How to Wash Comforter in 7 Simple Steps
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Updated
December 23, 2022
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Your bed can be home to millions of dust mites and other allergens that can disrupt a good night’s sleep. You must wash your sheets often. But, what about the comforter?
The biggest worry while washing a comforter is that you might damage its shape. A comforter has a delicate filling that might get displaced, thereby ruining it.
This blog will show you how to wash comforter in easy steps so that you can sleep on a clean and cozy bed.
How to Wash a Comforter?
Let us first look at the equipment you will need to wash your comforter.
- A washing machine- Yes, you can wash a comforter in a machine. However, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on the label. Some materials like wool or silk can get damaged or shrink in the washer. So, you need to send them to the dry cleaners. But, most comforters can be machine washed if you follow the instructions.
- A mild laundry detergent- A strong detergent might fade out the colors of your comforter. So, choose a mild and soft detergent to retain its softness.
- Some baking soda- A solution of baking soda and water works like magic on stubborn stains. If there are stains on your white comforter, you might consider removing them with a solution of baking soda before loading it into the washer.
- A dryer- You have to dry your comforter after washing it. Adding tennis balls to the load will help you evenly distribute the filling.
- And of course, your comforter- You can’t miss this one. What will you clean otherwise?
Steps to Wash a Comforter
Read the Manufacturer’s Label
Read the label on your comforter before proceeding to do anything with it. You cannot wash every material in the machine. For instance, silk and wool might get damaged if you put them in the washing machine. So, you have to get them dry cleaned. But, you can wash other materials like cotton in the machine. However, don’t forget to read the instructions with caution.
Most manufacturers would advise you to use a mild detergent and cold water. Using hot water and a strong detergent might damage your comforter or reduce its lifespan.
Check for Wear and Tear
Check if there are any loose threads or worn out parts in your comforter. . Putting a worn out comforter in the washer will further damage it. So, repair all the damages before loading your comforter into the washing machine.
Clean the Stains if any
Spot clean your comforter before loading it into the machine. But, how to spot clean a comforter? You can use a chemical cleaner. A solution of baking soda in water is excellent for removing rigid spots and stains.
Move the filling from the stained area. Now, rub it with the baking soda solution. Leave it for sometime and rinse it off. You can then load your comforter into the washing machine.
If you have a white comforter, you can bleach it to freshen up the color. However, don’t be too liberal while applying bleach. The best way is to mix about a cup of bleach in two gallons of cold water and soak your comforter in it. After you have bleached it, you can wash it in the machine.
Choose the Appropriate Washer
Is your comforter too large for the machine? Make sure it fits well into it. There must be some space left after putting your comforter inside. If your comforter fits in tightly, chances are high it will not get cleaned.’ Lack of space might also damage it. So, choose a large machine and don’t put in clothes along with the comforter.
Put in the Detergent and select the Appropriate Cycle
Use a mild detergent as it will preserve the softness of your comforter. Select the gentle and delicate cycle as it will protect the fabric of your comforter.
You can use cold or lukewarm water to preserve the softness. If your manufacturer allows, you can wash it in hot water to kill dust mites and germs. However, too hot water might damage the fabric.
Dry the Comforter with a Tennis Ball
After you have finished washing your comforter, put it in the dryer. You can put a tennis ball inside. That will help in the even distribution of the filling.
If your comforter is large, you might have to send it to the laundry as the home dryer won’t fit it.
Before putting your comforter in the dryer, don’t forget to check the suitable temperature on the label. Too much heat might not be good for it.
Fluff Your Comforter While Drying
Take out the comforter of the dryer every 30 minutes and ref fluff it. It will maintain the shape and ensure it dries properly.
How to Wash a Down Comforter?
Can you wash a down comforter in a washing machine?
Your down comforter is delicate. So, you need to be extra careful while washing. Start by reading your manufacturer’s manual. That will give you an idea of how to wash your down comforter without damaging it.
You can follow these simple steps to make your down comforter sparkling clean.
- Choose a washing machine that has enough room for your down comforter. If the machine is small, your comforter will get twisted and mangled.
- Take some mild detergent. A natural detergent without harsh chemicals is the best option.
- Choose a warm cycle wash. Lukewarm water will do the task. Extreme temperatures might damage your comforter. While hot water can burn it, too cold water will cause the filling to clump.
- Select the gentle cycle because intense cycles can tear apart the comforter or cause lumps in it.
- After you have finished washing, put it in the dryer. Remember to choose a mild temperature as too high temperatures can damage the down
- You can add dryer balls made of wool while drying. That will help in faster and even drying.
- Don’t forget to re-fluff your comforter occasionally while drying. That will keep it in good shape.
How Often to Wash a Comforter?
If you are wondering how often to wash a comforter, you don’t have to wash it as frequently as your sheets.
You can wash your comforter once every 3 to 5 years.
Your comforter is quite heavy. So, it will be quite a task to wash it that frequently. Moreover, it contains delicate filling and frequent washing might damage it. Washing it once in a few yeras is enough to keep it spick and span.
How to Wash a Comforter in a Front or Top Load Washing Machine?
Here are some simple steps to follow on how to wash a comforter in a top load washer.
- Choose a washer that has sufficient space to fit your comforter. Otherwise, it will not get cleaned properly.
- Remove the duvet cover if you have any. You can wash covers separately.
- Repair all holes and tears before placing it in the washer. They might further damage your comforter on agitation.
- Be careful if your top load washer has an agitator. You can place your comforter loosely around the washtub.
- Choose a delicate cycle for a gentler wash.
- Give an extra rinse to wash away the allergens.
- Dry it on low heat. It’s better if you choose a no heat setting. That will prevent any damage.
- Now, place it on a comforter rack for two days to dry it completely.
Final Word
Now that you know how to wash a comforter without ruining it, you have nothing to worry about. Grab your laundry detergent and start cleaning your comforter. After all, you need a super clean and cozy bed for the winters.
FAQs
According to the First Quarter Finance, it costs around $20 to $40 to dry clean a comforter.
Yes, you can consider washing your comforter before using it. That would remove any residual chemicals and allergies left from the manufacturing process.
Yes, you can put your comforter in the dryer. However, don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s instructions before that. Not all comforters can be dried in a dryer.
If your comforter is too big for the washer, you have to take it to the laundry where they have huge commercial washers.
It is best to dry clean your polyester comforter as putting it in the machine might cause the filling to clump.
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