Comforter Care Guide
The Complete Comforter Care Guide: Tips to Wash, Dry, and Maintain Your Comforter
How often should I wash my comforter? | How to wash a down comforter | How to dry a down comforter| How to wash a down alternative comforter | How to dry a down alternative comforter | Comforter Cleaning FAQs
How often should I wash my comforter?
Comforters only need to be washed once or twice a year if they live inside a duvet cover. Comforters used on their own should be laundered every two or three months. Regular cleaning keeps a comforter fresh and odor-free and removes allergens and dander that accumulate over time. Washing and drying can also extend the life of your comforter by rejuvenating its original softness and shape for maximum comfort.
How to wash a down comforter
If you own a full-size washing machine, it is easy to wash a down comforter at home. All you need is mild soap and our pro cleaning tips below.
- Pretreatment: Stains are inevitable. If you have a question about a bedding stain, we likely have the answer. Check out our Bedding Stain Removal Guide to learn how to treat common bedding stains, from red wine to pet urine to blood.
Washing instructions
- Remove any cover.
- Add 1 tsp of gentle dish soap, such as Dawn. DO NOT USE laundry detergent.
- Select a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Wash with warm or cool water. AVOID HOT WATER, as this can cause fibers to shrink.
- Add an extra rinse cycle to flush out excess soap.
- Run an additional spin cycle to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Promptly remove and start drying once clean.
If you don’t have access to a giant washing machine, your options are to find a local laundromat or professional cleaner. Most laundromats have industrial-sized machines and are less expensive than dry cleaners. Word of warning: if you decide to go to a cleaner, always request your comforter to be laundered and NEVER DRY CLEANED. The harsh chemicals of the dry-cleaning process can ruin down and cut years off its life.
How to dry a down comforter
Drying is the most crucial step in cleaning a down comforter. Being completely dry preserves its intended shape and feel and prevents a moldy smell that will linger if damp. So how do you know when the down is bone dry? Our best tip is to have patience and accept that it may take several hours. When in doubt, give it another spin in the dryer before returning your comforter to the bedroom.
Drying instructions
- Remove the comforter from washer and straighten it. Shake out and flatten any twisting. Place in the dryer as open as possible.
- Add 2-3 large dryer balls or clean tennis balls. These additions will help naturally fluff the down throughout the cycle.
- Select a high-heat cycle.
- Always use a timed dry setting, especially if the dryer has a moisture-detection mode.
- Stop the dryer every 30 minutes to fluff the comforter.
- Run the dryer 2-3 times in a row, gently fluffing the comforter between cycles.
*Don’t rush this step. Trust us when we say the third time really is the charm. Even if your comforter feels dry on the outside, the inside takes several cycles, and it’s worth the wait.
If you don’t own a full-sized washer and dryer, your options are to find a local laundromat or professional cleaner. Most laundromats own industrial-sized machines and are less expensive than a dry cleaner. Word of warning: if you decide to go to a cleaner, always request your comforter to be laundered and NEVER DRY CLEANED. The harsh chemicals of the dry-cleaning process can ruin down and cut years off its life.
How to wash a down alternative comforter
Washing a down alternative comforter is easy to do at home. All you need is a full-sized washing machine and gentle soap or detergent. While the polyester and cotton fill of a down alternative comforter isn’t quite as delicate as down, following our pro tips will help preserve the life of your comforter. Make sure to use the proper settings for the best results:
Washing instructions
- Remove any cover.
- Add 1 tsp of gentle dish soap (such as Dawn) or 2 tbsp of mild detergent (such as Woolite).
- Select a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Wash with warm water. AVOID HOT WATER, as this can cause fibers to shrink.
- Add an extra rinse cycle to flush out excess soap.
- Promptly remove and start drying once clean.
How to dry a down alternative comforter
The best way to dry a down alternative comforter is to tumble dry it on a high heat setting. Air drying takes much longer and lacks the added benefit of fluffing that takes place in the dryer. Follow our pro tips below to dry and restore your down alternative comforter.
Drying instructions:
- Remove the comforter from washer and straighten it. Shake out and flatten any twisting. Place in the dryer as open as possible.
- Add 2-3 large dryer balls or clean tennis balls. These additions will help naturally fluff the down alternative filling throughout the cycle.
- Select a high-heat cycle.
- Always use a timed dry setting, especially if the dryer has a moisture-detection mode.
- Run the dryer 2-3 times in a row, gently shaking between cycles.
*Don’t rush this step. Trust us when we say the third time really is the charm. Even if your comforter feels dry on the outside, the inside takes several cycles, and it’s worth the wait.
Comforter Cleaning FAQs
Can you dry clean a down comforter?
No, a down comforter should never be dry cleaned because the harsh chemicals could ruin the fill. If you use a professional cleaner, ask for the comforter to be washed instead. The best practice for washing is to use a full-sized washer and dryer at home or a laundromat.
Can you bleach a down comforter?
Never use bleach on a down comforter because it can ruin the fibers and reduce the loft and softness. Your comforter may never feel the same and will likely need to be replaced sooner. Check out our stain removal guide to safely pretreat your comforter and return it to its beautiful white state.
How do you get stains out of a white comforter?
We’ve created a stain removal guide to help you treat the most common bedding stains and get your comforter back to new. Our top tips are to pretreat the stain before washing, use a mild solution, and gently blot instead of scrub. Scrubbing forces the stain further into the fibers, making removing it more difficult.
Why does my comforter smell funny after washing?
If your down comforter suddenly smells different after washing, it’s probably not completely dry. Return your comforter to the dryer as soon as you notice and run it for an additional cycle or two.
How do you maintain a comforter?
The best steps to care for and preserve a comforter are:
- Use a duvet cover
- Fluff regularly
- Rotate 180° every few months
- Launder twice a year
How do you fluff a down comforter?
You can easily fluff a comforter by hand or tumble drying on a no-heat or air-fluff setting. To fluff by hand, simply take two corners and give it a few good shakes. Then, look for lumpy sections and massage by hand until they release. Regular fluffing keeps a comforter’s fill well-spaced for even body heat and a better night’s sleep. A well-kept comforter maintains a lofty, plush, and inviting appearance.
When is it time to get a new comforter?
Down comforters last 10-15 years, while down alternative comforters will lose their loft and fluffiness much sooner. A premium down alternative comforter may last for five years. Instead of looking at the calendar, pay attention to the look and feel of your comforter for clues. If you notice flat or clustered sections, especially after fluffing, it may be time to replace your comforter.
Downlite provides quality down comforters, down alternative comforters, and hotel comforters for every bed size and climate. Check out our Comforter Buying Guide to get started. If you want personalized assistance or professional advice, contact our customer service representatives, who will assist you in your decision-making.
