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How to Dry Clean a Bed Comforter

Melissa Lewis

Professionally dry cleaning a comforter with the instructions “Dry Clean Only” a couple times a year will keep it clean, fresh, and in good condition for many years. Dry cleaning yourself at home comes with some potential hazards, such as scorching or shrinking the fabric or filling.

Dry clean your bed comforter at home.

However, if your comforter is not an heirloom, not expensive, and replaceable, the convenience and money saved by dry cleaning it yourself may be worth the risk. Most home dry cleaning kits work similarly, but always follow the directions on the label for proper use.

  1. Purchase a do-it-yourself dry cleaning kit. Home dry cleaning kits have specially designed moist cloths that steam clean fabrics in the clothes dryer.

  2. Put the bed comforter in the dry cleaning bag that came with the kit, unfold one of the dry cleaning cloths, and place it in the bag with the comforter. Zip up the bag. The comforter should be loose and free, not folded in the bag. The bag should be only half full, so if the bag is too small, put the comforter straight into the dryer, but use two dry cleaning cloths instead of one.

  3. Stick the bag (or comforter with two unfolded cloths) in the dryer and tumble dry on medium heat for 30 minutes. If your dryer is too small for your comforter, go to a laundromat and use one of the larger dryers. The dryer should have enough room for the comforter to tumble.

  4. When you take the comforter out of the dryer, the comforter should be slightly damp. If it is too wet, put it back in the dryer for another five minutes. Hang up your comforter to dry completely, such as over a clothesline, railing, shower rod, or a couple of chairs, before putting it back on your bed.

  5. Throw away the dry cleaning cloths. They are not reusable. Save the bag. It is reusable.

The Drip Cap

  • Professionally dry cleaning a comforter with the instructions “Dry Clean Only” a couple times a year will keep it clean, fresh, and in good condition for many years.
  • Purchase a do-it-yourself dry cleaning kit.
  • The bag should be only half full, so if the bag is too small, put the comforter straight into the dryer, but use two dry cleaning cloths instead of one.