How to Clean a Feather Bed

Contrary to popular opinion, it isn't always necessary to dry clean a feather bed or down bedding. Besides an occasional airing-out to keep the bed fresh, it should be cleaned approximately once a year.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid Detergent
• tennis balls or clean tennis shoes

Instructions

1. Carefully read the care label on the bed or comforter. It should indicate whether the bed can be washed or should be dry-cleaned.

2. Before washing, check for tears in the fabric. The process of washing could cause the feathers to "explode" out of the cover.

3. Use a large-capacity washer.

4. Select the cold-water wash cycle and use liquid detergent.

5. Tumble dry low or medium in a large-capacity dryer. Toss in a few tennis balls or a clean tennis shoe to keep the down fluffy.

6. Remove bedding from the dryer several times during the drying process and shake out, then return to dryer. Drying may take several hours.

7. Remove the bedding from the dryer as soon as it is dry. Be sure it is completely dry before putting it back on the bed. Wet feathers can rot.

8. To keep a feather bed fresh between cleanings, hang it out in the air and sunshine for a day.

Tips & Warnings

• You also can hand-wash a feather bed or down comforter in the bathtub. Be advised that the bed will be extremely heavy once it is wet.

• Check to see if the store you bought the bed from offers feather bed cleanings. A complete renovation should be done approximately every five years and should be done by a feather bed dealer.

• Protect your feather bed or down comforter with a feather-bed cover or duvet cover.

• Using a front-loading washer makes it easier to remove the item after it has been washed.

• Never try to wash a feather bed or comforter that has a Dry Clean Only label.