How to Wash a Down Duvet or Comforter
Since down comforters and duvets are fluffy and bulky, it is a good idea to use a large, front-loading washing machine. This gives you easy access to the bedding and ensures there is plenty of room in the washer. In addition, top loading washing machines have agitators in the middle of the washing chamber, which wreak havoc on fine down linens. If you have a small washer, you may want to consider taking your down duvet or comforter to the laundromat, which typically have large front-loading washing machines for your use.
- Wash Prep - Before washing, check your bed linens for any stains, tears, or other unsightly issues. Be sure to look for loose feathers, which usually indicates the fabric has a hole in it. Simply stitch any tears with a needle and a matching thread color. In addition, this is the time to spot-clean any stains on the bedding to prepare for washing.
- Be Gentle - When laundering your fine bedding, always use the gentle cycle on your washing machine. You should use warm water and select a mild laundry detergent, but do not use a fabric softener, as it will coat the down feathers and reduce the fluffiness of the comforter or duvet. When loading your comforter in the washer, gently press down on it to ensure the entire comforter is submerged in the water as much as possible so that it gets properly cleaned.
- Down Comforter Yellowing – Yellowing of a down comforter is normal. If you are wondering how to whiten a yellowing down comforter, it is simple. If your down bedding is white, simply add a small amount of non-chlorine bleach to the load for great results.
- Rinse Twice – Using the rinse cycle twice when washing your down duvet and comforter is a great idea. This ensures that all of the laundry detergent has been removed from the down feathers. Clean down feathers equal a fluffy comforter.
Can You Put a Down Duvet or Comforter in the Dryer?
While it is an excellent idea to air dry down bedding in the sun, your down duvet and comforter can also be put in your home dryer with no issues. Make sure to use the low heat setting on the dryer. This will ensure there is no shrinking of your luxury down bedding. It is also a good idea to stop the drying cycle to rearrange and fluff the duvet cover from time to time. Make sure that the duvet or comforter is drying evenly and knead and shake them as needed to even out the down before resuming the drying cycle. Dryer balls or even a sock-covered tennis ball in the dryer with the bedding will help break up the clumps of feathers as they dry and also speed the drying process. The entire drying process may last anywhere from four to ten hours, depending on your drying method and settings.
How Often Can You Wash a Down Comforter?
Luxury down comforters and duvet covers are truly low maintenance, which we adore. It is recommended that down comforters only be washed every couple of years, and if you choose a high-quality down duvet cover, every three to five years is suggested. In addition, to keep your down comforter and duvet looking and feeling brand new, be sure to shake it out and fluff it every day when you make your bed. This gives the down a steady air flow, so it continues to loft.
Should I Dry Clean My Down Comforter or Duvet?
While you might consider having your luxury down bedding dry-cleaned, that is typically not recommended at all unless it specifically indicates so in the care instructions of your down duvet or comforter. The harsh chemicals in the detergents are not a good match for the down filling, so be sure to check the label for proper care.
It is a wonderful idea, though, to consider having your down comforters and duvets professionally laundered from time to time. Not to be confused with dry cleaning, professional laundering means that your dry cleaner will wash the down comforter or duvet in a commercial-sized washing machine. This is a great way to have your luxury down bedding cleaned to ensure that it will be taken care of with no damage.