Wash cycle setting: Wash your comforter using a bulky, bedding or delicate wash cycle, and use an extra rinse option. An extra rinse may help wash away additional dirt, pollen, detergent or dust mites.
Yes you absolutely can wash a down comforter. The trick is drying it after the wash.
If your washer doesn't have enough capacity for your comforter, and you want to avoid the dry cleaner or laundromat, hand washing is an option. All you need is a bathtub, laundry detergent, and a place to hang the comforter to dry.
Whether it's an oversized comforter or king-sized pillow, most materials are safe to throw in the wash. But always check the care label instructions to make sure your oversized item is machine washable.
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.
Q: How do I know if my comforter is dryer-safe? A: Check the care label on your comforter. If it says tumble dry, you're good to go! If not, hang it up to air-dry.
Handel recommends a washer with a capacity of at least 4.5 cubic feet, although that might not be large enough for a thick, overfilled comforter. That's why some manufacturers recommend a minimum of 5 cubic feet, which can tackle most king-size coverings. Front-load washers are ideal.
How to Properly Machine Wash Your Comforter. Like dry cleaning, washing a comforter at home takes three to four hours. Machine washing lasts one hour while the drying process requires two to three.
Place the comforter into your washing machine carefully. Whether you have a front-load or top load washer, your comforter needs room to agitate and tumble – it can't get clean otherwise. If you have a top load washer with an agitator, let the comforter fall loosely around the post and try to keep the load balanced.
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.
A slightly oversized comforter is almost always better than one too small. These have been a popular choice in recent years thanks to the thicker, pillow-top mattresses on the market.
Put your duvet into the water and fully submerge it, allowing it to soak. After a minute or two, step into the tub with your bare feet (ensure they're clean first) and start to step on and off the duvet to recreate the cleaning action of a washing machine.
Over washing
Washing on too harsh a cycle can shrink bed linens. So too can washing bedding for too long.
Your comforter needs room to agitate and tumble – it can't get clean otherwise. A large capacity washer is typically one with at least 5.0 cu. ft. capacity and a large capacity dryer features at least 7.0 cu.
It's important to note that this method tends to be relatively more expensive, with costs typically ranging between $30 and $50 per comforter.
When washing a comforter, it's important to check the care instructions for temperature guidance. Typically, for down or down-alternative comforters, use cold water to protect the filling and prevent clumping, shrinkage, or fading. On the other hand, cotton and synthetic comforters can be washed in warm water.
Generally, it's best to use a gentle cycle with lukewarm water, and an extra rinse setting can help ensure a thorough clean. Of course, adjust these settings based on the comforter material (down, synthetic, etc.) and the manufacturer's care instructions.
Luckily, there's an easy fix—take your comforter to a laundromat. Laundromats have bigger machines that are perfect for comforters, giving them a deep clean and drying them much faster, saving you time and trouble.
Comforters. How often should you wash your comforter? Assuming no spills or excess dirt sully your comforter, and the comforter does not have a protective duvet, try to wash it every one to two months. If the comforter does have a duvet, you'll be okay to clean it a few times a year.
Washing Your Comforters Set
After washing, thoroughly dry the comforter to prevent mildew. Place it in a large dryer with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to fluff up the feathers. Set the dryer to low heat and run it for several hours, checking periodically for even drying.
Comforters: Instead of lugging your king-sized comforter to a laundromat, you can wash it in any washer with a claimed capacity of at least 4.5 cubic feet, according to our tests.
Sheets, Comforters, and Towels should be washed separately for the following reasons: Material Weight: Different material thickness means sharing a wash cycle can cause damage! Different Material: Pilling can be prevented by washing with similar materials and textures.