How to wash a down blanket

With the right supplies and equipment, most down comforters can be cleaned in a washing machine (down itself it washable; it’s the comforter casing that can shrink and stretch). But if the care instructions on yours say dry-clean only, take the item to a professional.

To answer this article’s most important question: Yes, you can put a down comforter in the dryer, as long as you take into account the fact that keeping an eye on it might actually ensure a smoother process.

Washing a Down Comforter

Though most goose–down comforters have labels that say “dry clean only,” Bob Vila claims that you can clean them at home if you have a front-loading, large-capacity washing machine and a high-capacity dryer. Place your comforter inside the washer and add the down soap.

Once you have extracted much of the water, you may try spin drying. After washing, while the down is wet, you may notice a pungent odor. This is natural with all down products, and will disappear when the down items are completely dry. Mildew can ruin a down comforter, so make sure it’s completely dry before storing.

Dryer Time

Place the comforter in the largest capacity dryer available with the dryer balls or tennis balls. The balls will move around and agitate the comforter, preventing the down from clumping while it dries. Set the machine to 30 minutes on the lowest setting.

Cuddledown recommends that you seldom wash your down comforter. At most you should wash it not more than once every 5 to 7 years, but if you take care of it and keep it covered, you should never really need to wash it.

Use a large capacity washer and dryer. Your comforter needs room to agitate and tumble – it can’t get clean otherwise. If your laundry set isn’t large enough to accommodate your comforter, use a commercial washer and dryer at your local laundromat. Remove the duvet cover, if applicable.

Peeing in beds can happen with any dog and the root of the behavior is more notable than the dog’s breed. Your dog could be leaving his scent in your sheets for several reasons. He might have a medical condition, be anxious, excited, or nervous, not be properly house trained, marking, or just like your scent.

Remove Bedding From the Washer

Wet down is heavy, and you don’t want to rip your comforter or duvet cover. You might notice a slight odor from the wet down—this is normal. The smell will disappear once the down is dry.

Down and feather pillows fit in any size washing machine and they come out of the wash beautifully. But, you can clean your duck or goose down and feather pillows over and over with no worry. Not only is keeping your pillows clean good for you, but you can also extend the life of them by washing them regularly.

Method 1: Throw It in the Dryer.

(Tip: Add in a couple dryer balls soaked with 1-2 drops of lavender or cinnamon essential oil; when your comforter comes out of the dryer, it will be fluffier – and fresher-smelling.

Use an extra large, high-efficiency front load washer to clean down or down alternative comforters. Load the comforter (by itself) into an extra-large, front-loading washing machine and select the water temperature. When in doubt, put the machine on the gentle or delicate cycle using cool or warm water.

Water temperature should be warm, never hot or cold. Run the washer for up to two minutes and then place the comforter inside. The soapy water will gently clean away any dirt or grime.

“Do I need to wash my new pillow or comforter before using them?” We get asked this question quite a bit from customers buying bedding. The short answer is: No!

Down is a naturally absorbent material and it very quickly captures the scents and oils of its environment. Because of this, your comforter may start to smell or even turn yellow over time.