Cleaning down pillows, comforters, and other down-filled items is essential, but it’s often overlooked. Many people wonder if washing a down comforter is possible. While these items can be bulky, most down bedding and jackets can be washed at home in a washing machine. Manufacturers recommend cleaning down items infrequently, typically every three to five years, so it’s not a frequent task.
When you decide to clean your down items, follow these steps to ensure the best results for washing and drying down comforters, feather pillows, sleeping bags, and jackets.
Can I Wash Down Comforters and Pillows at Home?
Comforters designed for full-, queen-, and king-size beds are often too large for standard-size home washing machines. To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to use a large-capacity front-loading washing machine, such as the ones found at a local laundromat. On the other hand, down pillows are typically small enough to be laundered in your washing machine at home, making it the more convenient option, especially if you have a front-loading machine. However, if you happen to have a top-loader, it’s advisable to use the laundromat’s front-loading machines instead. Agitators in top-loading machines can be rough on delicate down items, and the front-loading machines provide a gentler wash for them.
How to Wash Down Pillows and Comforters
Always read and follow any specific instructions on the tag of the down item you plan to wash. Before laundering, carefully inspect the item for any worn stitching or holes. If you find any, make sure to repair them with small, fine stitches to prevent the loss of down stuffing during the washing process.
Before washing a down comforter or pillow, it’s essential to check for tough stains, such as blood or urine. For these types of stains, it’s best to use an enzymatic cleaner. For stains caused by water or food, a color-safe bleach can be used. When spot-treating stains, pull the cover of the comforter or pillow away from the down to prevent the cleaning product from damaging the delicate down filling. Once the stains are effectively treated and removed, your down item is ready to be laundered.
What Is the Best Wash Cycle for Down Comforters and Other Down-Filled Items?
When washing down-filled items such as comforters or pillows, use a gentle or delicate cycle setting on your washing machine. Add a minimal amount of mild laundry detergent to the load, and opt for lukewarm water as extreme temperatures can be harsh on the delicate down. Including an extra rinse cycle can help ensure that all soap residues are thoroughly removed from the down. Additionally, there are specialty laundry detergents designed specifically for washing down comforters, sleeping bags, and other down-filled items. You can find these detergents online or at outdoor retailers.
To prevent the down from clumping together during washing, add a pair of clean white canvas shoes (with laces removed) or a sock filled with two tennis balls (securely knotted) into the washing machine with the comforter or pillows. This addition will also help gently agitate soil from the items being washed.
Editor’s Tip: If you notice a distinct odor after washing a down jacket or pillow, don’t worry; you haven’t missed a step in the washing process. Wet down can emit a particular odor that will dissipate once the down is dry.
How to Dry Down Items
Once the washing cycle is finished, transfer your down comforter, pillows, or other down-filled items to a dryer with ample space. To aid in fluffing the down and ensuring even distribution, include a pair of tennis balls in a sock or wool dryer balls in a sock. These items will help maintain the loft of the down and prevent it from clumping together during the drying process.
What Is the Best Dryer Setting for Items with Down?
Set the dryer to the air fluff or the lowest temperature setting available. During the drying process, pause the dryer periodically to break up any lumps that may form in the comforter or pillow. It’s essential to ensure that the down is not subjected to extreme heat, as it can scorch the delicate fibers. Expect the drying process to take around three to four hours.
To prevent mildew from forming, only remove the down item from the dryer when it is completely dry. If the item is still slightly damp, take advantage of a warm, breezy day and lay it out on a clothesline to further dry the down. Leave the comforter or pillow outside for a few weeks to ensure all moisture has evaporated completely. If you plan to store the comforter, wrap it in a cotton sheet before putting it away to help maintain its freshness.
How Often to Wash Down-Filled Items
To minimize the frequency of washing your down comforter, consider adding a duvet cover to protect it from oils and dirt. Using a flat sheet underneath the duvet-covered comforter provides an additional layer of defense against body oils and dirt. If you opt for a duvet cover without a flat sheet, wash it once a week. However, if you use a flat sheet, washing the duvet cover once or twice a year should be sufficient.
Pillow protectors and covers can offer extra protection against stains and dust mites. Many covers come with zippers, making it easy to encase the pillow and remove it for washing. These covers, often made from cotton or cotton-polyester blends, safeguard down pillows from stains and dirt. To maintain cleanliness, launder the pillowcase weekly. A few times a year, take your down comforter or pillows outside on a warm, breezy day. Lay them flat in the sun for two to three hours to freshen them up before returning them to your home.
Always start the cleaning process by referring to the manufacturer’s care tag for specific instructions. Armed with this knowledge and these helpful tips, you’ll be well-prepared to handle all your down-filled items, from washing a down jacket and cleaning a duvet to caring for feather pillows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my down comforter is completely dry?
You can tell that your down comforter is completely dry when it feels light and fluffy, just like it did before you put it in the washing machine. There should be no heavy spots or clumps of down in the comforter.
How long should a down comforter last?
With normal use and proper care, a down comforter should last between 10 and 15 years. It’s time to consider replacing it when the down starts to flatten or leak out of the covering.