Can you wash down comforters in washing machine

Always read and follow any specific instructions on the tag of the item you'll be washing. Before laundering, check for worn stitching or holes, and repair with small fine stitches to avoid losing any down stuffing during the laundering process. Before washing a down comforter or pillow, check for tough stains such as blood or urine. These stains are best treated with an enzymatic cleaner.

Color-safe bleach can be used on stains caused by water or food. Pull the cover of the comforter or pillow away from the down while spot-treating stains to keep the cleaning product from damaging the down.

Once the stain is removed, your down item is ready to be laundered. Use a gentle- or delicate-cycle setting and a minimal amount of mild laundry detergent with your load. Choose lukewarm water, as hot or cold water can be hard on the down. An extra rinse cycle can help ensure all soap is removed from the down.

There are also specialty laundry detergents made specifically for washing sleeping bags, down comforters, and other down-filled items. You can often find these detergents available online and at outdoor retailers. To keep the down from bunching, put a pair of clean white canvas shoes laces removed or a sock stuffed with two tennis balls secured with a knot in the machine with the comforter or pillows.

This addition will also gently agitate soil from the items being washed. Editor's Tip: If you've finished washing a down jacket or pillow and it still stinks, don't worry; you didn't miss a step in how to wash a down comforter or how to wash a down jacket. Down bears a distinctive odor when wet. The odor will dissipate when the down dries. After the wash is complete, load your comforter, pillows, or other down items into a dryer large enough to give them plenty of room. Run the dryer on air fluff or the lowest temperature possible.

Stop the dryer periodically and break up any lumps that form in the comforter or pillow. Make sure that the down is not getting too warm as extreme heat can scorch the down. Repeat if necessary, and then begin the washing process.

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Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Project Overview. How Clean and Care for a Heavy Comforter. Featured Video. Materials Gentle laundry detergent 2 clean socks, each with a tennis ball knotted inside Fabric softener sheets optional. Washing a down comforter or duvet can take longer than you think. Bring a book or another activity to the laundromat to keep yourself occupied for a few hours.

Take advantage of laundry day to also wash your mattress pad and bed skirt. Down is meant to be washed over and over again, so don't worry about cleaning your bedding too much. Show Full Article. Your Privacy Rights. With a wash every now and then, your down comforter will stay beautiful and warm for a long time. Lucky for you, care is easy. Your Cart : 0. Flash Sale Early Black Friday. Want to Save? Do it yourself or dry cleaner? Water Temperature — Hot, warm or cold.

Optional: Whitening — Use non-chlorine bleach Fabric Softener — Not recommended because it will coat the down and reduce its fluff. Pin these care tips for future use. Drying a Down Comforter for Success. Heat — Hot, warm or low; your choice Dry time — Be patient, on low heat it will take multiple cycles depending on your machines. You want it to be completely dry to prevent mold Dryer Sheets — Ok to use for freshness Line Drying — Not recommended due to risk of damp spots and clumps No ironing or steaming.

A Note About Agitators Washing a down comforter in a machine with an agitator is a little trickier because the comforter can get wrapped around the agitator and tear the fabric, creating a big mess. Our recommended washing frequency:.