To wash a down comforter without ruining it, use a front-loading washing machine with a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent that is specifically designed for down-filled items. Avoid using fabric softener or bleach as they can damage the down filling.
Can you wash a down comforter in a regular washing machine? Yes, you can wash a down comforter in a regular washing machine. The trick is to spot treat any area on your comforter before removing it from the bed. Instead of picking it up in a big ball, do an accordion fold and head to the machine.
Drying a Down Comforter
Set the heat to the lowest setting and expect the drying process to take at least three hours. Stop the dryer every 30 minutes, remove the comforter, and gently fluff it to distribute the down evenly. Make sure the comforter isn't getting too hot, as too much heat can scorch the down fibers.
Add a few dryer balls (or tennis balls) to the dryer to keep the down from clumping as it dries. While wool dryer balls are most ideal, clean tennis balls will also work to keep the down loose and well distributed in the comforter, although you may notice a faint odor as the tennis balls get warm.
Detergent Matters When Cleaning Down Down-filled clothing, sleeping bags, etc., cannot be washed with regular detergents as they stick to the feathers, and the down loses its ``loft'', which is the air fluffiness that traps the warmth.
While dry cleaning is an option for down comforters, it's not always necessary. In fact, washing a down comforter at home can be just as effective. Just follow the care label instructions and use a gentle, down-safe detergent. If you're unsure, consult a professional cleaner.
Mild soap: There are dedicated products for outerwear and down—Nikwax Tech Wash and Grangers Down Care Kit are two popular options.
To properly wash a down comforter, you will need a few things: A commercial washer and dryer. Gentle laundry detergent (Woolite is ideal)
Follow Instructions for Machine-Washable Down Comforters
While down comforters are usually machine washable, the less often you wash yours, the longer the down retains loft. Cleaning seasonally or twice per year is usually plenty.
When the wash cycle is complete, wash the comforter again (gentle cycle) with no soap. This 2nd cycle with no soap will help assure that all soap residue is rinsed from the down clusters. Use a gentle non-bleach detergent, such as Le Blanc Downwash or Tide PureClean Liquid (unscented).
Comforters are also inviting to bed bug populations. To control bed bugs on a comforter, put it in your dryer on high heat. This helps by killing eggs, nymphs and adults.
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.
I ALWAYS wash my down comforters in the largest front load washer at a laundromat. Hot water. Extra extraction. Use 2 cups BORAX and a squirt of DAWN dish washing liquid in the wash cycle.
Taking a Down Comforter to the Dry Cleaner
It's important to note that this method tends to be relatively more expensive, with costs typically ranging between $30 and $50 per comforter.
No, unfortunately, they can't last forever. So, how long does a down comforter last? The lifespan of one is anywhere between 10 and 15 years. Once yours degrades, you might as well come to the replacements.
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.
Before washing your down comforter, check your care tag for special instructions. Then add a gentle laundry detergent and the comforter and run on a bulky/sheets cycle. Finish by drying your down comforter on a low-heat setting and repeating until it is fully dry.
You don't want to scorch the down, so low heat or air-fluff settings are always best. The drying time will depend on the size of your comforter and how much water remains inside from the spin cycle. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to fully dry your comforter before you need to go to bed.
Get in line for an XL front-loading machine at your local laundromat and place your comforter inside. 2. Load up the washer. Select the delicate/gentle cycle and add a small amount of mild or all-natural detergent.
While it is technically okay to vacuum seal a down comforter, it's essential to take precautions. Down feathers are designed to trap air, which gives the comforter its warmth and fluffiness. Over-compression can compromise these qualities.
(Always check care label for drying instructions before you start, to make sure that your fabrics can be machine dried, and to check at what temperature.) Follow these tips and you'll soon know exactly how to wash bedding, down jackets and much more. Just be sure to use a quality detergent like Tide.
The Nikwax Down Wash Direct® 300mL is an easy to use, safe, high performance cleaner for down filled clothing and gear. The safe way to thoroughly clean and revitalise insulation, water repellency and breathability. Comes in a 300mL bottle.
A key part of learning how to wash a down comforter is knowing the right wash cycle settings to choose. Using a gentle- or delicate-cycle setting and a minimal amount of mild laundry detergent with your load is the best method for washing a down comforter, pillows, and other down-filled items.