How to Wash Down Comforters

Down comforters can provide great warmth. But when cleaning time comes, washing a down comforter can end up a disaster -- or it can turn out wonderfully. Learn how to wash your down comforter and keep it looking and feeling brand new.

Things You'll Need

• Washer
• Dryer (with "delicate drying" option)
• Detergent
• Two tennis balls

Instructions

Washing Your Down Comforter

1. Remember to remove any duvet covers that you have on your down comforter. You can set those aside for washing at a later time. Make sure that your washing machine is able to handle your size of comforter. If not, you might be able to find a washer at a local laundromat that is.

2. Once you have your down comforter loaded in the washer, you will want to use the following settings: "hand wash" and "extra rinse." If you do not have an "extra rinse" option, you can proceed with washing your down comforter and set the machine for another run on just the "rinse" cycle. Follow the directions for your laundry detergent and keep in mind that, when it comes to down comforters, less is more.

3. After the "wash" cycle is complete, check your down comforter. You will want to make sure that it is free of detergent. Again, you can set the washer to complete another "rinse" cycle if necessary.

4. After your "wash" cycle is complete, it is now time to dry your down comforter.

Drying your Down Comforter

1. First and foremost, make sure that your dryer can handle your size of down comforter. If not, you might want to look into dry cleaning or taking the comforter to a laundromat.

2. Once you are ready to dry your comforter, load it into the dryer. Do not use any fabric softener sheets. This will only degrade the filling and natural oils of the down comforter. Add two tennis balls into your dryer as well. This will help to beat the down comforter as it is drying, so that it does not develop lumps while drying.

3. Set your dryer to the "delicate drying" setting. You can also use the lowest heat setting on your dryer as well. The tennis balls should do a great job in fluffing up the comforter, but performing periodic checks allows you to gauge the results and see if any human intervention is necessary.

4. When the drying cycle is finished, check the comforter and make sure it is 100 percent dry. If it isn't, you can repeat the drying steps again. Or you may want to line dry/air dry the comforter until it is completely dry.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep your down comforter looking new, try to always use a duvet cover. Not only will it look great, but you can easily change styles.

• Try to avoid sitting on your down comforter or lying down on it for extended periods of time. This will only damage the down filling.

• If you have a queen-size or king-size comforter, find a washer and a dryer that can handle it. Otherwise you are going to wind up with a lumpy comforter.

• If you find that your dryer might not be able to handle your down comforter, you can hang it out to dry on a nice sunny day, making sure to "beat" the comforter to prevent it from getting lumpy.

• Always check the labels on your down comforter. They should tell you the desired method of washing.

• If the care instructions call for having the item professionally dry cleaned, then stick to the directions.

• Do not wash your down comforter too often. Most manufacturers recommend washing it every 3 to 5 years.