry, but not overdried? More on this later.
Preparing your clothes to dry
Your laundry dryer gets the job done quickly and efficiently, but only proper batch preparation can ensure your garments remain intact, supple, soft and durable. What is needed for this? nine0003
First of all, make sure that there are no foreign objects inside the pockets: headphones, flash drives, lighters, bank cards, chewing gum and other small things that can fail (melt, catch fire, explode) or damage the dryer drum.
Next, make sure that all zippers are securely fastened and the hooks are hidden. Fasten all fasteners and turn the garment inside out, hiding them inside - this will help to avoid snags.
Then sort the items according to the composition of the fabric and its thickness. This way you will be able to ensure the fastest and most even drying: thick fabrics have time to dry, and thin fabrics do not dry out.
Points to consider
In addition to the above, there are many other factors to consider when loading wet laundry into the tumble dryer. Today we will tell you about the most common mistakes the owners of such units make, and also share how to extend the life of your wardrobe from a couple of months to several years. nine0003
Heavy soiling
Clothes with poorly washed stubborn stains such as grass, blood, berries or wine should not be placed in the dryer. The fact is that the working chamber of the device heats up to a temperature of 40-60 degrees, which can only contribute to the "sealing" of the stain, after which it will be almost impossible to remove it. Carefully check the garment for unwashed stains and, if necessary, repeat the washing cycle before sending the garment to dry. nine0003
Very wet items
Items that are loaded into the tumble dryer must be wrung out according to the recommendations on the label in the side seam. The higher the spin speed, the less moisture the laundry contains and the faster it dries.
In addition to this, shortening the duration of the drying cycle allows you to significantly - sometimes at times! - reduce energy consumption and, accordingly, save on paying utility bills.
Colored fabrics
Colored fabrics should not be washed together with light-coloured linen - perhaps this is one of the most important rules that every housewife follows. Otherwise, your brand new red dress or stylish blue jeans may simply fade, at the same time staining other clothes in the drum. The same thing will happen if you load white and colored clothes into the dryer: moisture, heat and hot steam will do their "dirty" work, ruining the fabrics once and for all. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to wash and dry light, dark and colored items separately. nine0003
Starched linen
Starch is a universal tool for shaping clothes, time-tested and experienced by many housewives. It is typically added to the conditioner compartment and used in a cold water rinse to seal tablecloths, shirts, dresses, and a variety of other organic cotton or linen items.
Why in the cold? The fact is that hot water "brews" starch and it completely loses its qualities. For the same reason, starched clothes in the dryer may lose their acquired rigidity. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to add a double portion of starch when rinsing, which will help achieve the usual effect. nine0003
Sort by type of fabric
Each textile product is supplied with a special label, which indicates the composition of the fabric, the conditions for washing, drying and ironing. Depending on the composition and density of the material, they can differ significantly: for example, dense white cotton can be washed at temperatures up to 90 degrees and dried with air heated to 60 degrees, and thin silk - at a maximum of 30 degrees. That is why it is extremely important to sort the laundry based on the composition of the fabric, size, density, thickness and the desired degree of dryness: "iron", "dry" or "extra dry". nine0003
Seam strength
Check stitching and seam quality before loading items into the drum.
Despite the fact that the tumble dryer drum rotates much more slowly than in the washer, constant rubbing against other denser items can cause the threads to unravel. This will be especially true for heavy items - jackets, coats, pillows and blankets, damage to the seams of which will cause the filler to fall out and possibly ignite during drying.
Make the surface even
In order for your clothes to dry quickly and as evenly as possible, it is important to load them correctly into the drum. Lay textiles one at a time, evenly distributing them along the bottom and walls of the drum. Make sure that the fabric belts and long straps are tied together - this will eliminate the risk of thin fabric falling into the gap between the drum and the inner wall of the dryer. It is recommended to fasten duvet covers and pillowcases so that small things do not get into them, and the bra bones must first be removed or the bodice must be dried in a special bag that prevents sharp metal inserts from entering the drum holes and its possible wedge.
nine0003
Reduce load for sensitive fabrics
Drying delicate fabrics should be as gentle and fast as possible, because the less thermal and mechanical stress is exerted on the fabric, the longer its fibers will remain in their original form. For drying chiffon, satin, oil, viscose and other sensitive fabrics, it is recommended to reduce the load size, which will not only significantly reduce the cycle time, but also save things from the appearance of wrinkles and creases, which will be extremely problematic to remove from completely dried blouses and shirts. nine0003
Drying tips
Read the instructions before drying your laundry. Here you will find the "Overview of programs" chapter, which lists all the modes available for the selected model, as well as the recommended load sizes for each of them. It is important to consider the maximum load for each programme, as this is the only way to ensure that the laundry is dried properly and that energy consumption is optimal.
