How to Wash a Down Comforter
During a cold night, the down comforter is a good item to have. Its soft and fluffy surface provides much comfort, keeping the body warm for the entire night. You can even use it as a mattress, since it is quite thick. Given its convenient features, the comforter suddenly becomes discomforting when it comes to the laundry. Good thing there are strategies available to make the job less agonizing.
Step 1: Purchase A Large High-Powered Washing Machine
Normally, the task of cleaning comforters is reserved for the dry cleaners, since they use large machines and specialized solutions. Regular washing machines can’t hold nor clean the extra-thick blanket, given their lack of space and power. If you want to clean the comforter yourself, you must purchase a high-powered washing machine that has large compartment space. It should be powerful enough to turn and maneuver the comforter with ease, otherwise both the device and the bedding material may get damaged.
Step 2: Wash with Warm Water and a Mild Spin Setting
The comforter should be washed with warm water and a mild spin setting on your washing machine, which helps in maintaining the sheet’s fluffiness. Use a down comforter soap or any mild detergent, since a strong chemical formulation can damage its soft surface. Don’t include a fabric softener. Its chemicals might overpower the natural oils that maintain the comforter’s fluff. Once the washing cycle is done, set the washing machine to rinse. It may take a couple of rinse cycles to completely remove the detergent, given the comforter’s length and girth.
Step 3: Dry with Tennis Balls
Drying the comforter is quite peculiar, it involves the use of tennis balls. Set the comforter inside the dryer. Place two to three tennis balls inside, preferably distributed on the comforter. Once done, set the washing machine to “delicate dry.” The tennis balls, with their soft hairy surface, aids in fluffing up the comforter as well as maintaining its shape and form. After the drying cycle, check the comforter if its dry. If not, just repeat the entire drying process.
Frequent Cleaning Not Required
Cleaning the down comforter is a tedious task. Luckily, according to manufacturers, the sheet should be cleaned every three to five years. So you won’t be cleaning your comforter for a long time after going through the cleaning process.