How to clean down comforter at home

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

• Before You Begin

• Instructions

• Treating Stains

• Care and Repairs

• Storing

• How Often to Wash

• Tips

• 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 a Down Comforter or Duvet

1. 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.

   ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

2. 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.

   ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena

3. 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.

   ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

4. 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.

   ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

5. Run the Washer

   Turn the washer on, and let it run through the full cycle.

   ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

6. 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.

   ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

7. 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.

   ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

8. 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.

   ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

9. Start the Dryer

   Set the dryer to the lowest heat setting, and turn it on.

   ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena

10. 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.

    ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

11. 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

12. 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 

13. 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

How to properly clean a duvet at home – Pravo newspaper

11/25/2018 Manager3 Tips

With the creation of the washing machine, the life of a modern person has become much easier. Many will agree with the statement that washing things in it is easier and faster. But the constant question of what things can be washed in a typewriter and which can not, haunts housewives. Unfortunately, there are several groups of things for which such washing is contraindicated; in other cases, a simple selection of the correct mode is sufficient.

This also applies to duvets. These household items are wonderfully washed in modern washing machines. But before washing, you should definitely read the information provided on the label. The data indicated on it will help determine the correct washing mode, there are no other obstacles, perhaps, except for the size - too large a blanket simply cannot stretch in the machine with high quality.

Features of washing the duvet in the washing machine

• Select a delicate wash cycle. The water for washing a duvet should be no higher than 30 degrees.
• Take a closer look, if the washing machine icon is on the label, then it is allowed to clean it in this way. If the hand icon is shown, hand wash only is required.
• The label will also indicate if powder and bleach can be used.
• The duvet should not be ironed after washing. You just need to beat the fluff inside with your hands, this will give it its original appearance.
• Soak the duvet in the tub before washing. So you can determine its volume and weight. In the water in which you are going to soak the blanket, add a little acetic acid.

• Use special liquid shampoo for washing. With it, things are perfectly washed. Ordinary laundry detergent is undesirable, since the foam from it is poorly rinsed out.
• Spinning is best done by hand. Machine function may harm the contents of the blanket.
• This blanket should be washed in a machine with a horizontal load, as a vertical one can damage the item.
• It is convenient to dry the blanket on a conventional metal dryer.
• During the drying process, periodically turn the blanket over to different sides, this will speed up the drying time.

How do I care for my down duvet?

1. In the morning, after waking up, you need to make your bed. Shake and fluff the duvet first, then carefully spread it out on the bed.
2. Do not beat the dust out of the duvet with hard objects.
3. When drying down duvets, keep them out of direct sunlight.
4. Do not dry down duvet near heaters and convectors.

Washing the duvet by hand

Rinse the duvet after hand washing at least three times. It is desirable to dry in the fresh air, but if this is not possible, then a standard room dryer will also work. Do not dry in direct sunlight.

If you decide to clean the blanket with your hands - this can be called a feat. To refresh the look of such a thing, soak it for an hour in soapy water. Due to the size of such a blanket, it is best to do this in the bathroom. If you find stains or dirt on the surface, go over them with an old toothbrush and soap.

How to clean a blanket at home

02/03/2020 Denis Skoryatin 0 Comments wadded, detergents, a small amount, unpleasant odors, unpleasant odor, clean, washing machine, warm water, remove, laundry soap From time to time, the hostess faces the question of how to wash a wadded blanket at home so that it does not lose its shape and lose its properties.

Is it possible to wash the quilt

All warm blankets must be washed 1-2 times a year. The outer side gets dirty, moisture gets inside, the product becomes an ideal breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria. In rare cases, the filler can become a place of residence for various types of fungus. Drying will not save, thorough cleaning is required.

When the need for washing arises, the question becomes, what should it be: machine or hand. Be sure to read the labels! Some manufacturers strictly prohibit washing. Then you will have to look for an effective alternative or take responsibility for the risk.

