How to Wash Bed Comforters

How you clean your bed comforters will determine their longevity. Check out these tips on how to wash them well and keep them looking and feeling like new.

Things You'll Need

• Comforter
• Soap such as Woolite

Instructions

1. The number one rule is to read the instructions on the tag of the comforter. Different materials require different methods.Goosedown and handmade comforters take special methods. Any warranty is void if you machine wash an item that is supposed to be dry cleaned.

2. Goosedown should be washed in a large (industrial size) washing machine. This requires a trip to a laundrymat. Use detergent that is specifically for down comforters or it will ruin the feathers. Place the wet comforter in a dryer on a very low heat setting with two tennis balls or clean shoes in the dryer with the comforter. It helps with the fluffiness and spread.

3. Handwash fragile comforters by filling a tub with warm water. Add gentle cleaning soap, such as Woolite. Handwash the comfortor carefully and hang to dry. Rotate the comforter a few times to make sure the whole thing gets dry.

4. Everyday comforters can be washed in a large machine at a laundrymat. Add color fade resistant detergent and wash normally. Choose to either machine dry or air dry the comforter, according to your preference.

Tips & Warnings

• Shake out comforters weekly.

• Hang out on a clothesline monthly for airing.

• Do not overwash. Goose down can be washed once per year.

• Dry clean if intructions say so.