Washing down comforters and other down-filled items falls to the end of the laundry list all too easily.
While these items tend to be pretty bulky, most are safe toclean in a washing machine.
Comforters for full-, queen-, and king-size beds may be too big for standard-size home washing machines.
Credit:Brie Goldman Props: Breanna Ghazali Art: Margot Cavin
For best results, use a large-capacityfront-loading washing machine, such as those at a local laundromat.
Down pillows, jackets, and smaller items are more easily laundered in your washing machine at home.
Some down comforters and pillows come with explicit directions todry-cleanthem rather than machine wash them.
Credit:Brie Goldman Props: Breanna Ghazali Art: Margot Cavin
Additionally, check for tough stains like blood or urine.
These stains are best treated with an enzymatic cleaner.
Color-safe bleach can be used on stains resulting from water or food.
Credit:Brie Goldman.
Once the stains are removed, your down-filled item is ready to be laundered.
Specialty laundry detergents formulated towash sleeping bags, down comforters, and other down-filled items are another safe option.
Choose lukewarm water, as hot orcold watercan be hard on the down.
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An extra rinse cycle helps ensure all soap is removed from the down.
This gently agitates soil from the items being washed as well.
Expect the drying process to take 3 to 4 hours.
Credit:Brie Goldman. Props: Breanna Ghazali. Art: Margot Cavin
Props: Breanna Ghazali.
Down has a distinctive odor when wet.
It will dissipate when the down filling dries completely.
There should be no heavy spots or clumps of down in the comforter.
A down comforter should last between 10 and 15 years with normal use and proper care.
When the down starts to flatten or leak out of the covering, it’s time for a replacement.