Another caveat: down and feather lining can shrink. Pillows, duvets and down jackets are recommended to be dried on the gentle "Easy smooth" setting. 100% linen garments can only be tumble dried if approved by the manufacturer. If the fiber has not been specially treated, the product may become rough. Dry such things in the "Easy smooth" program. nine0003
Wool and wool blends may shrink significantly. Dry them in the "Wool" mode, which provides long-term and gentle dehydration at low temperatures. Knitted t-shirts, tank tops and underwear may shrink on the first wash. Overdrying, on the other hand, entails even more contraction of the fibers, and therefore it is important to dry such things in the “hand iron” or “dry” program.
Drying of particularly sensitive fabrics requires the use of minimum temperatures. The best choice would be the "Gentle +" drying mode in combination with a minimum drum load. nine0003
Safety instructions and warnings
Tumble dryers comply with all safety regulations, but only if the appliance is used properly.
In order for the device to serve you faithfully for many years, while remaining effective and safe, follow simple rules.
Before installing and connecting the device, read the instructions and make sure that the connection parameters given on the type table correspond to those available. The tumble dryer must be grounded and plugged directly into an outlet without the use of an extension cord. nine0003
Only use the appliance to dry clothes that are declared on the care label by the manufacturer to be tumble dryable. To avoid fire, do not put dry clothes and things with oil stains, traces of hairspray, acetone, alcohol, gasoline, oil or kerosene into the dryer. Be sure to clean and dry the fluff and plinth filters after each drying session to avoid clogging the system and prolong the life of your dryer.
Miele dryers
In the assortment of the ml-rus.ru branded online store you will find a wide range of dryers of different price categories - from budget ones for home use to professional ones with advanced functionality.
The drum of such units is designed to load from 7 to 9 kilograms of wet laundry, which is more than enough for an average batch of washing.
Each model can dry laundry both by time and by the degree of dryness - "iron", "dry" or "extra-dry". In addition, the manufacturer provides a choice of the type of fabric or product sewn from it: cotton, silk, viscose, wool, pillows, tight jeans, sports, outerwear, thin shirts and many others, which, in combination with a unique honeycomb drum and the Perfect Dry option, provides the most delicate, but at the same time thorough drying of any laundry. nine0003
All products are covered by Miele's 24-month warranty. You can buy the model you like online. To do this, you need to add the product to the basket and fill out the form with contact details. In the near future, our manager will contact you to clarify all the nuances of the purchase of equipment, as well as agree on the time, method of delivery and address of the recipient.
We wash and dry feather pillows and blankets at home
nine0081 (+0)
06/13/2020 09:54 2 thousand
Do you like it?
Household
Down pillows were once a typical bedding item.
Everyone slept on them. However, nowadays they have become a luxury item and are rarely used at home. One of the reasons down pillows and duvets are a thing of the past is that not everyone knows how to care for them. nine0003
Introducing the best ways to wash down duvets and how to machine wash them.
Down pillows and duvets - can they be cleaned at home?
nine0002 Down pillows and duvets have many advantages and are much more useful than artificial ones. Feather and down bedding is very warm and light. Feathers have moisture and air exchange properties, so when we sleep, our skin breathes better. Feather and down bedding can last for years if properly cared for.
These pillows and duvets do not need to be laundered as often as synthetic materials. However, they should be updated.
The need to renew bed linen is confirmed by compacted hard lumps that form inside blankets and pillows. Well-maintained bedding of good quality should be soft. nine0003
How to care for feather duvets and pillows?
Do not wash your down bedding more than once a year, as this will speed up the decay process. If you want to wash down pillows and duvets more often, a good solution is to put the feathers in a separate bag and wash the material separately.
At the same time, regular ventilation is important. This allows you to keep the bed linen in good condition. Air out down bedding frequently and as long as possible, taking advantage of favorable weather. Weathering will get rid of the main enemies of healthy sleep, that is, mites, which breed in bedding over time. When weather permits, hang blankets and down pillows on your balcony or garden.
nine0003
What is the best weather for airing down bedding?
Against all odds, strong sunlight is not suitable because it causes damage or swelling of the feathers. Avoid damp weather as the feathers will not dry properly. nine0003
For ventilation, it is better to choose days when it is dry, windy and rather cold. You can perfectly ventilate in winter on dry frosty days, because frost is the real enemy of ticks. Temperatures below 15° prevent the reproduction of mites, while temperatures below 18° kill the mites.
Washing down pillows and duvets in the washing machine
Washing in an automatic washing machine is the most convenient way to clean down pillows and duvets. However, in order for this process not to end in disaster, when the feathers stick together and lose their properties, the following rules must be observed:
- Do not put more than one pillow at a time in the washing machine, so that it will not be overloaded and you can be sure that the pillow does not deteriorate and retain its shape.
- Carefully inspect the cushion for holes or damage that could cause feathers to fall out. Dropped feathers will damage the washing machine drum.
- Set the program for washing delicate fabrics. The temperature should be low, preferably in the range of 30-40°. If you have a lot of down bedding in your home, it's best to get a washing machine with a feather wash program. nine0119
- Activate the minimum spin speed.
- Use mild detergent.
Drying down pillows and duvets
The problem is not so much in washing a pillow or a feather blanket, but in drying it. Drying must be quick so that the fluff does not deteriorate. Feather bedding should not stay damp and lumpy for long.
