How To Care for Your Down Comforter
A down comforter is an investment in comfort and quality, and when you wash, store, and care for it properly, it can last for many years. While it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, these general tips for laundering, storage, and use can help keep your comforter in top shape season after season.
How To Wash Your Down Comforter
Here’s some great news: you can wash a down comforter in the washing machine if the manufacturer’s care label says it’s machine-washable. While down comforters can usually be laundered in a machine, the less often you wash yours, the longer the down retains loft. Cleaning seasonally or twice per year is usually plenty.
QUICK TIP: If your down comforter is labeled “Dry Clean Only,” take it to a reputable dry cleaner. Do not attempt to wash it yourself.
Washing Machine Instructions for Down Comforters
For machine-washable down comforters, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most of the time, use a front-loading washing machine for best results. Follow these steps for washing a down comforter properly.
Wash a down comforter using cold water and mild detergent on your machine’s gentle cycle. Never use bleach or fabric softener, which can damage down and reduce its performance.
When the wash cycle is complete, remove the comforter promptly and untangle it before putting it in the dryer.
Tumble dry your down comforter on low. Don’t overstuff the dryer or your comforter may not dry fully. If there’s not enough space for the comforter to tumble freely, you may need to use a commercial dryer for best results.
Add tennis balls or wool dryer balls to the dryer to help distribute fill evenly and speed up the drying process.
Occasionally, remove your comforter from the dryer, shake it gently, and put it back into the dryer to ensure it is drying evenly.
When the cycle is complete, remove the comforter and check that it is completely dry. If there is any moisture left, you may end up with mold or mildew damage.
QUICK TIP: Never iron your comforter as the heat from the iron may damage the fill. If your comforter is wrinkled, mist it with water to dampen it slightly, dry it on low with tennis balls, and remove it from the dryer as soon as it’s dry.
Down Comforter Care Tips
Washing a down comforter the right way is only one step to keeping it in top shape. Follow these tips for down comforter care and storage so it stays lofty and comfortable for years to come.
Fluff Your Comforter Before Use
Your comforter may look flat when you first receive it, right after washing, or after a season in storage. This is normal, so don’t fret. Simply fluff your comforter by hand or in the dryer to restore the loft. Once your comforter is re-fluffed, allow it to air out for a bit, then place it back atop your bed for a fresh, cloudlike look. If these steps don't do the trick, your comforter's down fill may have broken down—and it may be time for a replacement.
Know How To Store a Down Comforter
Proper storage techniques help extend the life of your down comforter. Improper storage can contribute to mildew or mold growth, damage from critters, or build-up of dust mites and other allergens. Wash according to care instructions, ensure bedding is fully dry, and follow these three simple rules for storing a down comforter:
Keep It Away from Moisture: Store your down comforter in a dry closet with plenty of ventilation. Avoid storing bedding or pillows in a basement or bathroom linen closet as moisture can cause damage.
Avoid Plastic: Store your comforter in a breathable cotton bag. Skip plastic storage bags or containers, which trap moisture and don’t provide sufficient airflow.
Don't Stack Items on Top of a Down Comforter: The weight will damage the down and make it break down faster, reducing your comforter’s lifespan.
Use a Protective Comforter Cover to Prevent Spills and Damage
Duvet covers are a decorative way to shield against dirt, pet hair, and other debris while protective comforter covers help block allergens and keep spills from seeping into your comforter. We recommend using a comforter cover to protect your down bedding, but it is especially important for people whose pets share the bed or who spend time reading or eating in bed. The cover will protect against damage, keeping it in better shape, longer.
Your down comforter is an investment that will last many years with proper care. Always refer to manufacturer instructions if available, or follow our comforter care directions to ensure your favorite bedding layer lasts year after year. For more bedding tips and tricks, browse our other Guides.