We always consider many aspects before purchasing a comforter, such as materials, price, patterns and so on. How to wash a comforter is one of the most important things we will consider. A comforter doesn’t get as dirty as other bedding, but they can harbor bacteria that can affect sleep.
In this article, we will show you:
*Can we wash a comforter at home
*How to wash a down comforter at home
*How to wash a down alternative comforter at home
*How often should you wash your comforter
Can we wash a comforter at home?
Most comforters can be washed at home. A washing machine with enough capacity can effectively wash most comforters deemed machine washable. If you don't have a large-capacity washer, head to your local laundromat. A smaller household washer could compress and distort the filler. And remember to check the comforter tag which will say if it can be washed by washing machine or dried by an air dryer.
How to wash a down comforter at home?
Down comforters are filled with feathers sourced from duck or geese underbellies, so usually they are more expensive. Washing them well is an intimidating task.
Step 1: Read the tag of the comforter to confirm if it can be washed at home. Some materials, such as wool or silk, can be damaged in the washer, and are best left to the professionals.
Step 2: Check for stains. If your comforter has stains, you may need to pre-treat them with a down-safe detergent or stain-removing solution firstly.
Step 3: Insert the comforter into washing machine. Place the comforter into your washing machine carefully. The comforter needs enough capacity to agitate and tumble, or it can’t get clean.
Step 4: Add detergent. Add a small amount of mild, fragrance-free detergent to the washer drum or detergent drawer. Do not use any type of fabric softener. It can damage the feathers.
Step 5: Select wash cycle. Comforters should generally be washed on a bulky or bedding cycle using cool or warm water. If your washing machine allows, select the extra rinse option to help ensure that all of the detergent residue is removed from the down comforter.
Step 6: Dry the down comforter. Read the care tag to determine the right dry settings. Place the comforter in an automatic dryer with several wool dryer balls. Dry on low heat and remove it from the dryer every 15 minutes to manually break up any clumps of feathers. Repeat until the comforter is dry.
Step 7: Air-Dry. If you do not have an automatic dryer, spread the comforter over a drying rack. Place it in a warm room and add a circulating fan to speed drying. Fluff the comforter often to break up clumps and turn it frequently for even drying.
How to wash a down alternative comforter at home?
Down alternative comforters are filled with several natural or synthetic materials that emulates the feel of down without sourcing materials from animals, so it is easier to wash them.
Step 1: Read the tag of the comforter to confirm if it can be washed by washing machine at home.
Step 2: Check and pretreat for stains.
Step 3: Add detergent and vinegar. Add your regular detergent to the drum or distribution drawer of the washer, no more than 2 teaspoons. Pour 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar into the fabric softener distribution drawer or add it during the final rinse to help remove any detergent residue.
Step 4: Set the wash cycle. Select the gentle cycle and cold or warm water setting on the washer. And make sure there are enough space to move through the water for the comforter.
Step 5: Dry the down comforter. You can dry the comforter in an automatic dryer with a few wool dryer balls or hang the comforter from a clothesline or drape it over a drying rack. If air-drying, shift and fluff the comforter every few hours to help redistribute the filling fibers.
How often should you wash your comforter?
When to wash your comforter depends on how frequently it comes into direct contact with you. If you use a duvet cover or blanket on your comforter, the cover or blanket should be washed frequently, while washing your comforter 2-4 times per year should be enough. If you use your comforter seasonally, it’s recommended you wash the comforter before and after each storage.
Conclusion:
A clean comforter isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity for a good night’s sleep and a healthier living space. A proper washing way will help you keep it longer.