How to Care for Your Down Alternative Comforter at Home
Caring for your down alternative comforter is not as difficult as it may seem. Most comforters and duvet inserts can be machine washed and tumble dried right at home. However, you can follow these quick tips for the best results and improved longevity.
Tips for Laundering Your Down Alternative Comforter
While general cleaning instructions apply to most down alternative comforters, always check the washing instructions provided by the manufacturer since proper care depends on the comforter type and brand, and down comforter laundering instructions differ slightly.
How to Wash Down Alternative Comforters
For best results, use an extra-large, high-efficiency, front-load washer to launder your down alternative comforters and follow the instructions found on the care label. Down alternative blankets often require the same washing process.
If there are no instructions, follow these general steps:
Load one comforter into the washing machine at a time. You may not get a thorough clean if you wash multiple comforters at once.
Please note: The Company Store down alternative comforters should not be dry cleaned, bleached, ironed, or steamed. This will damage the comforter and reduce its softness.
Add mild detergent—not too much, or residue buildup may be left behind—and skip the bleach and fabric softener, which can make the fill clumpy and reduce loftiness.
Select the water temperature. Every comforter is different, so check the temperature setting on your comforter’s label. When in doubt, cold is the best option.
Wash your comforter using a gentle or delicate cycle, and set an extra rinse cycle. If detergent residue is left behind, it can cause stiffness and contribute to faster wear.
When the cycle is complete, promptly remove your comforter from the washing machine, then dry it thoroughly.
How to Dry a Down Alternative Comforter
A crucial part of comforter care is to make sure that the down alternative fill has dried completely and is evenly distributed. If the fill isn’t completely dry, you risk mold and mildew growth.
One way to ensure the fill is completely dry is to add wool dryer balls or a few tennis balls to the dryer. These handy balls help distribute the down alternative fill, keeping it constantly moving and drying, and can speed up the drying process. As a bonus, they cut down on static—beneficial, as dryer sheets aren’t recommended for use with comforters.
Remove your comforter from the washer and shake it out. Then, put the clean comforter and dryer balls into the clothes dryer and tumble dry using the low-heat setting.
Take the comforter out of the dryer a few times during the drying process to untangle and fluff the fill. When the comforter feels dry to the touch, hang it up for a few hours before putting it back on the bed or in storage. This allows it to air out and helps prevent mildew growth or stale odors.
Storing a Down Alternative Comforter
Properly storing a down alternative comforter will preserve its quality for years to come. Always make sure the comforter is completely dry before storing it. If you plan on putting away your seasonal duvet insert or comforter for an extended period, we recommend removing the duvet cover and storing it separately.
Store your comforter in a breathable cotton bag, or wrap it in a king-sized cotton sheet if you don’t have a cotton storage bag. Avoid plastic storage bags: plastic may contribute to moisture build-up and can allow mildew to grow on the surface and in the comforter fill.
A well-ventilated closet is the best place to store comforters and other bedding. Don’t put anything on top of your comforter—extra weight can crush the fill, reducing the loft and making it less insulating.
When it’s time to pull your comforter or duvet insert out of storage, give it a good shake to redistribute the down alternative fill. You can refresh it by hanging it out to air on a sunny day, or toss it into the dryer for an air-fluff cycle to restore the loft. After you’ve shaken the fill into place, your comforter is ready to top your bed for a cozy retreat.
Follow these practical comforter care steps to extend the life of your down alternative comforter. For more bedding tips and tricks, explore our other Guides.