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. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Consider whether to wash your down comforter in the first place. Most manufacturers recommend washing a comforter once every one to four 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.
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Check to see whether 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.
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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.
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Use stain remover on any spots that look like a short, gentle wash won't be able to handle.
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Put the comforter in and wash on a gentle cycle.
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Put the comforter in the dryer with an old stuffed sock. Having the sock 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 the rest of the way, but do not dry it in the sun.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
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Comments
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I did it! Comforter said Dry Clean Only and my dog had an accident on it, so, I figured I'll try washing it in the washer if it falls apart I'll buy another. Pre treated with 'Shout", then put in front loader washer with 1 tbs. Tide with bleach and Oxy Clean. Washed in warm water, cool rinse and added a second rinse, on Delicate cycle. Dried in dryer on Med taking it out, readjusting it and back in dryer for about 3 cycles and, Walah! Came out sparkling white, beautiful, fluffy clean all spots are gone. Who knew? No need to buy a new one now.
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momhere
Dec 27, 2010
i always wash my down except i haven't tried pillows yet
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jrcespedes
Sep 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...