Gentle Washing Methods

Proper home care will ensure a long lasting duvet. Cotton filler is ideal for cold winters, convenient storage in summer. Before being sent to the reserve, preparation should be carried out using hygiene procedures.

Hand wash

The most gentle and harmless way to clean up a quilt is to hand wash. It must follow the rules.
For cleaning you will need:

• carpet brush;
• gel or washing powder;
• stain remover;
• basin;
• foam sponge;
• laundry soap.

Soaking is recommended only in cases of heavy soiling! It negatively affects the form.

1. Take the product outside, carefully beat off the accumulated dust.
2. Remove dried stains with a carpet brush.
3. Lay a large plastic sheet on a horizontal surface.
4. Lay a blanket over.
5. Prepare a solution: stir grated laundry soap in warm water at 40 degrees, add detergent. Wait for the complete separation of the granules and chips!
6. Dip a foam sponge into the stain remover, dampen each stain. Wait for the interval indicated on the package and blot with a dry cloth.
7. Wet the foam sponge in the prepared solution, walk over the entire surface. One side is processed alternately, then the other. Do not wet the blanket through!
8. Rinse after cleaning. Fresh warm water is poured into the basin and the sides are processed with a sponge soaked in it. Repeat several times until the sponge stops foaming.

After removing the soap, we proceed to drying. A cotton product cannot be squeezed out! Cotton wool inside will gather in lumps.

What is more important for you when choosing shoes?

ConvenienceBeauty

Machine wash

This method is only suitable for small size duvets, one and a half and double options are best cleaned by hand or dry cleaned. It is important to correctly calculate the weight of the object after soaking, the machine may break down due to high overload.

When washing in the machine, remember:

1. The water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees.
2. Load the drum carefully so that the edges, parts of the item do not fall out. Place tennis balls inside (6-8 pieces). Be sure to wash them before packing.
3. Select a mode. Suitable - "Wool", "Delicate wash" and "Hand". They have a gentle effect, do not tear the material, do not knock down the filler.
4. Any mechanical action is prohibited, turn off the spin. Only a spin program of no more than 200-300 revolutions is suitable.
5. Pour the gel for down-filled or woolen garments into the powder compartment. Dry laundry detergent will remain in the fabric! With a large load, it does not dissolve, does not wash out!
6. After washing, do not leave the blanket inside for a long time, it will quickly smell damp. Wring out, but do not twist.
7. Drying is recommended in the unfolded state in direct sunlight, on a horizontal surface.

If the product has an old cat smell, urine, food stains, coffee and other difficult stains, it is recommended to clean it before sending it to the machine. To do this, use laundry soap or stain removers.

Steam Cleaning

An alternative and effective method that greatly outperforms the previous two. It allows you to refresh an old blanket, remove unpleasant odors, eliminate dangerous microbes and remove complex pollution.

The procedure is carried out with a steam generator. If not, an iron will do.

How to clean:

1. Apply stain remover to dirty areas, scrub thoroughly with a brush. Wipe off the excess with a cloth or paper towels.
2. Lay out the blanket on a horizontal surface.
3. Direct the steamer at a right angle and hold the hot cloud in one place for 3-5 seconds.
4. Slowly move downwards horizontally.
5. Turn over to the other side and repeat the steps.

Duvet stain remover overview

The duvet has a fussy character and requires some work and time.

Strong soiling can be treated with a paste prepared from the following ingredients: washing powder and laundry soap shavings, diluted with water. The ratio of proportions is 1:1:2. The product should be applied to the stain, cleaned with a stiff brush, and excess moisture should be absorbed with a soft sponge.

Unpleasant odors are easily evaporated with steam from an iron or steam generator. You can try apple cider vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Apply the liquid with a sponge, gently rinse with water.

Any mild stain remover and chlorine-free bleach can be used.

Remove yellow, greasy marks after good air drying. Apply a small amount of detergent to the dirt - diluted washing powder or gel. Clean well with a stiff brush. Rinse the residue and remove with a soft sponge.

