A down comforter is a wonderful investment for restful sleep – light, cozy, warm and breathable. But sooner or later the question arises: How do I get my down comforter clean again? Many people are reluctant to wash their high-quality comforter themselves for fear of it getting lumpy or damaged. However, with the right procedure, you can easily clean your down comforter at home and maintain its quality for years to come. Here you can find out what is important when washing down comforters.
When is cleaning necessary?
A down comforter does not need to be washed as often as bed linen, for example. As a rule of thumb, a thorough cleaning every two to three years is usually sufficient if you use a comforter cover. However, there are signs that make earlier cleaning necessary: Stains, unpleasant odors or if the comforter has lost significant fluffiness. People with house dust allergies benefit from more frequent washing as this reduces mites and allergens.
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It is often sufficient to air the blanket regularly between washes. Hang it outside for a few hours on a dry, not too sunny day. This refreshes the down and allows moisture that has accumulated overnight to escape.
The right preparation and washing method
Before you get down to business, first check the care label of your down comforter. Most modern down comforters are machine washable, but there are differences in the recommended washing temperatures and care instructions.
For machine washing, you need a sufficiently large washing machine – for a single comforter at least 7 kg capacity, for a double comforter preferably 9 kg or more. If your machine is too small, the down comforter cannot be rinsed properly and may not get clean.
Choose a special down detergent that preserves the natural oils in the feathers. Do not use fabric softener, as this sticks the down together and impairs its insulating effect. Wash the comforter at a maximum of 40 degrees on a gentle cycle and add two to three clean tennis balls or special drying balls. These will prevent the filling from clumping together.
The drying process: you should avoid this mistake
Drying is the most important step in caring for your down comforter. If dried incorrectly, even a perfectly washed comforter can become lumpy or moldy. You should only spin-dry the comforter briefly and at low speed so as not to damage the quills.
The best method is to tumble dry at a low temperature. Here too, tennis balls or drying balls help to loosen the down. The drying process takes considerably longer than for normal washing – allow two to three hours, or longer for thicker comforters. Interrupt the process several times to fluff up the comforter and distribute the down evenly.
Drying a down comforter without a dryer
If you don’t have a tumble dryer, lay the comforter flat on a washing rack and turn it regularly. Air drying can take several days. Important: Make sure that the blanket is completely dry before you use it again, as residual moisture can lead to mold growth.
With these tips, your down comforter will stay fresh and fluffy for a long time – for many more nights of restful sleep under your clean, cozy comforter.
Source: utopia
