Washing any large comforter can be tricky. The bulk of a comforter can make it difficult to wash in a typical washing machine. In addition, if you happen to own a down comforter washing it can seem almost impossible without ruining it. The good news is that there are a few simple steps you can take to successfully wash your down comforter yourself.

Use a Laundromat

Washing a down comforter in your own washer and dryer can cause damage to your washer and dryer as well as your comforter. If you are serious about washing the down comforter yourself, it is best to use a commercial-grade washer and dryer found at a laundromat. Be sure to bring change and be ready to be there for awhile, as it can take several hours to wash and dry your down comforter.

Prep and Wash the Comforter

Before you even put the down comforter into the washer, it is important to prepare it for washing. Spend time fixing rips and tears to avoid lost down filling and holes that become larger. Pre-treat any stains on the comforter. Place the down comforter in the washer, setting it on a warm water delicate setting. You will also want to place a pair of clean white tennis shoes into the washer with the comforter. This will help to keep the down evenly distributed. Allow the comforter to go through an extra rinse and spin cycle to thoroughly remove excess soap and water.

Dry the Comforter

Place the down comforter and the clean tennis shoes into the dryer. You will want the dryer to be large enough for the comforter to have room for fluffing as it dries. Set the dryer on the lowest setting and allow it to dry for approximately three hours. It is important to periodically check the comforter to make sure it is not overheating. Before removing the down comforter, it should be completely dry. Even slightly damp comforters can cause clumping of the down or mildew.

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How to Clean Stuff