Drying and care tips

When deciding to wash, choose the right time. It is advisable to carry out manipulations in the summer, in warm sunny weather. Processing in early spring, late autumn and a long winter sometimes carries the risk of bacterial and fungal growth. If the filler becomes moldy, the blanket can be thrown away, it cannot be restored.

To prevent heavy soiling, air the blanket on the balcony 1-2 times a year, leaving it outside for 2-3 hours.
Steam regularly. Make sure that the label says that such processing is allowed by the manufacturer.

Be sure to knead the inside of the cotton with your hands, a rolling pin or a smooth stick during the process. At the end, shake well to give the blanket splendor, its original shape.

When is the best time to use dry cleaning services

The dry cleaner can wash your quilt efficiently and without sacrificing quality. But not all laundries take on such a difficult job. Many refuse customers because of the property of the filler inside to clump and change shape. The remaining companies charge dearly for services, risk reputation and loss of a client.

When giving dry cleaning, check the reviews of those who have already applied, make sure the staff is qualified, be sure to ask about the guarantee. If you do not provide a document indicating the circumstances under which you are obliged to reimburse the cost of the thing, it is better to refuse the services.
Professional cleaning is indicated for overly soiled duvets and heavy items that cannot be washed by hand, machine or moved to dry. It is recommended to dry-clean old bedspreads with a strong smell of dampness and stubborn stains from medicines, urine, grease, and cosmetics. Difficult stains are removed only under the influence of special stain removers.

When you buy a baby crib set or a beautiful bedspread, you rarely think about aftercare. Cotton wool is an inexpensive and warm filler for bed linen, but capricious in washing. Washing a large wadded blanket in a washing machine will not work, you will have to carry out the procedure manually, this will require a lot of effort and time. Simple and important tips for cleaning and further drying the product will help make life easier. Following them, you will quickly cope with the task. And for the future, make a note that it is better to buy a quilt with frequent lines. Small pockets will prevent the cotton from joining into one large and illegible lump.

How to clean a blanket at home

Woolen blanket (read more...)

These lightweight, durable and wear-resistant products also get dirty sooner or later. Some housewives are very scared, but in vain. Such materials are easily erased and at the same time retain both shape and quality.

We clean blankets at home
Washing is easier in the washing machine, but a few rules must be taken into account. We select the mode with a temperature not higher than 30 degrees. We pay attention to the inscriptions on the product label, some down products are washed only by hand. In the machine we carry out rinsing additionally. Press it with your hands so as not to damage it. How to clean a duvet at home

Drying (read more...)

Sun drying is one of the best options. It kills any remaining bacteria and dust mites. Another important rule is drying only on a horizontal surface. Thanks to this, the cotton wool inside will not shift to one place and will not lie in a lump. In the process of drying, the blanket must be fluffed and turned over several times.

How to wash a quilt at home and can it be machine washed, cleaning
Hand washing is a long and painstaking process, but this method reduces the risk of damage to the product. The algorithm of actions for hand washing is as follows: How to clean a blanket at home

How to care? (read more. ..)

When buying a duvet, remember that in order to prolong its life, you need proper care. Only careful attitude and proper storage will allow the blanket to last longer.

The duvet needs care too! We tell you how to properly care for a blanket

Stain removal: Fresh stains from juice, tea, coffee or wine should be rinsed under running cold water, after which the product is washed as usual.

Duvets

Duvets filled with down or feathers must be dried and aired;
In no case should they be stored in rooms with high humidity - fluff may begin to rot;
It is not recommended to wash down products on your own, it is better to use the services of specialists;
The stain can be washed by hand with a mild detergent for delicate fabrics and then dried thoroughly;
Duvets are not ironed.

They are machine washable on normal or delicate cycle (40°C) and tumble dry;
Dry them in the dryer or outdoors;
A baize with the addition of wool fibers is more "capricious" - it requires hand washing or washing in a machine on a delicate cycle and a temperature not exceeding 30ºС;
Flannelette blankets can be ironed (cotton setting) and steamed.

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