How to Wash a Down Comforter Safely at Home Like A Pro

There are many benefits of owning down comforters. Besides the obvious enjoyment of sleeping under a lightweight, soft, and warm cloud of comfort, perhaps the biggest benefit to down comforters is in washing them. Washing a down comforter at home may seem daunting at first, but it is more simple than you think. By following the steps and guidelines below, you will be able to learn how to wash a down comforter at home, like a pro, in no time.

What is a down comforter? 

A down comforter, also called a duvet, is a type of bed covering filled with down feathers, typically from ducks or geese. They are favorable due to their lightweight and soft material that keeps you warm at night without the feeling of heaviness. While quality brands of down comforters can be expensive, they are definitely worth the investment if maintained properly. Knowing how to clean a down comforter properly can help your comforter last up to 20 years. Using a duvet cover can also help preserve the down comforter’s lifespan and there are many stylish options to choose from.

How to Wash a Down Comforter at Home– The Complete Guide

While it is often recommended to get your down comforter professionally cleaned, it’s easy, and cheaper, to wash your down comforter at home. Washing your comforter at home also ensures that it will not be dry cleaned as this can damage the feathers. However, if you do not have a washing machine that is large enough for the comforter to fit in, it is probably best to head to a local laundry mat. If the comforter does not have enough room to agitate and tumble, it is not properly cleaned. 

Supplies:

• Washing machine (large enough that the comforter does not fill the machine fully)
• Gentle laundry detergent with no additives 
• Dryer

Proper Steps to Wash a Down Comforter:

1. Remove the duvet cover and check for stains

If there are large stains on the comforter, it is best to treat the stains first. Wet the stained area and treat with a mild detergent. Pat the stain with a damp cloth until the stain is gone.

2. Insert comforter and add detergent

Make sure that your comforter takes up only ¾ of your washing machine. Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent without additives.

3. Select wash cycle

It is best to wash your comforter in cold water to prevent shrinkage, although refer to your specific comforter’s care tag. If available, select the bulky/sheets cycle on your washing machine but if not, wash on the delicate cycle and select the fastest spin speed (to take as much moisture out as possible).

4. Dry– with patience

Again, check your comforter’s care tag for specificities, however it is usually best to dry your down comforter on the low heat/tumble setting. Be patient as your comforter can take multiple cycles to dry on low heat. If you choose, you can take the comforter out in between drying cycles and shake it out. Make sure the comforter is dry completely before ending the cleaning process. 

Tips For Washing and Caring for Your Down Comforters

• Whitening products are okay to use, as long as the bleach is non-chlorine 

• Fabric Softener is not recommended 

• Dryer sheets or dryer balls are okay but do not line dry, iron, or steam

• Care for your comforter daily by giving it a shake and fluffing it when you make your bed

• Using a duvet cover reduces the need to wash your down comforter as frequently

How Often Should You Wash a Down Comforter?

It is generally recommended to wash your down comforter every two years. However if you have a duvet cover, you can take it off and wash that separately as needed. Small stains can be treated with spot cleaning as well to extend the time between washing cycles. Overall, it is recommended to wash down comforters every 3-5 years with a duvet cover and every two years without a duvet cover.  My Worthy Home has a versatile selection of duvet covers to help preserve the lifespan of your down.

How Should You Store a Down Comforter? 

To protect your investment, it is recommended to keep your down comforter in a cloth bag to prevent any moisture or odor buildup. Storing your down comforter in this way increases its breathability, but make sure it is not compressed, or pushed down to ensure it stays fluffy. A cotton laundry bag works just as well.

FAQs

Can I wash my down comforter in the washer? 

Yes! As long as your washing machine has enough room, you can safely wash your down comforter in the washer. Refer to the guidelines above to follow the simple steps.

Can you wash down pillows?

Yes, down pillows can be washed and dried safely. Be sure to refer to the same guidelines as washing a down comforter to preserve the down by using a gentle detergent and avoiding soap with additives. 

How do you clean a goose down comforter?

The cleaning process of a goose down comforter is the same as cleaning any down comforter. Whether it is a goose or duck down, the cleaning process remains the same.

Can you wash a down comforter with the duvet cover on it?

It is best to separate the down comforter from the duvet during the washing process as this ensures a more proper clean of the down as well as its cover.

As you can see, there are only four steps to cleaning your down comforter at home. It is simple and cost effective. After a few cycles, you’ll be washing your down comforter like a pro. Be sure to check out My Worthy Home’s selection of laundry products to enjoy the process of washing your down comforter while you’re doing it.

Whether you’re looking for trendy rug runners for your laundry room or a wicker laundry basket, check out My Worthy Home’s website for your laundry needs.