What can I put in the dryer with a down comforter?

Author: Belle Miller DVM  |  Last update: Monday, March 24, 2025

To dry a down comforter properly, use a large-capacity dryer on low heat. Add clean tennis balls to prevent clumping and ensure even drying. Check periodically to fluff and redistribute the filling, and avoid direct sunlight, which can damage the fabric and filling.

What can I put in the dryer with my comforter?

I always put my comforter in the dryer with a dry towel or dry light microfiber blanket- seems to really help it get dry more quickly and effectively. Also, rubber spike dryer balls seem to help prevent it from getting clumped damp spots.

What do you put in a dryer with a down coat?

Dry on low heat with tennis balls: After washing your down jacket, place it in the dryer on the lowest heat setting along with three clean tennis balls or dryer balls. The tennis balls will help to fluff up the down and redistribute it evenly throughout the jacket.

What do you dry a down comforter on?

Run the dryer on air fluff or the lowest temperature possible when drying down comforters and like items. Regularly check the dryer to ensure the down isn't getting too warm, as extreme heat can scorch the filling.

How to fluff up a down comforter in the dryer?

What are the steps to fluff a new down comforter? Dry your comforter with 3 clean tennis balls. Throw your comforter in the dryer. Throw the 3 tennis balls in there. Cycle it on low twice. Pick a down comforter one size larger than the duvet cover. Fluff the insert a few times before putting it inside the duvet cover.

Housekeeping Instructions : How to Wash a Down Comforter

How to fix comforter ruined in dryer?

Re-wash With Vinegar: Add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help break down detergent residue and restore softness to the fabric. Tennis Ball Technique: Place clean tennis balls or dryer balls in the dryer with your comforter to help break up clumps and restore fluffiness.

Can you put a down comforter in the washer and dryer?

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.

How to fluff comforter in dryer without tennis balls?

Yes, you can fluff a comforter in the dryer without tennis balls. Use the air fluff or no-heat setting. Add a few clean sneakers or dryer balls instead. Remove every 30 minutes to shake and redistribute the fill.

What detergent for down?

Mild soap: There are dedicated products for outerwear and down—Nikwax Tech Wash and Grangers Down Care Kit are two popular options.

Can bed bugs live in down comforters?

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.

What to use instead of tennis balls in dryer for down jacket?

Here are some alternatives to using tennis balls in the dryer:
  • Smart Sheep wool dryer balls.
  • DIY wool balls.
  • Sheets of foil.
  • Stuffed animals.
  • T-shirt tied into a ball.
  • Plastic dryer balls.
  • Sock balls.

What are dry balls?

Dryer balls are most commonly made of tightly compressed wool, but can also be made of plastic or rubber. They help prevent laundry from clumping together in the dryer by tumbling between layers and separating fabric. This action allows warm air to circulate better which can even help reduce drying time.

How do you make a down jacket fluffy again?

If you've ever felt cold in your jacket or noticed the down is getting clumpy, Morningstar says the best way to fluff and de-clump a puffer jacket is to throw it in the dryer on the lowest heat setting along with two or three clean tennis balls. In about 20–30 minutes your jacket should be nice and puffy again.

How to care for a feather down comforter?

Washing a Down Comforter
  1. Water Temperature– Hot, warm or cold. We prefer cold water because the fabric can shrink up to 8% in hot water.
  2. Spin Speed– Use the fastest speed to take as much moisture out as possible.
  3. Soap– Gentle soap without additives.

How do I make my comforter smell good in the dryer?

To make your laundry smell good, you can use simple tips like adding essential oils to your laundry, using scented dryer sheets, or adding half a glass of white vinegar to your wash cycle.

How many tide pods for comforter?

Wash your comforter with cool water and one laundry detergent pod, using the gentle or delicate cycle. Tumble dry your comforter on a low heat setting, ideally with a few wool dryer balls. Alternatively, you can air-dry your comforter.

What laundry detergent is best for down?

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.

Is tide ok for down?

For puffy jackets, fasten all zippers and empty pockets. Choose a normal wash and spin cycle (unless otherwise noted by the care label), and add detergent like Tide Free & Gentle Liquid.

What is the best substitute for laundry detergent?

Baking Soda + Lemon Juice

Many people know that baking soda and lemon juice are the go-to combinations for many cookies, cocktails, and cakes. However, these two powerful ingredients are also the greenest replacement for laundry detergents.

What to put in a dryer with a comforter?

You can also try tossing a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls into the dryer with your comforter to help fluff it up. Dry it thoroughly: Make sure your comforter is completely dry before storing it.

How to dry a down comforter in the dryer?

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.

Can I fluff my down comforter in the dryer?

Give it a tumble: If okayed by the care label, run your comforter on a heatless “air fluff” cycle. Use a dryer large enough to give your comforter room to tumble and move; you may need to use a commercial dryer at the laundromat.

What detergent is best for a down comforter?

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).

What to do with an old down comforter?

Old down comforters can be repurposed or recycled, reducing waste and giving them a second life. You can donate a down comforter if it's in good condition; several local charities and shelters accept these items.

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