How To Wash A Comforter – There is nothing better than getting into a bed with clean linens. However, throwing everything into the washer may not be enough to get everything clean, especially when it comes to comforters. When washing comforters, the upkeep depends on the materials and specific care instructions. Here are some tips on making sure your comforter stays clean and cool all year long.
How To Wash A Comforter
Machine Washing A Comforter
Tips For Washing A Comforter
How Often Should You Wash A Comforter
How To Wash A Polyester Comforter
See The Top Rated Down Alternative Comforter
How To Wash A Comforter – Machine Washing A Comforter
Comforters can be machine washed depending on certain aspects of the bedding.
There is nothing wrong with washing your comforter in your washer provided that it fits well. If not, your local laundromat can do an excellent job of removing all the stains, dirt, and dust mites.
How To Wash A Comforter
Machine Washing A Comforter
Tips For Washing A Comforter
How Often Should You Wash A Comforter
How To Wash A Polyester Comforter
See The Top Rated Down Alternative Comforter
How To Wash A Comforter – Tips For Optimal Washing
The best way to wash a comforter is to ensure you have the appropriate appliances and understand the particular care instructions.
Step 1 – Read the instructions on the care tag. The instructions will determine if your feather comforter should undergo wet-cleaning or dry cleaning [2].
Step 2 – Use the correct water temperature. When washing a down comforter at home, choose cold water. Using hot or warm water can shrink the fabric which you should avoid.
Step 3 – Check the spin speed. When it comes to the wash cycle, choose the fastest rate when washing a down comforter at home to reduce the moisture left behind.
Step 4 – Add the correct soap. Choose a laundry detergent that has no additives to protect your comforter. Avoid using fabric softener as it can affect the quality of your down bedding. Fabric softener can coat the down and ultimately reduce its fluff.
Step 5 – Dry it properly. If your comforter is washed in soapy water, proper drying is crucial. Proper drying can mean popping your comforter in your dryer with dryer balls. Make sure you pay attention to the recommended dryer setting and time suggested. Washing and drying a comforter correctly is necessary to prevent mold from forming. The amount of time spent drying may be long depending on the chosen setting. If you prefer low heat, it will take more than one cycle to dry your comforter.
Step 6 – Air dry your comforter every few months to prevent bacteria and smells from forming.
Step 7 – Store your down comforter safely. Choose a cool and dry place where there is no moisture or light to preserve your bedding.
How To Wash A Comforter – Washing Frequency
If you use a duvet to protect your comforter from dirt and dust mites, you can probably wash your comforter once or twice a year. The duvet cover itself, however, should be washed weekly.
When your comforter is not covered with a duvet, washing should be done every week. If you notice a spill or a stain, immediately treat the stain with a stain remover and wash both the comforter and duvet [1].
Machine vs Dry Cleaning Your Comforter
Experts recommend having feather comforters professionally cleaned. The comforter will be washed in a commercial-sized washing machine, so there is less risk of damage to the material, although shrinkage may occur. The harsh chemicals used in dry cleaning can sometimes damage the feathers, but shrinkage is not an issue.
Check with your dry cleaner if they have washing capabilities. Most importantly, read the care instructions on the label.
How To Wash A Comforter
Machine Washing A Comforter
Tips For Washing A Comforter
How Often Should You Wash A Comforter
How To Wash A Polyester Comforter
See The Top Rated Down Alternative Comforter
Washing A Down Comforter In A Front Loading Washer
A front loading washer is recommended for washing a down comforter. With a front loading washer, damage will not be caused by an agitator.
Step 1 – Load your comforter into the front loading washer.
Step 2 – Add socks with tennis balls inside them, and a mild detergent.
Step 3 – Choose a gentle cycle.
Step 4 – Add an extra rinse cycle.
Step 5 – Turn on your front-load washer, and let it complete the full cycle. If there are still suds present, redo the whole cycle without adding any detergent. Choose the delicate cycle.
Step 6 – Dry your comforter. It is essential to wash and dry the comforter properly to keep it in good shape. Load the bedding in the dryer and spread it out as much as possible.
Step 7 – Add a couple of tennis balls to the dryer, and choose a low heat cycle. Repeat until your comforter is completely dry [4].
How To Wash A Polyester Comforter
Polyester comforters tend to be a bit bulky. Cool or warm water can be used, but the maximum water temperature in which to wash this type of comforter is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything higher can make the fabric wrinkle or shrink.
Step 1 – Stains can be removed with undiluted liquid soap as a pre-treatment. A second wash with detergent will eliminate those stubborn marks.
Step 2 – Every time a cycle finishes, check if there are any stains left.
Step 3 – Load your comforter into the dryer and use the coolest setting. Remove the comforter every 20 minutes to fluff it [5].
How To Wash A Comforter
Machine Washing A Comforter
Tips For Washing A Comforter
How Often Should You Wash A Comforter
How To Wash A Polyester Comforter
See The Top Rated Down Alternative Comforter
How To Wash A Cotton Comforter
The great thing about cotton or synthetic comforters is that they are the easiest to clean.
Step 1 – Use either warm or cold water to wash your comforter and preserve its condition. Pre-soak the comforter if it is badly stained.
Step 2 – Choose a gentle cycle. This cycle washes the fabric without damaging it.
Step 3 – Choose the fluff or gentle cycle to dry the comforter completely. Air drying is also an option.
How To Wash A Comforter
Machine Washing A Comforter
Tips For Washing A Comforter
How Often Should You Wash A Comforter
How To Wash A Polyester Comforter
See The Top Rated Down Alternative Comforter
How To Wash A Bamboo Lyocell Comforter
Organic bamboo lyocell is a sustainable fabric. Bamboo fabrics require minimal effort and water to grow.
Step 1 – Before using your comforter or duvet, wash it to allow for shrinkage. These comforters are typically made oversized to allow for the one-time shrinkage.
Step 2 – Close the duvet prior to laundering to help maintain the zipper.
Step 3 – Wash in cool or warm water using gentle detergent.
Step 4 – Dry on low to medium heat. Remove the comforter immediately to reduce wrinkling. Bamboo comes out of the washer feeling stiff.
Step 5 – Wash the duvet or comforter separate from other items to avoid intense heat [6].
How To Wash A Comforter Conclusion
Some comforters are easier to wash than others depending on their size and fabric. Cleaning a down comforter in the washing machine is not difficult as long as you have access to the proper equipment and are aware of the material rules and restrictions.
How To Wash A Comforter Resources
[1] The Spruce; How Often to Wash Bedding, Sarah Aguirre, October 23, 2017.
[2] Martha Stewart; Bedding Care 101, January 2010.
[3] Pacific Coast; The Ultimate Guide To Washing A Down Comforter.
[4] The Spruce; How to Wash a Down Comforter, Michelle Ullman, March 03, 2018.
[5] Hunker; How to Wash a Polyester Comforter, Lorna Hordos.
[6] Bed Voyage; How to Care for Your Bamboo Bedding.
