How to Wash a Down Comforter

Down comforters are luxuriously fluffy and soft. They are comforting on a cold winters night and and will make you sleep like a baby as they surround you in a mound of softness. You should take special care when washing your favorite down comforter. Items made with feathers requires special laundry steps. Below are a few tips for washing and drying your down piece.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   The first step in washing a down comforter is to evaluate the
   size of the comforter compared to your washing machine. If
   the comforter is a twin size, a regular size household washing
   machine should be able to accommodate it. Larger size comforters are
   big and bulky and may require a larger washing machine. As well down is heavy even when it is dry but when wet is is extremely heavy and quite possible could break the belt on a regular washing machine. Therefore larger pieces may require a large capacity washer. Most laundromats have such large capacity washers that you can use for $2 to $3 dollars.

2. Check the label on the comforter for suggested wash temperatures. Most down pieces should be washed in warm not hot water. Once you have filled the washer with water you will need to push the comforter under the water. Down has a tendency to float on top of water.

3. 
   Tide 2X Laundry detergent

   Most detergents work well as long as they are not overly harsh. Tide seems to both clean well and leave the down smelling nice.

4. 
   Snuggle liquid fabric softener

   Use a liquid fabric softener for added softness and freshness. Snuggle is a great choice. It smells wonderful and leaves fabric feeling super soft.

5. 

   When drying the down comforter set your dryer on low heat. It helps of you throw three of four tennis balls in the dryer as well. The tennis balls will bounce around and help prevent balling and knotting. They help to ensure even drying and added fluff.