How To Clean a Down Comforter
Autumn is in full swing and winter is soon approaching. There is a chill in the air that lets you know it is time to start pulling out warmer clothing and bedding. One of the most favorite items from the winter stash is the down comforter. The down comforter is one of the warmest and all natural bedding contents that one can use. Cleaning a down comforter is challenging for some though. Here are a few tips on how to get your down comforter spit-spot clean.
Outer Fabric
This is extremely important. The outer or casing fabric will dictate the way to approach the cleaning of this item. A cotton casing is the most common casing fabric for down comforters. Cotton fabrics do well with commercial laundry detergents, softeners, and a bit of whiteners like regular household bleach. Feel assured in knowing that you may use these products on your down comforter. You probably already have these items in your home for your regular laundry.
Another thing to consider is the color. Most down comforters are white. However, for the ones that have color you may want to consider this as you wash your comforter, especially with other items. You want to avoid mixing up the comforters with other items that the color may transfer onto—or vice versa.
Spot Cleaning
This is a good way to get out most stubborn stains. You should go over your comforter for spot checks right before laundry day to target particularly stained areas. Using a clean toothbrush or sponge, dampened with warm water, gently rub out those stains. If you need a bit more power than water, put a cap full of bleach into about 2 cups of warm water or about a teaspoon of laundry soap into the same amount of water and dip toothbrush or corner of sponge into the mixture, squeeze out the excess and gently rub out the stain. Then go over the same stain again with a clean toothbrush or sponge that has been rinsed of all bleach or laundry soap and dipped into plain water and gently rub/rinse out the spot you just treated with bleach or laundry soap.
Washing Machine
Most down comforters may just be thrown into the washing machine. Be sure to check the label for washing machine instructions and follow them to the letter.
Drying
Drying a down comforter can be time consuming—at least 60 minutes on high/medium heat in a standard dryer. Consistently check on the machine to be sure that it is dry. Use dryer sheets to add to the bliss of comfort to the end result. Using a dryer really will produce the best results—a big, fluffy, cloud like comforter.