Letting it run allows the water to mix with the detergent, resulting in a more thorough clean. Give your comforter a good shake when you take it out of the bag next season and it should be ready to go. In this video we offer some tips and instruction on how to properly wash your Goose Down Comforter. Scrub it down with an all-purpose cleaner or a bleach alternative. How to Clean a Down Comforter Step 1. Place your comforter in the dryer along with the two tennis balls (they’ll help balance … Most dry cleaners can do either process but if want your comforter to be laundered, you need to ask to be sure they have washing capabilities because not all dry cleaners launder as well. To address the fabric directly, adjust or shake the down filling away from the spot. Set the dryer to operate on low heat, and toss in either dryer balls or clean white socks stuffed with tennis balls. Is it better to wash or dry clean a down comforter? Cared for in this way, a down comforter may only need to be cleaned once every five or ten years! Just pick the ‘triple load’ machine and follow all the same steps. Dry the comforter for 20 minutes on the hottest setting. Here's how to wash a comforter, plus some handy tips to make … By providing a steady flow of air, your down will continue to loft. (View example on Amazon.) Resist the temptation to take the comforter out of the dryer before it’s completely dry. … As the cost of dry cleaning can vary by region (and local competition) the home care option may or may not be more cost effective. Wash and rinse in cold water. Letting the down breathe by keeping your comforter in a cloth bag will prevent any moisture or odor buildup. by HowStuffWorks.com Contributors . Keep the comforter in the dryer until it is bone-dry and the down has returned to being soft and fluffy. No matter what type of down item you're cleaning, the process starts with reading the manufacturer's care tag. Professionally clean your comforter only every few years. Ideally, you should have two layers of coverage for a down comforter. Open up the dry cleaning bag that came with the kit. Step 2. Set the washing machine on delicate and on a warm water setting. Blog  |  30 Night Comfort Guarantee |  Email Sign-Up. So keep reading to find out how to clean a down comforter the right way. It’s not hard to do. Washing and keeping your down comforter clean and free from oil stains can be a hassle because of the sheer size and weight of down comforters. In a small machine, the considerable weight of a comforter can damage the appliance, while in a top-loader, the agitator can rip the fabric, causing feathers to spill out everywhere. Washing a down comforter in a machine with an agitator is a little trickier because the comforter can get wrapped around the agitator and tear the fabric, creating a big mess. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Every comforter is a bit different, so be sure to check the temperature setting and detergent suggestions on the comforter label. Wash alone: Comforters, especially king-size comforters, will take up most of the room in the washing machine and dryer. Put the comforter in the bag provided in the kit. If you have any stains on your bedding, it's a good idea to spot treat them before machine washing. There are methods you can use to clean an oil stain from your comforter using simple supplies from home. Knowing how to wash a down comforter and take proper care and cleaning of down pillows and comforters will help ensure your bedding lasts for years to come. When using a washing machine with an agitator, you will want to make sure your comforter is evenly balanced during all the cycles.