How to Wash Goose Down Comforters in a Washing Machine

Most people think that down comforters can only be dry-cleaned. This is in fact true for some of them. However, most can be machine washed given a large enough washing machine and some care, and will continue to give good bedding service for decades.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Consider whether to wash your down comforter in the first place. Most manufacturers recommend washing a comforter once every 1 to 4 years. If you wash more often than this, you are putting needless wear and tear on your comforter. Spot clean it and then air it out instead.

2. 
    
   Spacemaker washer units like this one are probably too small.

   Check to see if your washing machine is big enough to wash the comforter. If you need to stuff the comforter in, it is too big for your home washing machine and you will need to go to a laundromat.

3. Fill the washing machine with water first, and then add detergent. Even with a big machine, your comforter will fill it up and offer no space for the distribution of detergent, so it needs to be dissolved first.

4. Use stain remover on any spots that look like a short, gentle wash won't be able to handle.

5. Put the comforter in and wash on a gentle cycle.

6. Put the comforter in the dryer with an old stuffed sock. Having that bounce around in the dryer will keep the down evenly distributed, but won't damage the comforter. Run for a 60 minute, low heat cycle. Then lay out the comforter to air dry for the rest, but do not dry it in the sun.

[jrcespedes]

on 9/15/2009 I have to disagree with this article. Do not attempt to clean your comforter at home. Here's what I learned from my failed attempt. First, the weave of the material that holds the feathers in is very tight, maybe even treated with chemicals to make it less permeable. Once water gets in, it stays, like a ballon, maybe it a nightmare to dry. Secondly, downs' bio-design allow it to be an excellent insulater (the reason it holds warmth so well). The same design that allows it to trap heat so effeciently allows it to effeciently trap water also. Yet another reason why it will be so difficult to dry. Finally, down is an organic material. If it is not dried quickly it will begin to decay and starts to smell. There is no way to get this smell out (it would be like trying to clean a decaying animal). I ended up having to throw my comforter out. Do yourself a favor, wait until you...