Most Effective Ways To Wash A Down Comforter

One of the most common questions we receive from customers is “how to wash a down comforter?” Well we will tell you exactly how to do this without damaging your comforter here. A down comforter will last you a long time if you wash it properly. You must never use heavy chemicals or detergents on your comforter and never dry clean it.

Professional Laundering Service

One option that you can go for is to visit your dry cleaners and ask them to launder your down comforter professionally. Most dry cleaners are able to do this but it can cost you a lot of money. Prices ranging from $30 to $60 are not uncommon depending on the size of your down comforter.

Using a Washing Machine

If you have access to a large, industrial size, washing machine then this option is a lot more economical. We have these type of machines at the MegaWash Laundromat in Sparks and this is usually a better option than home washing as a lot of washers designed for home use do not have the capacity that you need.

A washing machine must be big enough to wash your down comforter properly. If you have to cram your down comforter into a washing machine then you are unlikely to get the best results.

When you are washing a down comforter it is essential that there is room to spare in a washer so that the rinsing water and detergent can circulate freely among the feathers. Never try to wash your down comforter in a top loading washer as the central agitator can damage it by compressing the feathers and stretching the material.

So go to the MegaWash Laundromat and use a mild detergent to properly wash your down comforter. Avoid using heavy detergents as these can remove the natural coating of the feathers. Never use fabric softener either as this will add a coat to your down which will lower its performance.

You need to use a gentle setting on the washer. For deep cleaning it is best to soak your down comforter in warm water with a mild soap prior to machine washing. Only use warm or cold water for the machine wash to prevent stripping the down and causing exterior cover shrinkage.

Choose a high spin cycle to be sure that you remove all of the water possible.

Drying your Down Comforter

You will need to use a large capacity dryer such as the ones found at MegaWash Laundromat. We recommend that you include a few dryer balls so that you can make the drying process quicker and also keep fluff down to a minimum.

Do not use the auto setting on the dryer. The auto setting will stop the drying process after the sensors detect the outside is dry meaning the inside of your down comforter will still be wet. You need to select a low to medium heat setting and go for a one hour cycle.

After the cycle completes take out your down comforter immediately and use your hands to fluff it. This helps with the down redistribution. Place your down comforter back in the drier and go for another low to medium heat cycle for a further hour.

You will need to repeat this process until your down comforter is really dry. To test for this remove your down comforter from the dryer and allow it to cool right down. Then test the interior to see if it is fully dry.

It is not worth taking any chances when washing your down comforter. Take it to MegaWash Laundromat and use the industrial sized washing and drying machines there. The helpful attendant can provide any advice you need and you can relax with air conditioning, free WiFi and 4 large TV’s.