Caring for your down comforter

So you finally splurged and bought yourself a billowy down comforter. You have heard how expensive it is to maintain (dry cleaning, storage, etc), but after sleeping under your parents comforter at Christmas, you had to have one. No need to stay up nights worrying about cleaning costs – snuggle under your comforter and sleep well knowing you have instructions to keep that comforter in tip top shape without breaking the bank.

First, be sure to read manufacturer’s instructions, as well as what the comforter is made of. The following instructions are only helpful if you take into consideration the types of materials used and what seems appropriate for your type of down comforter. Before you even get to the stage of cleaning the down comforter, you must take steps to protect the down comforter while it is on your bed. You should use a duvet (or a down comforter cover), a casing that protects the down comforter. These coverings protect the comforter from dirt, natural body oils, and if you have children, sticky messes. The coverings typically envelop your comforter, fastening with buttons or ties on one end. If there is a mess, chances are that the duvet will be able to stop most, if not all, of the dirt before it reaches the comforter. You can then easily toss the duvet into the washer and dryer, saving you the hassle of cleaning the entire comforter each time. If duvets are a little too pricey, I have known crafty moms who have sewn two old bed sheets together (2 king size sheets if the comforter is a king size, etc). Please just protect it before the mess gets to it.

Now, if you have kids, or are a kid yourself, you are going to have a mess go right through the duvet on occasion. When this happens, you have a few options. Ideally, you need to bring the comforter to a front-loading commercial washer. Be sure that the washer does not have an agitator as the agitator will do some damage to the feathers. If you decide on doing it at home, be sure to use the gentle cycle. Use non-abrasive, color free detergent and do not use fabric softener in the rinse cycle. In both instances, use cold water to wash the comforter.

Finally, your comforter is clean. How to dry the comforter is your next decision. Depending on different factors (your personal preferences, type of material, amount of time you have, etc), you will need to choose one of two options: air drying or an electric dryer. Some prefer the fresh clean scent of laundry dried outside. Others pressed for time may use a dryer. If you do decide to use the dryer, once again, a commercial dryer is recommended. You may want to include a clean tennis shoe in the dryer to help with fluffing it and you will want to take the comforter out periodically to fluff it yourself. Be sure that the comforter is completely dried, as any dampness will result in a mildew-like smell that may potentially ruin the comforter.

Storage of the comforter is very simple. There are two criteria for keeping your beloved comforter in its best condition until next fall. One is to keep the comforter clean and the other is to keep the comforter dry. Choose a storage bag that is breathable, preferably a textile storage bag made of 100% cotton. This will help eliminate the growth of mold and mildew. When packing it away, store the bag in a dry place where there are no pests to bother it.

When fall arrives, bring the comforter outside for an afternoon to allow it to regain its shape and to let it breathe. This should guarantee many nights of peaceful slumber.