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  • Goose down comforters are widely used in bedding, but knowing how to care for them properly isn't exactly common knowledge. It may not always be necessary to haul your comforter to the dry cleaner's and pay professionals to get the job done. Many down comforters can be cleaned by hand.

    When to Clean

    Goose down comforters don't have to be washed frequently. The material might be washed only once every five years, a process you can complete at home if you're very careful. Frequent washing will cause the goose down to break down and strip the material of its natural oils. Check the washing instructions on your goose down comforter to find out how often the item will need to be laundered.

    Before Cleaning

    Before cleaning your goose down comforter, examine it thoroughly for rips, tears and weak points. You should sew up any tears prior to cleaning to avoid losing any of the down inside. You'll also need to spot-treat stains on the down comforter prior to washing to help heavily soiled areas come clean.

    The Cleaning Process

    Since down comforters tend to be large and heavy, your home washing machine may not be large enough to accommodate it. If this is the case, use a front-loading commercial washing machine. You can find these machines at local laundromats. Set the machine on the gentle washing cycle. Allow it to fill, and pour in detergent that's specially formulated for goose down before you place the comforter inside. Goose down detergent can be obtained at camping stores, as the material is commonly used in sleeping bags. Use only cold water when cleaning goose down. It's a good idea to place two or three pairs of tightly rolled, clean socks into the machine as well. The items inside the washer will help to break up any lumps of goose down that may form in the comforter during the cleaning process.

    Drying Goose Down

    After the goose down comforter is washed, remove it from the machine and carefully ring it out with your hands to remove excess water. Once the extra water has been squeezed out, place the comforter (and sock balls) into the dryer. Use a low-heat or fluff setting. Periodically, take the comforter out of the dryer and gently work out any large lumps of goose down that form.

    Source:

    How to Clean Stuff: How to Clean Down Comforters

    More Information:

    Big Sky Fishing: Sleeping Bag Care

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