How to clean a down feather comforter
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 08/21/22
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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How Often to Clean
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Storing
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Repairs
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Treating Stains
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Frequently Asked Questions
Project Overview
When it comes time to clean a down 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 cleaning to a professional. But if the cover of your duvet or comforter is 100 percent cotton or a cotton blend, you can usually wash and dry it yourself.
Follow this guide to get the best results when washing a down comforter or duvet at home.
How Clean and Care for a Heavy Comforter
How Often to Clean a Down Comforter or Duvet
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.
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.
Equipment / Tools
- Front-loading washing machine and dryer, extra-large capacity for bigger comforters or duvets
- Drying rack or clothesline for drying
Materials
- Gentle laundry detergent
- 2 clean socks, each with a tennis ball knotted inside
- 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 |
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Put Bedding in the Washer
Put your comforter or duvet in the washing machine, and make sure it’s not folded or crumpled.
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Spread the bedding out as much as possible in the machine. -
Put Socks in the Washer
Add the socks with tennis balls to the load. These help keep the down from bunching and also add a bit of extra agitation to remove 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. If possible, set the machine for an extra or extended rinse cycle.
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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.
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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. -
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. 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.
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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, it’s quite possible you’ll end up with mildew and odor. You’ll know it's dry when the down feels light and evenly spread throughout the comforter or duvet.
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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.
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Make Your Bed
If you have a duvet, slip it back inside its cover once completely dry, and make your bed with your freshly cleaned bedding.
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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.
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.
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.
Tips for Washing Down Comforters or Duvets
- Don’t wash down bedding in a machine with an agitator—you’ll end up with a damaged, clumped comforter or duvet.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Down is meant to be washed over and over again, so don't worry about cleaning your bedding too much.
7 Things To Consider Before You Buy a Down Comforter
How to wash a duvet
Home » Caring for your clothes
If you know how to wash a duvet at home, you can eliminate some very tangible laundry costs. In this article, we will talk about how to wash a duvet by machine and by hand. Read our article on how to do it right.
Soft and cozy duvet blesses our sleep! Luxurious fabric is filled with down feathers, extremely light and incredibly comfortable. Duvets are popular all over the world, they have become one of the most common household items, especially in countries that suffer from cold weather. Duvets are washable and easy to clean at home.
If you have just bought a blanket for your bed, knowing how to wash it might be helpful. Before you start washing, you should take the precautions necessary for washing such items. First remove the duvet cover and set it aside. Traditional blankets contain feathers, while modern versions are equipped with artificial fillings, including polyester wadding and others.
Often wool, silk, cotton and others are used for extra comfort. Despite the thickness of the blanket, it must be completely dried to maintain the quality of the filler. Make sure you never use a hard brush while washing. Again, make sure to dry the fabric completely, this affects the quality of the nibs and their longevity.
The duvet is hand washable, although you can also choose to machine wash it. The process of washing a duvet in a machine is, of course, different from hand washing. And while dry cleaning remains the recommended solution, you can still wash your duvet at home. Duvets filled with wool or silk should only be machine washed. We will provide relevant instructions for you to follow.
Hand wash
Washing a duvet by hand is not easy, it is hard work, but if you want to give your duvet a little extra care, then hand washing is still the best option. You can use the upholstery kit with shampoo or soap. Never use traditional detergents that you normally use to wash your clothes.
There are specialized products for cleaning duvets. Soak the duvet in soapy water for at least one hour to remove dirt. Gently rinse the blanket, avoid rough handling. Make sure there are no soap marks on the blanket.
Rinse the duvet at least three times in clean water. You can use a soft toothbrush to remove soap and dirt from the duvet surface. You can dry your duvet outdoors, or you can use a commercial dryer for this purpose. Feathers need to be properly distributed to return the comforter to its original density and texture after washing.
Machine washable
Washing a duvet in the machine is comparatively easier than by hand. Before you send it to the machine, read the instructions. We recommend that you first soak the blanket in warm water containing a few teaspoons of vinegar and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This is a pre-treatment that provides the best cleansing. Make sure your cleaner is free of bleach, bleach, and harsh chemicals.
You can lay out a blanket on the floor or in the attic to let the water drain. Don't let the duvet stay damp for long periods of time as this will damage the feather. If you follow the machine wash perfectly, you will achieve the best results.
Now that you know how to properly wash your duvet, you can do all the laundry without leaving home. Duvets stuffed with high quality feathers offer the best washing results after rinsing. When you keep your blanket tidy, sleeping with it is even better. Wash your duvet every season and enjoy great sleep night after night.
How to wash a duvet? Tips for home care.
We all love duvets because they that they are very warm and gentle. But any product in everyday life requires its own separate care. And then the question is asked: “How to wash a duvet? Can Is it possible to wash a duvet at home? Down and feather duvets quite voluminous and whimsical in their care. There are several methods that will help you to return to a blanket novelty and to give freshness.
In modern world household appliances have made life much easier, such as washing automatic machine. Now we will describe to you several ways to wash duvets in at home and beyond.
Preparation:
Down and feather duvets cannot be washed without proper preparation. Regardless of whether you wash it manually or in a washing machine, you need to perform a couple of actions.
Visually check blanket. If you see holes or seams that have parted, then immediately need to be sewn. This will prevent the filler from falling out during washing and drying.
On every downy The blanket should have a tag (sewn-in) for caring for it. Need to follow directions manufacturer indicated on it. What do the icons mean: bath - means - can be washed in water, the numbers in the tank or on a washing machine - the maximum water temperature, hand in the basin - hand wash only, square with a circle inside - drying (the dots inside this symbol correspond to the drying temperature, 1 - low temperature, 2 - medium, 3 - high).
If a the down and feather blanket is old and has not been cleaned for a long time, then you should soak it for about 1 hour in ordinary water. The amount of capacity required is not small, advice soak a blanket in the bathroom.
Wash through dry cleaning. The most convenient way.
If you do not want to waste your own time, then take your duvet to the dry cleaners. In this case, everything will be done for you. Will hold preparation of the product, wash and dry your blanket.
Local stain removal.
If on your blanket there are stains, but there is no desire to wash it completely, then you can remove the stain with with minimal effort.
Take a small container and dilute in it mild soap solution. It is best to use liquid products, powder is bad is washed out of the fluff. Try to spread the fluff away from pollution. Apply a small amount of solution and rub. Wash off with water. Pretty good dry, you can use a hair dryer, at a distance of at least 20 cm from the blanket.
Hand wash.
Wash the duvet by hand only when there is a badge on the patch a crossed-out washing machine, and there is an icon of a basin with hands in water.
Take a bath in sufficient amount of water.
Add detergent product, add a small amount, use liquid care products, the powder is poorly washed out of fluff and feathers.
Place downy blanket in soapy water. Press down on blankets until they are completely hide under water.
Leave in water for 1 hour.
Gently massage wash the blanket with movements, do not rub.
If you see spots that were not immediately noticeable, then treat with laundry soap.
Rinse the blanket less than 3 times.
Squeeze with your hands ask relatives for help, duvets become unbearable when absorb moisture.
Lay out to dry.
Washing in the washing machine.
Check if there is a washing machine icon on the patch.
Before loading the duvet, make sure the duvet fits snugly into the machine drum. There should be no overload.
The temperature regime is not over 30 degrees.
Can be used tennis balls when washed, they will keep the fluff in good shape and prevent it from wrinkle.
Add detergent, add a small amount, use liquid care products, the powder is poorly washed out of fluff and pen.
Use an extra rinse.
Spinning is best at the lowest speed, but we recommend squeeze manually.
How do I dry my duvet?
