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.
If it's safe to machine wash, pretreat any stains (if necessary) and remove excess debris. Then, select the correct temperature and cycle settings for the washing machine. Finally, dry your comforter in the dryer on low or no heat, and hang it to air dry after the cycle completes until completely dry.
One of the reasons to air dry rather than machine dry is that air drying will ensure a more even distribution of the down, while machine drying will sometimes cause clumping. Air drying also allows you the possibility of washing your comforter if the comforter's care tag prohibits machine drying.
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.
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.
Air it out: On a sunny day with low humidity, hang your comforter outside. The fresh air and break from lying flat will do it good. Do this monthly, seasonally, or annually—it's up to you. Give it a tumble: If okayed by the care label, run your comforter on a heatless “air fluff” cycle.
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).
Front-loading washing machines without agitators work best for cleaning a down comforter. King and queen comforters need washing machines with an extra-large capacity, while twin-size comforters tend to be okay in a full-capacity machine.
This can be a normal condition, depending on the size, and weight of the material of the comforter. Heavy / dense comforters do not tumble as a normal load of clothes would. It may be necessary to remove the comforter and reposition, and then add additional drying time.
So, the question is why my feather/down Duvet or pillow smell after cleaning? Well, this happens when the duvet or pillow is not dried properly. They smell like “musty”. In commercial equipment, there are sensors that detect the level of humidity and then stop the drying when the sensor feels it is dry.
You'll know your down comforter is completely dry when it feels light and fluffy, like before you put it in the washing machine. There should be no heavy spots or clumps of down in the comforter.
It's important to note that this method tends to be relatively more expensive, with costs typically ranging between $30 and $50 per comforter.
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.
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.
Pre-Soak with Baking Soda: Dissolve 1 cup of baking soda in warm water, and soak the comforter for 1-2 hours. Add Vinegar in the Wash Cycle: During the wash cycle, add ½ cup of white vinegar to brighten the fabric. Avoid using other cleaners in combination with vinegar, as it can lead to unwanted reactions.
If you choose to air-dry your comforter, lay it flat on a drying rack or a clean, flat surface. Avoid hanging it on a clothesline or drying it in direct sunlight, as the heat can damage the down filling. If you live in a humid area, your comforter may take several days to dry completely.
Drain and Spin
Temperature: N/A. Average cycle time: 10 mins. The Drain and Spin cycle does not use any water. Instead, it uses a rapid spin speed to help quickly dry hand-washed clothes, soaking wet items and heavier fabrics. This cycle is also designed to drain your washer after a canceled load or interrupted cycle.
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.
Mites multiply quickly in high humidity and can take up residence in sheets and blankets in a matter of days. Wash your bedding (including comforters and duvet covers) weekly in hot water and use a hot dryer. It is not necessary to replace them with new linens. But if you'd rather start fresh, spring for new pillows.
Place your comforter in a large capacity dryer. Add a few clean tennis balls wrapped in white socks. The tennis balls will help break up clumps as the comforter tumbles. Use a low heat setting and check every 15-20 minutes.
A comforter or duvet insert isn't subject to the same direct contact as sheets and blankets, so people often get the most mileage out of this bedding item. The best quality down comforters can last up to twenty years, while down alternative comforters have a shorter life expectancy—about five to ten years.
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.
Choose the Right Detergent
Woolite and other gentle detergents are good options for cleaning a down comforter. In addition to selecting the appropriate detergent, you need consider the water temperature and cycle you use. To avoid damaging the down filling, wash on a delicate cycle with warm water.